Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.
Galatians 5:1
The phrase at the end of our text today describes what legalism is in actuality–a yoke of bondage. This verse was written to the Galatians to whom Paul had preached the freedom that Christ gives to those who trust in Him; however, after the apostle’s departing, some had come in among the Galatians who taught them acceptance with God was based on Christ and… There’s no need to go any further! As soon as the word “and” is added to the work of Christ, we’ve abandoned Him!! For the Galatians, it was circumcision in particular that was the issue, but any addition to the finished work of Jesus Christ is just as dangerous. It was such a serious matter that Paul wrote in the next verse, “if you become circumcised [insert any flavor of legalism here], Christ will profit you nothing“. That’s the danger of legalism. It sets men upon a false foundation of their own works, a foundation that will not support them when we all stand before God one day.
Legalism will set our focus on lesser matters and cause us to ignore that which is truly important. The Pharisees were notorious for this error. They gave a tenth of everything, even their herbs! “But woe to you Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass by justice and the love of God.” (Luk 11:42) Their legal requirements were more important than true commands of God. Jesus exposed them as they used their tithe requirements as an excuse to not care for and honor their parents. He rebuked them, saying, “Thus you have made the commandment of God of no effect by your tradition.” Just as the Galatians were in danger of doing, the Pharisees’ legalism had rendered their worship of God useless! Quoting Isaiah, Jesus condemned the Pharisees’ practice: “…in vain they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.” (Mat 15:3-9) Paul warned the Colossians against legalism, urging them to let “no one cheat you of your reward…” He questioned the useless issues they were focused on, asking, “Therefore, if you died with Christ from the basic principles of the world, why, as though living in the world, do you subject yourselves to regulations—’Do not touch, do not taste, do not handle,’ which all concern things which perish with the using—according to the commandments and doctrines of men?” (Col 2:18-22)
The scary thing about legalism is that as these men abandoned true worship, their hearts swelled with pride before God! It caused them to look down their noses at others, considering them to be poor wretches who were beneath them. Listen to the words of the pride-filled Pharisee as he prayed next to a tax collector: “God, I thank You that I am not like other men—extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.” (Luk 18:11-12) I can see the scowl on his face as he looked toward the publican! Remember what we quoted in Luke? The Pharisees in their legalistic mindset overlooked important matters such as justice (remember Luk 11:42 above?), but not the tax collector. He knew what justice demanded of him, and he could only humbly beat upon his breast, crying out, “God, be merciful to me a sinner!” Christ said this man was the only one who went home that day justified before God. (v. 13-14)
You see, legalism will take the place of love in the heart of those who embrace it. That’s again what our Jesus said the Pharisees had abandoned in Luk 11:42, “the love of God”! How can we possibly minister with the heart that Christ had for sinners with such a prideful attitude?!! The Pharisees were appalled when Christ allowed a woman “who was a sinner” to wash his feet with her tears and wipe them with her hair. (Luk 7:37-39) How could a true man of God tolerate such a creature?! But not only did the Lord come to tolerate her, He specifically came to save such as this! “…for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” (Luk 19:10) Thank God for the “faithful saying” of 1Ti 1:15, “that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”!
One final note, embracing liberty in Christ and rejecting legalism never means we practice sin. Paul cleared that up later in Gal 5:13 when he wrote, “For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” If we love, we will do right, no matter what! We will fulfill the law of God in our lives as Paul writes in v. 14, “all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ ” Legalism says, “You must do this thing to make God happy!” It is bondage. It is a burden. Liberty says, “God is happy with me because Christ did a perfect work, and I love Him so much, I want to do all those things that please Him!” It’s no longer a burden, but a privilege and a pleasure! “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.” (1Jn 5:3)
Jamie