Are you trying to make yourself right with God #God #legalism #work

In this sermon, Kyle Cunningham discusses the dangers of legalism and how it robs us of true joy. He begins by sharing an interesting fact about carnivorous plants like the Attenborough's pitcher plant, which lures insects with the scent of nectar but then traps and digests them. Cunningham draws a parallel between these deadly plants and legalism, which he describes as a counterfeit form of spirituality that is just as dangerous for Christians.
Legalism, as explained by Cunningham, is the attitude of adding rules and regulations to faith in Christ, particularly as promoted by the Judaizers mentioned in Philippians 3. These were Christians who insisted that Gentile believers must be circumcised and obey the 613 commandments of the Jewish law to be true followers of Jesus. While their reasoning seemed logical – since Jesus was Jewish and followed the law – Paul strongly warns against this kind of thinking.
Cunningham points out that legalism can often be sincere and well-reasoned, and legalists may appear to be the most moral, religious people. However, the fundamental flaw in legalism is the belief that obeying the law can justify us before God, when in reality, justification comes only through faith in Christ's finished work on the cross. Legalism turns virtue into vice by minimizing Jesus' sacrifice and promoting self-righteousness.
Shockingly, Paul admits to his own past legalism, listing his impressive religious credentials as a circumcised Jew, a Pharisee, and one who persecuted the church out of zeal for the law. Yet he considered all those accomplishments as "garbage" compared to knowing Christ. Paul's dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus revealed how spiritually blind he had been, valuing his own efforts over God's grace.
The key to rejecting legalism, according to Paul, is fixing our eyes on Jesus and valuing the power of his resurrection over our own righteousness. While good works are important, they should flow from a heart transformed by the gospel, not as a means to earn God's favor. Pursuing holiness becomes a joyful response to Christ's love rather than a burdensome checklist.
Cunningham challenges listeners to conduct a "legalism audit" by examining traits like judgmentalism, comparisons to others, loophole-finding, and theological pride – signs that we may be struggling with self-righteousness. He encourages confession of these tendencies and a renewed focus on the beauty and sufficiency of Christ's work.
Ultimately, Cunningham argues, true joy is found not in our own religious efforts but in resting in God's unmerited favor through faith in Jesus. While Christians may be uniquely susceptible to legalism due to a desire to please God, the gospel frees us from striving and allows virtue to flow naturally from a heart captivated by Christ's majesty and grace.

Date: 6.16.24

[SHOJIPMTIU]

Yes we should do everything for the love and glory of God and in thanksgiving to Jesus for suffering and dying for our sins.

[Hughjanus]

Being good and being with god is one, once you accept the lord, you are no longer doing things for yourself but doing things as the lord wanted