“THE DECEPTION OF LEGALISM”
(Matthew 12:1-21; Mark 2:23 – 3:19; Luke 6:1-16)
“Some of the Pharisees asked, ‘Why are you doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath?’” – Luke 6:2
The Pharisees were following Jesus, looking for ways to accuse Him of breaking the law, so as to discredit His work. They were students of the law – God’s Word – and were using it to bring accusations of Jesus breaking the law regarding the Sabbath.
It’s easy for us to see what the Pharisees were doing was wrong, but we haven’t really changed all that much today! The deception of legalism has always reared its ugly head within the church – including in our own Pentecostal tradition! I vividly remember the time when ladies were never to cut their hair, when men’s hair was not to touch the ears. Where you never indulged in any non-church activity on a Sunday. And the list could go on and on…
Jesus turned the conversation around when He asked them, “which is lawful on the Sabbath…” You see, righteousness, and salvation, is never from following some “letter of the law.” It is from following and trusting the Lord. This is the very reason why some people who look and act extremely “holy ” will never reach heaven, while the thief on the cross dwells in paradise today!
Titus 3:5 tells us that “He saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit.”
Simple Truth:
It is by His grace we are saved through faith; not from yourself – it is the gift of God! Not by wors, so that no one can boast! (Ephesians 2:8-9)
Reflections & Application:
- Good works don’t save us – but, that doesn’t give us permission to do bad things!
- We need to be very careful to not “look down” upon others if we think they are living a lifestyle that is beneath our own personal standards.
- Are we harboring any kind of “legalistic” attitude? Remember, Christ dined with those others considered to be sinners and tax collectors!
Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, forgive me for any actions or attitudes I may have had regarding others I have seen or been with. Help me to remember that You love them, and that Christ died for them just as He did for me. Use me to reach out in Christ’s love today and every day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
About our Author
Tim Satryan has been in full time ministry since 1980. He has served five churches in four states. He has also served as the District Youth and Music Director for the PennDel Ministry Network of the Assemblies of God, was the Presbyter for the state of Delaware for over a decade, and for a number of years traveled with the AG Church Multiplication Network, teaching church planting and church revitalization.
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