We now come to the conclusion of Paul’s argument against
legalism.
He points out that it is incumbent upon the believer to
personally maintain his or her freedom that they have in Christ
(Gal. 5:1)
His reference here is not to those already circumcised, but
to those who would allow themselves to become such after receiving Christ as
their savior.
This idea is fundamental to any concept of salvation as
presented in the Bible, but seems to be lost to the minds and hearts of
believers who have not the opportunity to be a part of a fellowship that exalts
the Lord and His Word. They soon fall into the trap of trying to do whatever is
necessary to “fit in” with the group they have joined.
That little bit of leaven (Gal. 5:9) soon transforms them
into the legalists against whom Paul was writing.
I have had numerous encounters with this malevolent practice
over the years. I have fallen victim to legalism on many occasions—always out
of my desire to be right with God, to be pleasing in His sight. I understand the propensity to please God that tends toward the rigors and bondage of self effort.
Thankfully, the Lord rescued me each time, but not until
after learning some valuable lessons about my own heart and the devastation of soul
caused by legalism.
Paul says that we have a choice between legalism and
liberty. We cannot have both (Gal. 5:4).
This reminds me of Jesus’ statement that one cannot serve
God and money (Matt. 6:24).
The word ‘cannot’ is not about whether it is legal, as in “you
cannot do 100mph in a 50mph zone.”
Of course, you can—until you get stopped by the police.
The word translated ‘cannot’ is the word for ability or
power. Jesus said, “It is Impossible
to serve God and money. You are absolutely incapable of doing so.”
Paul is using the same concept here. You will either follow
the law, or you will follow Christ. Doing both is not an option.
In his day, Paul was referring to the ceremonial law of the
Jews, the keeping of which they felt was necessary in order to maintain a right
relationship with God.
In our day, it refers to ANY idea that there is something we
can DO to earn God’s favor.
However, it is only by faith that we will ever be pleasing
to God (Heb. 11:6).
Paul makes it very plain that it is not about what we Do or
Don’t do, “…but faith which works by love.” (Gal. 5:6)
He also devotes the entire 14th chapter of Romans
to this idea, but he adds the idea that it is not for us to decide how others
must live.
He says it is fine for you, as an individual, to do things
that you feel you must do. But, telling others that they must do as you do is
entirely wrong and far removed from the gospel.
And that, my friend, is the main detriment of legalism.
(Gal. 5:2, 4)
Legalism wants to make sure that we find approval for our
own acts by having others follow the same rigors (Gal. 6:12).
In that place, we take away the individual liberty to which
we have been called in Christ (Gal. 5:1)
Personal liberty was then, and is now, the essential concept
that goes quite contrary to our human nature, which wants to put most
everything into a clearly delineated box.
We find it much easier to follow a set list of rules and regulations
than to be permitted to follow our own conscience. We may loudly proclaim our
personal rights to do what we want, but, in the end, we want to ‘know’ what is
acceptable.
It is this tendency toward authoritarianism
that keeps the people of God from moving into their rightful place as the sons
of God setting creation free.
(see Rom. 8:14, 19-23)
Breaking free from legalism is a tough call, because it is
mainly an issue of the heart. It is within your own heart where you will
eventually find the ties to the bondage of legalism.
Therefore, if you find yourself in a situation where you are
surrounded by those who promote performance as a means to acceptance, then you
must extricate
yourself as quickly and radically as possible (Gal. 5:1). For, as long as you
continue to feed on that type of living, you will never be able to find the latent
legalism hidden within the recesses of your own heart.
Editor’s NOTE: The fifth chapter of Galatians contains so
many salient points that it was quite difficult to write an article on just a
single thought. Choosing which one to write about for this blog series was no
small task. (I believe my fellow blogger, Jonathan had the same difficulty when
first starting this series. He had three articles for Chapter One from which to
choose.)
Any and all comments, critiques, questions, or criticisms are welcome here. Your response does not require my approval before being posted. While I certainly appreciate your comments on Facebook, I would prefer that you also leave your comment here, just below this article. There are many people who do not visit Facebook, and cannot join in any discussion that may be generated by your thoughtful insight. Please consider leaving your response below--either through words, or simply checking the appropriate box that equals your reaction. Thank you.
Religious legalism leaves no room for personal integrity - religious liberty does.
ReplyDeleteI like the contrast you present here. Neat thought.
Delete"Therefore, if you find yourself in a situation where you are surrounded by those who promote performance as a means to acceptance, then you must extricate yourself as quickly and radically as possible" ... oh so true! It is subliminally contagious.
ReplyDeleteWow!! Had never considered the subliminal aspect; but you are absolutely correct. We learn from that which is modeled before us. THAT is the subliminal aspect that we don't ever recognize. That's why so much of what is done "in church" today doesn't bother anyone--they have no idea it could be better and more powerful.
Delete