Jul 24 2008

Yet One More Word About Legalism

"Therefore no one is to act as your judge in regard to food or drink or in respect to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath day." - Colossians 2:16

Jesus was attacked by legalists throughout His ministry. Perhaps the most outrageous example of this was when He healed a man with a withered hand. The Pharisees attacked Him because He had performed this miracle on the Sabbath. That's right, Jesus was accused of law-breaking because healing was considered work, and Jewish law forbade doing work on the Sabbath.

Understand this about the Pharisees: they were the self-appointed judges. They were constantly looking to accuse Jesus Christ because they felt He was oblivious to their concern for their man-made rules and traditions.

While rarely as outrageous as those Pharisees, this type of legalism continues today. Some people serve as self-appointed judges—or enforcers—of man-made rules for godly living. This can happen in all religions. But it's especially sad when Christian denominations and churches impose man-made rules that are imposters to real faith. The Bible states the rules fully and unequivocally. And with so many, how great it is that Jesus' life shows us how to live them out completely. How great it is that Jesus sums them all up with the Great Commandment, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, and your neighbor as yourself."

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9 Comments

Jul 24

I love this, because I am always worrying about pleasing others and being a good person to everyone, and obeying the law, but then I think to myself, "If I just do what God asks me to do, then I will please Him and everything else will fall in place." Thanks for the encouragement! - Adrian Rodriguez

 
Jul 24

I believe the scripture should be Colossians 2:16 instead of 2:26. Enjoy the daily devotions. Thanks, Nell. - Nell Moncus

 
Jul 24

The Pharisees were enforcing MAN-MADE rules? Really? I didn't realize the Jewish laws were just man-made traditions. - Erik

 
Jul 24

It's not Rules, it's a Relationship ! - JM

 
Jul 24

The Parisees were so concerned about their exact traditiions within the Jewish laws rather than loving and helping the people around them. Jesus modeled the opposite, loving each other first above any rules. When I was young, I kept Jesus on a shelf because I never thouht I could be "good enough". When I realized it's about the relationship and not me being perfect, I could start my close walk with Him. - Melanie

 
Jul 24

I enjoy reading these devotions. How many laws did the Jews have? I have heard there were around 640. Bryan Young - Bryan Young

 
Jul 24

Nell: Oops, you're right. That was a typing error. We've fixed it now. Thanks. - Andy K

 
Jul 24

Erik prayed for you last night. By the way everyone, not that it's a huge deal, but to reduce confusion I noticed about a week ago a man also used the name-Christ Follower. He's been divorced & had a porno addictiion. I happen to be a woman and have been married 31 yrs.I'm also the one that along with others had a "few" discussions with Erik & Jonathan around Easter. I would use my real name, but it's been used too. So anyway no big deal, just clearing up any confusion. - Christ Follower

 
Jul 24

Thanks for bringing our attention to the First and Greatest Commandment! We need to reflect on this every morning. - Carol