Tag Archives: Legalist

1 Corinthians 8- Legalism

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Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth. And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know. But if any man love God, the same is known of him. As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one. 1 Corinthians 8:1-4

 Legalism has been an issue within the Church since the very beginning. Anything Satan can do to divide the body of Christ, he will do. With knowledge comes power, we have all heard that but it’s very true especially with our walk with Christ. However knowledge without love is useless or dangerous. 

In the Greco Roman world, paganism was very common. Everyone typically worshiped a false god or idols, therefore all the animals that were typically sacrificed for these pagan practices, the meat would be sold for food. Typically nobody had any idea if the meat they were eating from markets was from a pagan sacrifice or not, but some Christians in the Church felt it was necessary to rebuke any Christians basically eating meat

Now this might sound ridiculous to us now, but we have the same issues still going on in the Church today. I know “Christians” who rebuke other Christians for eating pork or shrimp, what is the point? Is this a salvation issue? No of course not, this is somebody trying to authorize their understanding of the Mosaic Law and how it applies in the New Covenant. Is this edifying or beneficial to the Church? Of course not, it just creates more division and useless arguments , just like this issue about eating meat “sacrificed” to idols in Corinth

As Paul says here “Knowledge puffs up, but Love or Charity edifies” Paul also makes it very clear “we know that an idol is nothing in the world” It amazes me how Christians get so worked up over paganism. Let’s take for example , the Christmas Tree, which I don’t personally believe is pagan, but other Christians claim it is. Even if it was, why are Christians so afraid of paganism? Do they not believe that Jesus is Lord of all Lords and the demons tremble at his word?

For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,) But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him. 1 Corinthians 8:5-6

There are many “idols” or demons in this world, but I’m personally not afraid or intimidated by any of them. Not only that, everything and everyone is under the feet of Christ, why do we allow demons to claim and own things? Most importantly don’t allow your head knowledge to overtake your love for your brothers and sisters.

There is only One God, there is only Lord Jesus, and there is only One Holy Spirit who lives inside of us, don’t allow legalism to rule your heart, let Christ rule your heart, Amen!

Luke 20- Don’t Be A Legalist

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Then in the audience of all the people he said unto his disciples, Beware of the scribes, which desire to walk in long robes, and love greetings in the markets, and the highest seats in the synagogues, and the chief rooms at feasts; Which devour widows’ houses, and for a shew make long prayers: the same shall receive greater damnation. Luke 20:45-47

You often hear people say the phrase “You are a Pharisee” or “Don’t be a legalist” they are often referring to the religious leaders of the New Testament. These were men who devoted their whole lives to studying scriptures and training to be High Priests, yet they were some of the most wicked people on the planet. How and why did this happen? Because as Jesus said “They honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me” (Matthew 15:8) They were hypocrites, they never truly loved God they loved the thought of God

Reading your Bible and going to Church are great things, but they mean nothing if your heart is still hardened. This is why Jesus said “Unless you are Born Again, you will not see the Kingdom of Heaven” (John 3:3) You can memorize scripture and do religious practices but do you truly love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength? This is why James said “Faith without works is dead” (James 2) you can pretend to be a Christian, but what fruit are you producing? Jesus said “We will be known by our fruit” (Matthew 7) Often times your actions speak louder than your words

The religious leaders didn’t really love God, they loved the power, they loved the money, they loved the prestige that came with being a High Priest. They abused their authority, they preyed on the weak, they were wolves in sheeps clothing. We see this alot today in the Church also, many religious leaders falling into sin and being total hypocrites. Jesus said “Beware of the scribes”, this was a shocking message to his audience, they all respected and honored their authority. However these were the same men who killed the Son of God, so much for being righteous

So what does this all mean? Well first off , don’t throw the baby out with the bath water. Just because there were corrupted leaders back then and today doesn’t mean everyone was or is corrupted. We still have Godly leaders in the Church today and there were some good Pharisees during Jesus times also. We just need to make sure what they are doing and saying is Biblical and not contrary to Gods nature and Law

Most important is our own self reflection, make sure that we ourselves are not hypocrites. If you spend any time on social media , you will run into alot of “Pharisees” , don’t be like these people, they are only bringing condemnation on themselves. Everything you do, do it all for the Glory of God and worship Him in Spirit and Truth, Amen