For Freedom’s Sake Galatians 5:1 (ESV) Romans 14:13 (ESV) Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother. Galatians 5:1 (ESV) For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.

Introduction to the next three sermons For Freedom’s Sake Reaching Back How are we failing our younger generations The Samaritan Woman Jesus dealing with all the things we think are Important

What I plan to convince you of today: We often hold to personal traditions as equal in authority with the Bible. Holding to personal traditions, as equal in authority with the Biblical commands is wrong.

What I plan to convince you of today: Holding to personal traditions, as equal in authority to Biblical commands is a hindrance to those who are lost yet seeking for the truth of the gospel. This is not a new problem it is just our tern to battle it.

Legalism VS Obedience

A History of dealing with Legalism Jesus and the Pharisees

Jesus and the Pharisees Jesus and the Sabbath Matthew 12:1-8; Mark 3:1-6 Jesus associating with sinful people Matt 11:19 Jesus attacks tradition directly Matt 15:1-7

A History of dealing with Legalism Jesus and the Pharisees Jerusalem Council

Jerusalem Council (Acts 15) But some men came down from Judea and were teaching the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” (1) 28 For it has seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay on you no greater burden than these requirements: 29 that you abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from what has been strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well. Farewell.”

A History of the Early Church dealing with Legalism Jesus and the Pharisees Jerusalem Council Paul’s letters

Paul’s Letter to Rome (Romans 14) As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions. 2 One person believes he may eat anything, while the weak person eats only vegetables. 3 Let not the one who eats despise the one who abstains, and let not the one who abstains pass judgment on the one who eats, for God has welcomed him.

13 Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother

Truths from today The good news of scripture is that Jesus came to set us free from Sin, Shame, and Death. Live in that freedom. The simple gospel is difficult for people There is one true God… And you are not Him.

Why is this so important now? Because, we are guilty Because, we are ambassadors for Christ Because, we are running off those who would listen Because, unifying gaps is worthy of a goal spot.

What to do now? Study your scripture well enough to know what is a command and what is not. Remove your personal druthers from you judgment criteria Remember that our Job is to reach the lost Live in Freedom Don’t put anyone else into a bondage from which Jesus has freed them