Have you ever wondered if following traditions can draw you closer to God—or if they might distract you from Him? Legalism is the elevation of man-made tradition to be equal to the commands of God. It is the belief that keeping these traditions will earn you favor with God. In today’s devotional, Dr. Michael Youssef warns about the danger of legalism.
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[00:00:00] You are listening to My Devotional, the daily devotional from Dr. Michael Youssef and Leading
[00:00:06] The Way.
[00:00:09] Overcoming Legalism by Dr. Michael Youssef
[00:00:13] Jesus told many stories and parables about God's nature to drive home a point to the Pharisees
[00:00:19] and the teachers of the law.
[00:00:21] They had become more concerned with their traditions and man-made rules than with the Word of God.
[00:00:27] They had also become so focused on Legalism that they had lost their love for their brothers
[00:00:32] and sisters, strangers and neighbors.
[00:00:35] They were even critical of Sinless Jesus as they muttered behind His back, This man welcomes
[00:00:41] sinners and eats with them.
[00:00:44] Legalism is the elevation of man-made tradition to be equal to the commands of God.
[00:00:51] It's the belief that keeping these traditions will earn you favor with God.
[00:00:55] Legalism is a religious spirit that leads people to believe that not worshiping in a certain
[00:01:01] way or following a particular liturgy or performing precise rituals means you are not a good Christian.
[00:01:09] Naturally, you want to follow the Word of God and you don't want to be undisciplined so
[00:01:14] that you cross over into carnality.
[00:01:17] Christians should refrain from sin and observe the law.
[00:01:20] However, some Christians become so focused on the law they forget the overarching role of
[00:01:25] grace and love.
[00:01:27] Legalism imposes an outward code.
[00:01:30] It can never change our hearts and inner desires.
[00:01:33] Grace, on the other hand, provides the inner desire and the power to obey God.
[00:01:37] Jesus paid the ultimate price dying on a cross so He could free us from the law through His mercy and grace.
[00:01:44] If you want to live in victory and in power, receive the overwhelming grace and love of God today.
[00:01:52] Let's pray together.
[00:01:53] Lord, there are times when we focus on the law instead of Your grace, mercy, and love.
[00:01:59] Forgive us and help us to be on guard against legalism in our lives and to show others the love and grace that You have shown us.
[00:02:07] We pray this in the name of Jesus.
[00:02:10] Amen.
[00:02:11] To take a deeper dive into today's devotional topic, check the show notes for links to additional resources.
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[00:02:25] My Devotional is a ministry of leading the way with Dr. Michael Youssef.
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