8-Grace and Legalism

The battle between grace and legalism has been around for centuries. It was one of the primary struggles in the early Church. Because of this, much of Paul’s writings were devoted to combating this influence in the newly planted churches. The word “legalism” is not found in the Bible but is defined as being “under law.” This is not limited to the Jewish Torah but refers to any external code that defines human conduct. Therefore, we encounter laws every day from many different sources.

A. Under Law

Discussion 1

Read the following verses and discuss their implications for us as believers under grace: John 1:17; Romans 3:19-20, 27-28; 6:14-15; Galatians 2:21; 3:23; 4:4-5; 5:3-4, 18; Ephesians 2:8-9.

Discussion 2

According to Romans 2:12, being under the law includes three things: being under a defined external code, being under the internal claim of response, and being under consequences if broken (condemnation). Paul goes on to say in Romans 7:12-14 that the law is holy, righteous, good, and spiritual. Take time to discuss this.

Discussion 3

God wants us out from under the law for the following reasons: we are not capable of keeping the law (Romans 7:14); the law cannot overpower the sinful nature (Romans 8:3; Galatians 3:21; Colossians 2:21, 23; 2 Corinthians 3:6); external codes arouse the sinful nature and make it more rebellious (Romans 7:8-13; 1 Corinthians 15:56). Take time to read and discuss.

Discussion 4

Why was the law given? To define God’s standards (Romans 7:7); and to show us the need for Jesus and faith (Romans 5:20; 7:9-10; 7:24-8:4). Take time to read and discuss.

B. Under Grace

Paul’s answer to legalism (living under law) is to live under grace. As believers, we are positionally under grace in Christ from the moment of salvation (Romans 6:14). However, we must learn how to apply practically what is ours positionally in Christ to our daily lives. Actualizing our life under grace is not automatic and needs to be applied to every facet of our lives.

Discussion 5

The word for grace (charis) occurs more than 150 times in the New Testament. Read and discuss the following verses and statements about grace.

Grace reigns: Romans 5:20-21
Comes in abundance: Romans 5:17
Transforms us: 1 Corinthians 15:9-10
Saves us: Ephesians 2:8
Is the essence of Jesus’ personhood: John 1:16
Teaches us to say “No” and to live self-controlled lives: Titus 2:11-12
Is unmerited: Romans 5:15; 11:5-6
Demonstrates God’s favor: Luke 1:28; Ephesians 1:6
Means that God intends only good for believers: Jeremiah 32:40-41

Discussion 6

While the most common definition of grace is God’s “unmerited favor,” this is a limited definition that lacks the personal connection to Jesus that is necessary to fully understand how grace is applied to our lives. Grace is best defined as “the Person of the Lord Jesus Christ inexhaustibly meeting us at our point of need” (Hebrews 4:16); or “all the provisions of God in Christ Jesus” (2 Corinthians 1:20; 8:9). Grace is not just some mystical concept, nor even a loving disposition coming from God. Grace is inseparably linked to the Person of the Lord Jesus Christ (John 1:16-17). Take time to discuss what this means and how it personally affects you.

Discussion 7

In summation of the definition of grace, discuss the following statements:

To be under grace means…

We live drawing our life from the Person of Jesus Christ.
We realize that we cannot produce righteousness in ourselves. We could never merit God’s favor, no matter how hard we try.
We live in the freedom of knowing we are God’s favorites – even when life is difficult, or He has to discipline us (Hebrews 12:3-11).
We cannot think that grace comes to us according to our conduct – if we are “bad,” then God’s grace gets cut off; if we are “good” God’s grace comes rushing back.
We relate to other people and treat them exactly like God relates to us and treats us (Galatians 5:22-23; Ephesians 4:31-32).

C. Grace and Freedom from Sin’s Mastery

Romans 6:1-23

As mentioned, we are positionally under grace in Christ from the moment of salvation as those who have died to sin (Romans 6:1-7).

Nevertheless, the sin nature remains as a powerful force contending for dominion in our lives. In order to become free from this power, our positional stance of grace in Christ must be actualized in our daily lives (Romans 6:11-12).

Before discussing Paul’s “pathway to actualized freedom under grace,” let’s look at three wrong approaches commonly used in trying to overcome sin’s mastery: self-reformation, fighting sin, and coping.

Discussion 8

The first wrong approach is that of self-reformation. It begins with the premise that since we are Christians, we should “act better.” When we realize that we are not measuring up to God’s standards, we set out trying to improve our self (sarx) through self-reformation. When we recognize that we have a sinful attitude or behavior we try to repress it. Discuss the following three reasons why self-reformation does not work.

The first reason self-reformation does not work can be understood by imagining sin as a very prolific fruit tree that is rooted in our life and bears fruit constantly. The self-reformation approach amounts to cutting off the fruit that appears on the branches, but never dealing with the root. If we relax from our “pruning,” we soon have a tree full of fruit.
The second reason self-reformation does not work is that it misunderstands the problem. The problem is not the fruit; the problem is the root. Sin is not fundamentally wrong-doing; it is wrong-being. Our real problem is our sinful nature.
The third reason self-reformation is futile can be seen by the analogy of a dirt floor. No matter how much you clean it, it is still a dirt floor. The answer is not washing the dirt, the answer is replacing it with a new “non-dirt” floor.

Discussion 9

The second approach to trying to overcome sin’s mastery is that of fighting sin. The difference between fighting sin and self-reformation is that it never expects to “clean up” the sarx, just defeat it. We try to conquer our unredeemable sinful nature through will power. Nevertheless, no matter how much we try, we can never successfully defeat our sinful nature (Colossians 2:20-23).

Discussion 10

The third approach to dealing with sin is that of coping. After having tried self-reformation and fighting sin, only to meet repeated failure, the next logical approach is to resign ourselves to our weaknesses, never expecting to experience any real freedom from sin’s dominion, and we settle down to live the rest of our lives as we are now.

Discussion 11

In Romans 6:3-14, Paul gives us 4 responsibilities that we must apply to our lives if we want to walk in the freedom that Christ has purchased. Read the following verses and discuss the responsibilities we must learn to practice.

We must know. In Romans 6:3,6,9, and 16, Paul states four things that the believer must know, understand, and appropriate in order to walk in freedom from sin’s mastery. He summarizes what we should know in Romans 6:8 by stating that since we died with Christ, we should also go on to live with Christ. Of course, knowledge is not automatic, it must be learned. Also, as we grow in our relationship with God, we increase in the knowledge of who we are, and what we have, in Him (Colossians 1:9-10).
We must count ourselves dead to sin but alive to God through Jesus Christ (Romans 6:11). This verse begins with the phrase “Likewise” or “In the same way” referring to verses 8-10. Just as Christ died and rose again, so we have died to sin and risen to a new life in Christ. Because of this we are to “count” it as real in our lives. The word “count” has also been translated “consider,” “think,” “reckon,” and “see yourselves.” When Christ died, we died. When Christ was buried, we were buried. When Christ rose, we rose. Sin no longer has dominion over us. We must see ourselves in this new light.
We must not let sin reign in our mortal bodies… (Romans 6:12). Verse 12 begins with the word “Therefore” referring to what precedes in verses 1-11. Because of our relationship and identity with Christ, knowing that we died and rose with Him, and considering that to be a reality in our lives, we can now make the choice not to let sin rule in our lives. Sin is no longer our master exerting dominion over us. We are free to choose not to sin.
We must offer ourselves to God (Romans 6:13). Once we make the choice not to serve sin, we must also choose to submit ourselves to God. It is in His strength, not ours, that we are able to resist sin. The word “offer” has also been translated “yield,” “present,” and “give yourself to“ and carries the idea of putting yourself at the service of another. It is not a one-time event, but a constant, ongoing action. We need to consistently ask God for spiritual fortitude against sin.
The outcome (Romans 6:14) – “Sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace.”

D. Grace and Living in the Spirit

Romans 8

We have been discussing living under grace as opposed to living under law.

Romans 8:3-4 says: “For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.”

Living under law is described as walking in the flesh (depending upon our own strength to fulfill the law), living under grace is described as walking in the Spirit (trusting in Christ who fulfilled the law on our behalf). Because we are now in the Spirit, and not in the flesh (Romans 8:9a), we are no longer under condemnation (Romans 1).

Discussion 12

Take time to read Romans 8:1-11. Focus your discussion on the difference between being “in the flesh” and being “in the Spirit.” How are we to live now that we are in the Spirit?

E. Grace and Disputable Matters

Romans 14

Disputable matters, also called opinions or non-essential matters, are morally or doctrinally neutral matters where believers have differing personal perspectives. Paul references two primary perspectives: that of those whose faith is weak (those who have very strong, often inflexible, convictions), and that of those whose faith is strong (who have personal convictions but are more flexible with respect to such matters). Though not stated, it appears that Paul is implying that those living under grace are able to follow his thinking and exhortation, while those living under law are less likely to do so, usually demanding that their perspective be shared by all.

Discussion 13

Read Romans 14 and discuss the questions given below.

What are some of the “non-essential” matters mentioned here?
Who are the weak? 14:1
Who are the strong? 15:1
What principles should guide the believer?
What are some disputable matters today?

Discussion 14

Following the same train of thought as above, read 1 Corinthians 8 and discuss what you find there.

F. The Spirit of the Pharisee

The Pharisees epitomized legalism. They were always looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, so they watched Him closely, as they did with others, hoping to catch someone in an act of transgression so that they could point it out to them. Jesus called them hypocrites. Legalists have a merit-based system of thought, are drawn to religious activities and tradition, they are quick to pass judgment on others, and they bind heavy religious burdens on people.

Discussion 15

Read the following verses taking note of the different characteristics of the Pharisees. Discuss your findings with your partner or group.

Matthew 3:7; 9:11, 33-34; 12:1-14; 15:1-20; 16:1,6,12; 23:1-36
Mark 3:2; 7:1-13
Luke 7:39; 11:39

Discussion 16

The spirit of the Pharisee did not die out in the first century. It still exists in the Church today. Based upon the characteristics of the Pharisees described in the verses above, discuss ways in which the spirit of the Pharisee is seen in the church today.

G. How the Law of Moses Relates to New Testament Believers

John 1:17

Discussion 17

The Law of Moses does not promise salvation to New Testament believers. Review Romans 7:7-12 and read Deuteronomy 6 and discuss the following points about how the Law relates to believers today.

Under the new covenant the Law of Moses:

Reveals God’s value and character to believers
Gives direction for conduct of daily living
Provides structure in order to maintain relationship with God
It was not given to define relationship with God
It is an appropriate response to God’s saving grace which is freely established through faith

Discussion 18

In Matthew 5:17, Jesus said that He had come to fulfill the Law. Read the following verses and discuss how He did this. Romans 8:4; 10:4; Galatians 3:17-24; 4:4-5; Matthew 3:15; Psalm 40:6-8; Hebrews 9:13-14; 10:3-12; Colossians 2:16-17.

Discussion 19

Discuss the following:

Legalism is the lie that enslaves us.

It is our attempt to live life without grace (Romans 7:6, 14).
It causes shame, the lie that says one is not worthy (as seen in the woman at the well in John 4; and the woman with the issue of blood in Luke 8:43-48).
It causes guilt, the lie that tells us we can’t be forgiven, we are condemned (Romans 8:1-4; 3:23-24; Ephesians 1:6-7; Colossians 1:12-14; 2:13; 1 John 1:9).
It produces pride, the lie that empowers legalism, causing one to separate from others and depend only upon oneself. Pride keeps us from changing (Col. 2:8); causes us to be self-righteous (Luke 18:9-14); and causes us to be judgmental (Matthew 7:1-5).

God opposes the proud (James 4:6). Jesus modeled humility in all things (John 5:19; Matthew 11:29; 20: 26-28; Luke 22:27; John 13:14-15; Philippians 2:5-11).

Discussion 20

Grace is the truth that frees us (Matt. 11:28-30).

Grace is a gift to all who believe (Romans 3:21-24; Ephesians 2:8). Read the following verses and discuss the benefits of grace (Ephesians 2:8-10; Titus 2:11-15; 3:1-2; Hebrews 13:9).

Discussion 21

Grace establishes our identity. Read the following verses and discuss who we have become in Christ. (Romans 6:6; 8:16; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 3:29; Ephesians 2:10; Colossians 1:22; 1 Peter 1:23; 2:9; 2 Peter 2:4).

Discussion 22

Grace extends unconditional love (John 3:16). Read and discuss the following verses as it relates to grace and love. (Romans 5:8; 8:1; 8:39; 1 John 4:9-10; John 6:47; Matthew 22:37-40; Galatians 5:14).

Discussion 23

Discuss the following: We are no longer slaves to legalism (sin), but we are set free by His saving grace (Romans 4:2-25; Ephesians 2:8-0; Galatians 5:1).