An 8-Letter Word

Moses dealt with it. Paul described it. Jesus defeated it.

What is “it?” Legalism. This 8-letter word has bound (and paralyzed the church) more than just about any other word in the dictionary. Google has 5.2 million “hits” on the subject in just 0.44 seconds. Legalism is a dangerous, unhealthy word. Scripture calls for the church to be disciplined. Is this the same? (No) Does
legalism equal discipline? (No) The fact of the matter is that even those who hold to legalistic views do not have any idea that they do hold them or the “hold" their views have upon them! Let’s discuss more on this
subject. 

Legalism is the belief which says, “Let’s do what we’ve always done, and this work will earn favor with God.” Legalists believe they can earn God’s favor or approval. They believe, in exchange for meeting all or parts of the requirements of the Law of God, they can secure grace. In other words, they believe that man can work to achieve grace. Conversely, discipline can be simply defined as “teaching or training people to obey rules under strict order.” Let me give examples: 

Legalism says, “I will do this “thing” to gain merit with God.” 

Discipline says, “I will do this because I love God and want to please Him.” 

Legalism is man-centered and secured by good works. Discipline is God- centered and secured in God’s grace. We “work” in legalism. Through discipline, “God works in us.” Legalism believes good works and obedience will get an individual “grace” and access to God. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Therefore, legalism shifts the focus onto the “external” perception and off of the “internal” heart. Jesus
spoke of the parable of the Pharisee and tax collector. In this brief passage, Luke recounts how the Pharisee bragged in his prayer about how “great” he was; then denigrated those standing by - calling them “extortioners, unjust, adulterers.” He then continues describing what he has done for God - fasting,
tithing, etc. All works, no grace. Jesus, instead of highlighting the actions of the Pharisees, seems repulsed, and states, “for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” 

The legalist heart beats only for himself. His focus is on the laws of God at the neglect of his relationship with God. He keeps the outward laws of man while his inward heart is far from a relationship with God. In effect,
he adds human laws on top of God’s laws in an attempt to justify himself in the sight of God. 

On the other hand, the life of discipline and grace is completely opposite. Galatians 3:11 echoes, “But that no one is justified by the law in the sight of God is evident; for the just shall live by faith.” Ephesians 2:10 clarifies,
“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. Clearly, God has, is, and will do the “work” in us. Once the task of the saving work is complete, discipline begins as we discipline our minds and bodies to live in accordance with God’s
instructions found in the Scriptures. (See Luke 11:37-54 for additional words from Jesus on this subject.) 

The life of grace and discipline is a life where we embody Paul’s call to “train ourselves” in godliness.  Yes, we
strive to walk to and through the narrow gate, by taking up our cross daily and disciplining our body into Christ’s likeness. 

In other words, the life of discipline is a life lived out of love for God - not as a duty to man. It is a life lived out of grace for God, not as a work for man. It is a commitment bound in the hope of God - not a life lived out of
guilt from man. The committed, joyful Believer will experience a life free from the shackles of the law. This, however, is not permission to live a carefree (yippee!) life but instead instructs us on how to live a life that best honors God. Legalism’s final verdict, yelled down from the cross: “It is finished!” A new day has dawned. Church, let’s live like it! Let’s worship like it! Let’s love like it! Let’s run the disciplined life - kept on the right path by the guardrails of His Word and Spirit - and complete the race God has given us.