Daily Devotion | New Rocky Creek Baptist Church

Freedom From Legalism

Posted on Jun 1, 2021 in Devotions |

Text: Galatians 5:1

Introduction: Are you legalistic? Your answer is probably “No way”! But if the truth be known, perhaps most of us have our legalistic baggage that we do not want to admit. It crops up whether we want to acknowledge it or not. For example, there are certain sins that we have overcome; therefore, they are not pulling us down as they once were, but unknowingly we focus on those sins in other CHRISTians. If we are not careful, spiritual pride can swell up in our minds and hearts because we have achieved VICTORY over those shortcomings. A sort of “Spiritual Amnesia” overtakes us. We forget where we used to be. However, because of BLIND SPOTS, we miss the other ways we err from the truth of God’s Word. Instead of being Spirit-filled and Spirit-led, our flesh still controls our thinking and emotions far too much of the time. We justify it by thinking and saying, “after all, most CHRISTians are carnal anyway.” Isn’t that the NORM? The world has influenced us more than we realize (1John 2:15-17).

Writing to the believers in the Galatian Churches, Paul explains the power of Jesus Christ over LEGALISM.

1. LEGALISM concerning SALVATION- REGENERATION! (Before we are saved)
(Gal 2:16)

“16Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.”

And again to the Church of Rome!
(Rom 10:3,4)

“For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. 4For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.”

And again to Titus.
(Titus 3:4-7)

“4But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, 5Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; 6Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; 7That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.”

Even though we do not say it, today it appears that people profess to be saved but when pressed on how a person is saved, “GOOD WORKS” & not being a “BAD PERSON” seem to be the answer. The trust is secretly in SELF….Self righteousness instead of Christ righteousness. Unfortunately, living in the Bible Belt, most people have either heard some Scripture relating to salvation or can quote verses or at least partly quote verses. This artificial and superficial SALVATION leads to a lifestyle not measuring up to the New Testament description of one who is BORN AGAIN with a New Nature.

Have you really been BORN AGAIN?
Has there been a CHANGE?
Do you have assurance?
Is God’s Spirit bearing witness with your spirit that you are a child of God?

2. LEGALISM concerning SANCTIFICATION! (After we are saved)
(Gal 2:21-3:4)

“1I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.”

“…O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? 2This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? 3Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?”

Evidently, relying upon the flesh to live the CHRISTian life was a major problem in the Church. Sounds like modern day CHRISTIANITY. But regardless, one cannot read the whole Bible and come away with that concept. Instead, God makes it clear that His Spirit comes to indwell the believer for the purpose of illuminating, guiding, sealing and filling. With this HELP, every believer can live out the CHRISTIAN life without dependency upon the futile flesh.

Conclusion: Have you embraced LEGALISM and just did not know it? Why not now bow your head and confess it to the Lord? Trust Jesus. And Him alone. Have you failed to recognize that the person of the Holy Spirit wants to express His life THROUGH you? Why not right now surrender to His POWER? Then thank Him for His mighty work! Any one of us can be caught in a LEGALISTIC trap at any time.

Love y’all,

Dr. Randy Reese