Next Paul warns that we should watch out for LEGALISM.
Legalism is both right and wrong at the same time. It’s right because it’s right. It is a rule. More than likely it’s a rule that is based on something that is in the Bible. You probably should do it. But legalism changes the motivation for which you do it. If you do something out of a demand, it will suck the life out of you. So you can be right and be wrong.
For example, if I remain faithful to my wfie simply because I made a commitment to her 14 years ago, I am right for being faith but because my heart is not in it I am in the wrong. Right action. Wrong motivation.
It’s the same choice Adam and Eve had. I love the story of Adam and Eve. I get so many things out of this story. The more you hang around here we will look at it from every angle. Here is one for you to think about today. They were presented with two path ways to God. They could come to God via the Tree of Life where you want to do something because you are so in love with Him and he is your life. Contrast that with the Knowledge of Good and Evil. This is the path that people take who try to come to God by doing right and not doing wrong.
God doesn’t want external constraints he wants internal motivations.
Paul is saying that these religious people who were coming around telling all these Christians that they had to mutilate their flesh to be saved, “guess what, I am one of those people. I am some one who was circumcised. I’ve been through all that. Been through bible school. Kept all the law. And I say…
(Philippians 3:3) “For it is we who are the circumcision, we who worship by the Spirit of God, who glory in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh.””
I’m telling you guys, it’s not about the rules it’s about the Ruler. It’s not about commands it’s all about the Commander. It’s not about what you give up that makes you righteous but about what He gives you that makes you righteous.
Tomorrow, watch out part 3
