Rom. 14; Gal. 5:13-14; 1 Pet. 1:15-16 | Holiness, Not Legalism Nor License

The Problem: Legalism that Destroys Christian Liberty

Legalism

the inner transformation of the heart. (Luke 11:37-44; Matt. 23:24)

The fruit of legalism is a

attitude over non-essential issues. (Rom. 14)

Question: Have you felt the adverse effects of legalism in your own life? What attitudes or actions in your life need to be directed away from legalism?

The Overcorrection: Liberty Turning into a License to Sin

The antidote to legalism is not

. It is a faith that works through love. (Gal. 5:4-6, 13-14)

does not set us free to sin. Grace sets us free not to sin. (Rom. 5:20-21; 6:1-7, 14, 22)

Question: Where have you misused the grace of God to excuse sin? If this does not describe you, how can you pray for and disciple others to avoid the destructive consequences of this?

Back to the Bible: Reflecting God’s Character Through Holiness

Holiness is God’s moral character he shares with us and

from us. (1 Pet. 1:15-16)

The only way to live holy is to be

with the love of God. (Matt. 22:36-40; Rom. 8:3-4)

Question: Where does your motivation for serving God and others lack in love? Seek to be filled with his holy love today.

Bottom Line: True holiness comes from an inward work that produces a life of love.