by Chris Tang
Time for another Single Life update! Pastor Patrick has been continuing to teach through Colossians with a particular focus on how false gospels fall short of the one true Gospel. Living and thinking in Gospel-centered way sounds like such a simple thing to do, yet our sinful hearts can so easily corrupt the Gospel in very subtle ways. One recent message preached from Colossians 2:16-17 dealt legalism, and how it is grows out of our hearts.
In Colossians 2:16 Paul admonishes the Colossians not to subject themselves to the judgment of man regarding “food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath.” Obviously there were some people (legalistic people) who were denying that others were saved because how they ate, drank, or treated certain days. In hindsight this seems completely absurd. We know that food and drink do not corrupt (Mark 7:15, 1 Corinthians 6:13) and we would never bat an eye at dressing up on Halloween (would we?). Unfortunately, knowledge can only take you so far. Despite our knowledge, the remnants of sin within our hearts make it easy to fall into the trap of legalism.
In Pastor Patrick’s sermon he spent some time on the differences between convictions and legalism. It may not be immediately obvious where the line is drawn. The two are both extra-Biblical precepts which a person thinks are necessary to follow in order to live in a God-glorifying manner (black and white issues which have explicit instruction, such as not committing adultery, fall under the category of obedience). Convictions vary from person to person and issue to issue. This includes things such as exactly how and how much time is spent in God’s word, trick-or-treating on Halloween, and even what food is acceptable to eat. Living out these convictions is fine (Romans 14:5-6). Where it crosses the line, however, is when we impose our own convictions on others in a way judgmental way. Legalism elevates the weaknesses (or strengths) of our consciences to the level of something which can make God love them more, or affirm His choice in saving them. As if, for example, praying before every single meal could somehow make you worth saving! For me such a habit is a good way to stay mindful of God’s abundant provision, but I haven’t yet seen the passage where Jesus says, “It is finished. . .as long as you remember to say grace.”
Ultimately, we succumb to legalism due to the sin which remains in our hearts. Pastor Patrick made several great points about the heart behind legalism. They all come down to having a high view of self and a low view of God. It has roots in pride, elevating our own man-made rules over the commandments of God. It comes from lack of love, placing personal convictions over the care for others (Matthew 12:1-2, 7). Legalism can also come from guilt, where we doubt the work of the cross and try atone for our own shortcomings, making little the great cost of God’s grace (Titus 3:5, 1 Peter 2:24).
This message was very convicting for me, as I have seen legalism pop up in the most surprising and unexpected places in my own life. I hope that, as God continues to reveal the depth of our depravity, we would all grow in our love for Him, knowing that the Gospel is not just sufficient, but powerful to save. Cleaning toilets does not save. Being a parent does not save. Doing ministry to all hours of the night does not save. Counseling others does not save. We receive grace not because of what we do, but in spite of it. Our own standards should be set aside for God’s so that we may grow together as followers of Christ in love (2 Corinthians 12:19).