Improve your own sermons by reviewing some of the best from the Preaching Today collection. The information below provides a brief synopsis of what you can expect from the downloadable transcript.
Download the transcript as a Word file to receive access to the full outline and complete sermon.
Let Go of Legalism
by Steve May
Text: Matthew 12:1-21
Topic: How to recognize and eliminate legalism
Big Idea: The key to avoiding legalism is to treat people as Jesus did.
Keywords: Legalism; Love
Introduction:
- Illustration: May illustrates the foolish and harmful effect of legalism through the story of a bank teller who cost her bank millions by refusing to bend the rules over validating a parking ticket.
- There have always been those who major in the minors—who demand strict obedience to secondary laws while overlooking the most important law in the Christian life: the law of love.
- Illustration: May lists quickly several silly rules that Christians have made up over the years, all to demonstrate the tendency of religions to stray into legalism.
- This was a problem even during the days of Christ. In fact, his greatest enemies were those who considered themselves to be religious.
- We can’t allow our lives, or our church, to be destroyed through heartless legalism.
Beware when man-made rules become more important than biblical teaching.
- Matthew 12:1
- When the Pharisees criticized Jesus’ disciples, Jesus directed them to the Bible.
- Matthew 12:3-8
Beware when man-made rules matter more than people.
- Matthew 12:11-12
- Jesus is saying, “People matter more than the law.”
- Illustration: May tells the story of a man whose wife criticized him for mowing a widow’s lawn on Sunday, delineating the difference between legalism and love.
- Legalism fails to recognize the value of others, and it fails to respond to the needs of others.
Beware when arguing is more important than ministry.
- Matthew 12:9-10
- Legalists are big on debates; they’re little on ministry.
Beware when sin becomes an acceptable strategy.
- Matthew 12:14
- First and foremost, we must remember that each one of us is responsible to God for our own holiness, and we are accountable to him for our actions.
Be a servant.
- Matthew 12:18
- Matthew 20:28
Seek justice.
Offer Hope.
Conclusion:
- In this passage we’ve seen a contrast between the legalistic Pharisees and Jesus. The most noticeable difference between the two comes down to how they treat others.
- Big Idea: The key to avoiding legalism is to treat people as Jesus did.
For additional information on how to order downloadable sermon transcripts, click here.
100% GUARANTEE - If you are not completely satisfied with the downloadable transcript you purchase, please e-mail us and we'll provide your next one completely free!
|
