Philippians – Joy Manual
Beware of legalism
3:1-8
david taylor
Legalism is deadly and it is dangerous. It produces bonds and spiritual frustrations in the Christian life, it prevents the interior transformation of the heart; and robs us of joy and intimacy with Christ. It is a tool of the devil to trap people in spiritual death and make followers of Christ live in unbelief. The human heart is prone to legalism.
Legalism is the tendency to regard as divine law those things that God has neither required nor prohibited in the Scriptures, and the corresponding tendency to regard others with suspicion for their noncompliance or rejection. conform to these things. Legalism in all its forms revolves around salvation and/or sanctification. This is why Paul uses such strong language here and especially in Galatians (see eg 1:6-10). That is also why Paul writes, ‘it is no problem for me to write the same things and it is safe for you.’
1. The dangers of legalism (1-2; 5-6)
Paul writes ‘beware of dogs, beware of malefactors and beware of those who mutilate the flesh&. #8217; The Judaizers thought that being a follower of Christ was faith plus ‘works of the law.’ The word ‘dogs’ is a derogatory term because they were scavengers and fed on weaker animals. They are evildoers because adding the works of the law to faith, they nullify the gospel of grace (Galatians 1:6-9). Lastly, he calls them mutilators of the flesh, a sarcastic reference to circumcision. In their attempt to get people to observe the ceremonial and ritual aspects of Jewish law, they mutilate grace and the gospel. Paul is so harsh because adding anything to faith in Christ for salvation destroys the nature of salvation by grace alone and by faith alone. Adhering to such requirements nullifies grace (Acts 15:1, Gal 5:2-4; 10-12). The root mentality in legalism is to put trust in the flesh, which means my goodness or my ability to contribute to a right standing before God. Putting trust in the flesh means that I am good enough or that I can do something that will incline God to me. This was the mentality of Paul himself before Christ (v. 5-6). The Christian faith is not primarily defined by rules but by a relationship with God.
What are some common forms of legalism? Paul lists several in verses five and six: Trusting in the observance of the rites. Paul says that he had confidence in circumcision. For us it can be going to church, a particular event, a quiet moment, or even pressuring others to do what we do. Putting trust in one’s heritage. Paul was from the people of Israel, a Hebrew of Hebrews. Many of the Jews at Jesus’ time thought they were saved only because they were of Jewish descent. For us it may be the confidence of being raised in a Christian home or in a particular denomination. Putting trust in spiritual discipline. Paul says as to the law, a Pharisee. He followed regular times of prayer, fasting, and tithing as a means of acceptance by God. The same is true for us today, all the disciplines of the Christian life do not earn God’s favor. Put confidence in religious activism. Paul was jealous; killing Christians thinking his activism earned him God’s favor. The same goes for us if we believe that our activism, being involved in good things, telling others about Jesus, or getting involved in ministry wins God’s favor. Lastly, rely on comparative piety. Paul at one point saw himself blameless compared to other people. Comparing himself to others, he was above the rest. Legalists have a tendency to compare themselves to others and think that they are better or more just than others. Paul was so opposed to legalism because he gave his life to that way of life before he met Christ and looking back now he sees that he is bankrupt. Christ destroyed all his confidence in the flesh. The root of all forms of legalism, whether it revolves around salvation or sanctification, is unbelief.
Signs of legalism Signs of Grace
o Judgment selection o Desire to help
o Dishonesty o Vulnerability
o Interpersonal distance o Interpersonal closeness
o External righteousness, conformity o Internal transformation, real change
o Underlying depression o Freedom, thanksgiving
o Heavy work o Joy
o Importance of tradition, rules o Importance of word
or death or life
o Pride and arrogance o Humility and boasting in Christ
o Focus on my efforts o Focus on the transforming power of Christ
o Sees God as foreman with rules o Sees God as Father, relationship
2. God’s alternative to legalism (vv. 3-4; 7-8)
Paul describes the church, us, as the true circumcision, the ones who worship in the Spirit, the ones who boast in Christ and put no trust in the flesh. He is saying that genuine followers of Christ have circumcised hearts, we have the Spirit that transforms our lives, and that we put our trust in Christ and not in our own efforts (Col 2:11-15). The path to true justice is Christ and the transforming work of the Spirit in our lives. (2:12-13). We are saved and sanctified by faith. We must turn away from trusting in our own efforts and in faith turn to Christ (3:7-8). Legalism must be resisted and fought like a disease (Galatians 5:1). That doesn’t mean that obedience isn’t important, but we understand 2:12-13. It does not mean that we have no law or that obedience is optional.