Legalism = believing that God accepts you or rejects you based on your behavior
People who believe they’re saved because they’re good, struggle to believe anyone else is
John 5:8-10 (NLT)
Jesus told him, “Stand up, pick up your mat, and walk!” Instantly, the man was healed! He rolled up his sleeping mat and began walking! But this miracle happened on the Sabbath, so the Jewish leaders objected. They said to the man who was cured, “You can’t work on the Sabbath! The law doesn’t allow you to carry that sleeping mat!”
3 Warning Signs I’m Becoming Legalistic
1. I object more than I celebrate (v. 10)"...so the Jewish leaders objected."
2. I believe “you can't” more than "you can” (v. 10) “You can’t work…”
3. I feel more anger than compassion (v. 18) “...find a way to kill him.”
Discussion Questions
1. Read Ephesians 2:1-10. What stands out to you in these verses? Are you ever tempted to think that “salvation is a reward for the good things you have done?”
2. Give an example of a “Christian” who was incredibly harsh and legalistic? How did they make you feel? How do you think they ended up that way? Give an example of someone who was incredibly gracious? How Did they make you feel?
3. Of the 3 legalistic warning signs, which one is most dangerous/common for you?
