Post by pitbull on Aug 22, 2006 5:45:52 GMT -5
From Liberty to Legalism
A Candid Study of Legalism, "Pharisees," and Christian Liberty
by Timothy S. Morton
________________________________________
Copyright, 1999
Timothy S. Morton
All Rights Reserved
All Scripture references and quotations are from the Authorized King James Version of the Bible.
Chapter III - Liberty's Limitations
From the above two chapters, with all our "negativeness," the reader may think we have a "sour" outlook on many Christians, preachers, or on Christianity in general, but that is not the case. We only have a sour outlook on selfish human nature. We are convinced the primary detriment to spirit-filled, godly living among Christians is not Satan but conceited, vile human nature (the "old man") given place in a believer's heart. A Christian that lives after the Spirit, however, will put to death the old man and not act like a Pharisee or live as a hypocrite. Furthermore, he will not unduly judge his brother or become a "stumblingblock" in his way (Rom. 14:13). In fact, a truly Spirit-filled believer will willingly relinquish his personal liberties and give up his freedoms for the benefit of his brethren.
The liberty Christ gives believers is not intended to be used as a means for self gratification or personal excess. Neither is it to be used as "stumblingblock" to others. The same Paul who said, ""Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free..." (Gal. 5:1), also said, "For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all..." (1 Cor. 9:19) . The difference between the statements is in Galatians Paul is dealing with the sufficiency of salvation in Christ alone apart from the bondage of works or the law, but in Corinthians he is speaking of a believers attitude and relationship with other believers. A Christian should never concede or "give an inch" to those who contend there is an element of works or "law-keeping" necessary for one to be saved or remain saved. When it comes to the sufficiency of Christ's work on the cross, and that work alone, to secure a believers salvation for all eternity ("It is FINISHED"), every believer should "stand fast" for the truth; but when dealing with matters of personal liberty, every believer should be willing to concede his "rights".
"Meats," "Days," and More
In New Testament times the issue of a Christian eating "meats" offered to idols was a "hot" issue. Believers that were "strong" in faith (Rom. 15:1) realized, "that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one" (1 Cor. 8:4) and that meats offered to them were in no way tainted or unclean. They could eat the meats with a clear conscience. However, there were other believers who for one reason or another could not eat the "meats" with a clear conscience. They were truly Christians like their "strong" brethren, but their conscience was "weak" and would not allow them to eat the meats without feeling "defiled" (1 Cor. 8:7). What does Paul do? Does he rebuke and berate the "weak" and tell them to "be strong" and go ahead and eat the meat, defiling themselves in their own eyes? Not at all. Instead he encourages the "strong" to "bear the infirmities of the weak and not to please [themselves]" (Rom. 15:1).
Clearly, the "Christian thing to do" when a believer's liberty infringes on another believer's weakness is for the strong to sacrifice their liberty for the sake of his brother. This is what Christ did. He did not have to die on the cross and suffer all He did. He is the God of heaven. He willingly humbled Himself and became a man for the sake of man because man was weak and had a great need (Phil. 2:6-8). So likewise should His followers do the same. If one truly loves his brother (as he is commanded to), he will avoid doing anything that would harm him. He would gladly give up most anything that is rightfully his if it in some way would cause his brother to stumble as a Christian. Paul insists it is only right for a believer who eats meats offered to idols to abstain from eating them if it hurts another (Rom. 14:1-23; 1 Cor. 8:1-13, 9:19-22). And if one insists on his "right" to eat his meats, ignoring the weakness of his brother, he sins against Christ (1 Cor. 8:12). "Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend" (1 Cor 8:13).
"Meats" were only one example of differences in the positions of believers in the New Testament. Another was the keeping of "days" (Rom. 14:5-6). Apparently, some believers felt certain days were holier than others (The Lords Day?) or deserved special recognition while others esteemed every day alike. Paul, didn't take sides, he simply said, "let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind" (Rom. 14:5). Paul had no problem with a believer esteeming or not esteeming any certain day. He knew once a believer gets saved and is "in Christ," "days" don't matter. He also knew the "Lord's Day" was not a "holy day" or a even replacement of the Jewish Sabbath, but many Christians today don't realize this.
Today, many believers esteem the Lord's Day (Sunday) as some sort of "Christian Sabbath" (Of course, the Bible knows nothing of a "Christian Sabbath," it only speaks of an Old Testament Sabbath given to Israel), but these believers treat Sunday as if it is the Sabbath. This belief is likely a "carry over" from Catholicism and before that Judaism. Christ died nearly 2000 years ago to free man from the law yet remnants of it still linger. However, the Lord's day is NOT the Sabbath, and as surprising as it may sound, neither is it a "command" that Christians observe it. Christians do assemble, give, take the "Lord's Supper," etc., on the "first day of the week," but this is only by following the EXAMPLE of the Scriptures; it is NOT a command! Some of you reading this are probably having convulsions about now, but you will have to show us from the Bible where observance of the Lord's Day is commanded to convince us otherwise.
True, the Bible does say, "forsake not the assembling of yourselves together," but it still does not require any certain day to be preferred or esteemed above another. It does not even stipulate as to how often believers should assemble (but at least once a week has been given as an example). Nevertheless, the "strong" brother should not ridicule, intimidate, or browbeat the "weak" over the issue of observing "days." If some Christians hold Sunday in higher esteem than the other six days of the week, "let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind" (Rom. 14:5).
Although "meats" and "days" were the examples Paul used in his letters, their are many other issues that can fall into this category. Dress, hair length, head covering (women), foot-washing, manner of communion, movies, television, radio, internet, etc., etc., are issues that can fit into the same category today. As we saw in the previous chapter, many preach their opinion as Bible doctrine on these matters and will barely tolerate those who don't agree. If their egos were not so bloated they would realize the Bible is not specific on any of these subjects.
The "Rights" of a Christian
Today, it seems, everybody wants to stand up for their "rights." Even though the Bible says nothing about a Christian in himself having "rights," many believers can be heard defending or upholding them. Your author has heard Fundamentalist preachers say things like, "It is my right as a Christian to have an expensive home or a luxury car," "It is my right to play golf all day or go on a cruise," "It is my right to be supported by you people (Christians) and not have to work," etc. Again, they talk more like "prosperity gospel" Charismatics than "Bible believing Fundamentalists." How unlike their Savior they are. Christ had the highest "right" in the universe "being in the form of God..." but he humbled Himself and waived His rights so He could save us. Paul, who followed Christ, waived all his "rights" ("But I have used none of these things...for it were better for me to die, than that any man should make my glorying void," 1 Cor. 9:15), even those "ordained of God" (1 Cor. 9:14). But regardless of what they say, these upholders of rights are not following either.
The essence of the "rights" a Christian has while in this world is a right to call God his Father, Christ his Savior, the Holy Spirit his comforter, and the right to SUFFER for them (2 Tim. 3:12). The Bible does not "grant" believers the right to much more. True, a preacher in a sense has a right to be supported by those he teaches, but a man who will waive that right for the sake of the gospel and his testimony MORE follows the leading of Christ. It has been said the one word that most defines the true Christian "mentality" is "Others." Philippians 2:3 says this plainly, "...let each esteem others BETTER than himself." This one verse blows a huge hole in the "self-esteem" and the "Christian rights" promoters so prevalent today. They emphasize "self" while the Scriptures emphasize "others." It is sad to say but much that is heard from Fundamentalist pulpits today is more self-serving rhetoric than sound Bible doctrine. Likewise, many Christians and preachers wouldn't consider sacrificing some of their "rights" for the sake of their brethren or the gospel. Their behavior and attitude of excess is often the fuel that drives those who criticize Christianity as a hypocritical, money-making "scam."
The Christian Attitude
Whether a person is a legalist, Pharisee, or a humble sacrificial Christian is a result of their mentality or attitude. It stands to reason if one's attitude is derived from the wrong source he can't help but have the wrong attitude. If a preacher is found proclaiming his rights, and the Bible places no emphasis on rights (and it doesn't), then the preacher obviously derived his attitude from a source other than the Bible. That the preacher has verses to supposedly back up his claims is immaterial; his attitude is contrary to the sacrificial attitude found throughout the Scriptures.
The Bible is emphatic as to the attitude a Christian is to have. "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus," states it plainly. A Christian is to have Christ's attitude. He or she is to FOLLOW (not "imitate") their Savior in His attitude and behavior through the guidance of the Holy Spirit. This is every Christians "calling," "For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps" (1 Pet 2:21). The "steps" of a beaten, bloody, savior; climbing a hill to His death on a cross, not for Himself but for OTHERS, is not the "steps" of a modern day Christian who demands his rights! A preacher who misuses the Scriptures to convince gullible believers to support his extravagant and flamboyant lifestyle does not have the "mind of Christ." He has more the mind of "SELF."
In Galatians chapter 6 the Scriptures associate a believer with the "Law of Christ" (Gal. 6:2), however, this law is not so much a "law" of specific commands but of an attitude or spiritual "mind set". The "law of Christ" does not consist of negative "thou shalt nots" but of positive yielding of one's "members" to the Holy Spirit (Rom. 6). When a believer "walk in the Spirit" or is "led of the Spirit," he is fulfilling the law of Christ. But when he yields to the "flesh," he is not following the law of Christ, and the "works of the flesh" manifest this (Gal. 5:16-21). Therefore, "the law of Christ" is not a law like the Pharisees would have one think. They often say, "Christians are under a law, the law of Christ," but they assume the "law of Christ" is negative like other laws in the Bible. The Bible does not say one can break the "law of Christ," but it does say one can "fulfil" it. Christians ARE commanded, however, to, "Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lusts of the flesh" (Gal. 5:16), and when they obey, they "fulfil the law of Christ."
Some of you may take issue with us for these statements claiming were are the very thing we oppose (legalistic), but, brethren, the Bible is clear on the attitude and disposition a Christian should have. There are a multitude of verses that deal with the issue (Matt. 4:19, 8:22; Luke 9:23; John 10:4; 1 Cor. 11:1; etc.). As we mentioned above, a legalist is someone who goes beyond the teaching of the Scriptures with their own subjective rules and laws as a means to "holiness." They are not satisfied with the Bible's "standards" and feel they must add to them for the sake of "godliness." As another has said, "We are free to counsel one another, and help one another, but not to legislate. It is wrong, absolutely wrong, to do so. It becomes legality when we make unwarranted demands upon others in an area not prohibited by Scripture."
The "Weak" and the "Strong"
We mentioned how Paul classified believers as "weak" and "strong" when dealing with personal liberties and limitations, but Paul was not implying that the "strong" was superior to the "weak" or the weak necessarily needed to become "strong." He didn't take sides (even though he, himself held the "strong" position). He was simply telling believers they are not to judge each other on matters of personal liberty and limitations that the Bible is not specific on. Paul very well knew the human tendency to be judgmental of others (he used to be a Pharisee) and he spent considerable time adjuring others not to unduly judge. What Paul considers "weak" or "strong" about believers is not the believer's position or standing before God but the condition of their conscience. The "weak" had a weak conscience as to what it would allow the person to do while the "strong" had a strong conscience.
The problem arises when a "weak" or "strong" believer observes his "opposite" doing something different than he does. When a "weak" believer sees a "strong" doing something his weak conscience will not allow him to do (like eating meats offered to idols) he is likely to judge him for it. On the other hand, when a "strong" believer sees a "weak" abstaining from something for "religious reasons" that the "strong's" conscience allows, he could "despise" his brother's "ignorant" behavior. These tendencies are very real and must be vigilantly guarded against by every believer. The lesson is Christians are not to judge each other in these matters, and if anyone must concede, of course, it is to be the "strong." If he refuses to sacrifice his liberty for the sake of his brethren and unity, he may be "strong" in conscience but he is weak in following Christ.
Legalism's Only Remedy
The remedy for legalism or pharisaical behavior is simple in concept but hard for many in practice. In fact, nearly every spiritual fault or sin a believer may find himself in has the same remedy, that is, REPENT! Once you see your fault or sin for what it really is, confess it to God, repent of it (turn from it, change your mind about it), and through the power of God and the strength of the Holy Spirit strive to overcome it. Positionally all Christians are "overcomers" by the work of Christ, but personally every believer must avail himself of Christ's power so he can overcome sin in his daily walk (See our work, More Than Forgiven, under the heading, "Sanctification," for a more detailed look at overcoming sin). He must "yield" his "members" to God (Rom. 6:11-16). However, before one can repent and "get right" he must first see that he is wrong, and this is the legalists weakness (in fact, blindness), like any other Pharisee he can't see where he is wrong.
The only way anyone, saved or lost, can see their spiritual needs is through the word of God illuminated by the Holy Spirit. The Spirit will convict their hearts of their sin once they are exposed to God's word, but it is up to each individual as to what they do with the conviction. Some through the word follow the conviction to its only satisfying answer, Christ; while sadly the majority harden themselves against the conviction and turn away. Some Christians who yielded to the Holy Spirit and received Christ to be saved in turn harden themselves against the wooing of the Spirit to FOLLOW Christ. Christians will not hesitate to trust God with their "soul," but many resist to trust Him with their LIFE!
In Conclusion
To paraphrase a well known proverb, "The road to legalism is paved with good intentions." Most who desire to lord it over other Christians with their brand of legalism got there (like any Pharisee) by thinking they were doing God a service. They believe their "standards" are an aid to godliness and holiness and all believers who seek these virtues must adhere to them. As with all true believers, they began their Christian life with liberty, that is, freedom from the law, sin, death, and Hell, but they by their "laws" wish to restrict the liberty of others and judge those who don't "conform." They attempt to "legislate" righteousness on people, but the Bible testifies true righteousness can come only from the inside. As has been said, "The law (any law) is like a mirror, one can look in it and see he is dirty, but he cannot wash himself with it," so even if the legalist's law was scriptural, following it would not make one righteous.
As we mentioned above, every Christian has the tendency and ability to be legalistic. And we think it is safe to say every believer has at times spoken or acted toward a brother in a legalistic or pharisaical manner. Pride and envy are enemies of us all, but we must overcome them by the power of God. If we don't then we become a hindrance to the gospel rather than a friend. God help us all to have the sacrificial "mind of Christ" and give up our "rights" where they hinder other people, forsaking the evil attitude of darkness. When we do then we can truly enjoy the precious liberty we have in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! Amen!
A Candid Study of Legalism, "Pharisees," and Christian Liberty
by Timothy S. Morton
________________________________________
Copyright, 1999
Timothy S. Morton
All Rights Reserved
All Scripture references and quotations are from the Authorized King James Version of the Bible.
Chapter III - Liberty's Limitations
From the above two chapters, with all our "negativeness," the reader may think we have a "sour" outlook on many Christians, preachers, or on Christianity in general, but that is not the case. We only have a sour outlook on selfish human nature. We are convinced the primary detriment to spirit-filled, godly living among Christians is not Satan but conceited, vile human nature (the "old man") given place in a believer's heart. A Christian that lives after the Spirit, however, will put to death the old man and not act like a Pharisee or live as a hypocrite. Furthermore, he will not unduly judge his brother or become a "stumblingblock" in his way (Rom. 14:13). In fact, a truly Spirit-filled believer will willingly relinquish his personal liberties and give up his freedoms for the benefit of his brethren.
The liberty Christ gives believers is not intended to be used as a means for self gratification or personal excess. Neither is it to be used as "stumblingblock" to others. The same Paul who said, ""Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free..." (Gal. 5:1), also said, "For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all..." (1 Cor. 9:19) . The difference between the statements is in Galatians Paul is dealing with the sufficiency of salvation in Christ alone apart from the bondage of works or the law, but in Corinthians he is speaking of a believers attitude and relationship with other believers. A Christian should never concede or "give an inch" to those who contend there is an element of works or "law-keeping" necessary for one to be saved or remain saved. When it comes to the sufficiency of Christ's work on the cross, and that work alone, to secure a believers salvation for all eternity ("It is FINISHED"), every believer should "stand fast" for the truth; but when dealing with matters of personal liberty, every believer should be willing to concede his "rights".
"Meats," "Days," and More
In New Testament times the issue of a Christian eating "meats" offered to idols was a "hot" issue. Believers that were "strong" in faith (Rom. 15:1) realized, "that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one" (1 Cor. 8:4) and that meats offered to them were in no way tainted or unclean. They could eat the meats with a clear conscience. However, there were other believers who for one reason or another could not eat the "meats" with a clear conscience. They were truly Christians like their "strong" brethren, but their conscience was "weak" and would not allow them to eat the meats without feeling "defiled" (1 Cor. 8:7). What does Paul do? Does he rebuke and berate the "weak" and tell them to "be strong" and go ahead and eat the meat, defiling themselves in their own eyes? Not at all. Instead he encourages the "strong" to "bear the infirmities of the weak and not to please [themselves]" (Rom. 15:1).
Clearly, the "Christian thing to do" when a believer's liberty infringes on another believer's weakness is for the strong to sacrifice their liberty for the sake of his brother. This is what Christ did. He did not have to die on the cross and suffer all He did. He is the God of heaven. He willingly humbled Himself and became a man for the sake of man because man was weak and had a great need (Phil. 2:6-8). So likewise should His followers do the same. If one truly loves his brother (as he is commanded to), he will avoid doing anything that would harm him. He would gladly give up most anything that is rightfully his if it in some way would cause his brother to stumble as a Christian. Paul insists it is only right for a believer who eats meats offered to idols to abstain from eating them if it hurts another (Rom. 14:1-23; 1 Cor. 8:1-13, 9:19-22). And if one insists on his "right" to eat his meats, ignoring the weakness of his brother, he sins against Christ (1 Cor. 8:12). "Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend" (1 Cor 8:13).
"Meats" were only one example of differences in the positions of believers in the New Testament. Another was the keeping of "days" (Rom. 14:5-6). Apparently, some believers felt certain days were holier than others (The Lords Day?) or deserved special recognition while others esteemed every day alike. Paul, didn't take sides, he simply said, "let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind" (Rom. 14:5). Paul had no problem with a believer esteeming or not esteeming any certain day. He knew once a believer gets saved and is "in Christ," "days" don't matter. He also knew the "Lord's Day" was not a "holy day" or a even replacement of the Jewish Sabbath, but many Christians today don't realize this.
Today, many believers esteem the Lord's Day (Sunday) as some sort of "Christian Sabbath" (Of course, the Bible knows nothing of a "Christian Sabbath," it only speaks of an Old Testament Sabbath given to Israel), but these believers treat Sunday as if it is the Sabbath. This belief is likely a "carry over" from Catholicism and before that Judaism. Christ died nearly 2000 years ago to free man from the law yet remnants of it still linger. However, the Lord's day is NOT the Sabbath, and as surprising as it may sound, neither is it a "command" that Christians observe it. Christians do assemble, give, take the "Lord's Supper," etc., on the "first day of the week," but this is only by following the EXAMPLE of the Scriptures; it is NOT a command! Some of you reading this are probably having convulsions about now, but you will have to show us from the Bible where observance of the Lord's Day is commanded to convince us otherwise.
True, the Bible does say, "forsake not the assembling of yourselves together," but it still does not require any certain day to be preferred or esteemed above another. It does not even stipulate as to how often believers should assemble (but at least once a week has been given as an example). Nevertheless, the "strong" brother should not ridicule, intimidate, or browbeat the "weak" over the issue of observing "days." If some Christians hold Sunday in higher esteem than the other six days of the week, "let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind" (Rom. 14:5).
Although "meats" and "days" were the examples Paul used in his letters, their are many other issues that can fall into this category. Dress, hair length, head covering (women), foot-washing, manner of communion, movies, television, radio, internet, etc., etc., are issues that can fit into the same category today. As we saw in the previous chapter, many preach their opinion as Bible doctrine on these matters and will barely tolerate those who don't agree. If their egos were not so bloated they would realize the Bible is not specific on any of these subjects.
The "Rights" of a Christian
Today, it seems, everybody wants to stand up for their "rights." Even though the Bible says nothing about a Christian in himself having "rights," many believers can be heard defending or upholding them. Your author has heard Fundamentalist preachers say things like, "It is my right as a Christian to have an expensive home or a luxury car," "It is my right to play golf all day or go on a cruise," "It is my right to be supported by you people (Christians) and not have to work," etc. Again, they talk more like "prosperity gospel" Charismatics than "Bible believing Fundamentalists." How unlike their Savior they are. Christ had the highest "right" in the universe "being in the form of God..." but he humbled Himself and waived His rights so He could save us. Paul, who followed Christ, waived all his "rights" ("But I have used none of these things...for it were better for me to die, than that any man should make my glorying void," 1 Cor. 9:15), even those "ordained of God" (1 Cor. 9:14). But regardless of what they say, these upholders of rights are not following either.
The essence of the "rights" a Christian has while in this world is a right to call God his Father, Christ his Savior, the Holy Spirit his comforter, and the right to SUFFER for them (2 Tim. 3:12). The Bible does not "grant" believers the right to much more. True, a preacher in a sense has a right to be supported by those he teaches, but a man who will waive that right for the sake of the gospel and his testimony MORE follows the leading of Christ. It has been said the one word that most defines the true Christian "mentality" is "Others." Philippians 2:3 says this plainly, "...let each esteem others BETTER than himself." This one verse blows a huge hole in the "self-esteem" and the "Christian rights" promoters so prevalent today. They emphasize "self" while the Scriptures emphasize "others." It is sad to say but much that is heard from Fundamentalist pulpits today is more self-serving rhetoric than sound Bible doctrine. Likewise, many Christians and preachers wouldn't consider sacrificing some of their "rights" for the sake of their brethren or the gospel. Their behavior and attitude of excess is often the fuel that drives those who criticize Christianity as a hypocritical, money-making "scam."
The Christian Attitude
Whether a person is a legalist, Pharisee, or a humble sacrificial Christian is a result of their mentality or attitude. It stands to reason if one's attitude is derived from the wrong source he can't help but have the wrong attitude. If a preacher is found proclaiming his rights, and the Bible places no emphasis on rights (and it doesn't), then the preacher obviously derived his attitude from a source other than the Bible. That the preacher has verses to supposedly back up his claims is immaterial; his attitude is contrary to the sacrificial attitude found throughout the Scriptures.
The Bible is emphatic as to the attitude a Christian is to have. "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus," states it plainly. A Christian is to have Christ's attitude. He or she is to FOLLOW (not "imitate") their Savior in His attitude and behavior through the guidance of the Holy Spirit. This is every Christians "calling," "For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps" (1 Pet 2:21). The "steps" of a beaten, bloody, savior; climbing a hill to His death on a cross, not for Himself but for OTHERS, is not the "steps" of a modern day Christian who demands his rights! A preacher who misuses the Scriptures to convince gullible believers to support his extravagant and flamboyant lifestyle does not have the "mind of Christ." He has more the mind of "SELF."
In Galatians chapter 6 the Scriptures associate a believer with the "Law of Christ" (Gal. 6:2), however, this law is not so much a "law" of specific commands but of an attitude or spiritual "mind set". The "law of Christ" does not consist of negative "thou shalt nots" but of positive yielding of one's "members" to the Holy Spirit (Rom. 6). When a believer "walk
Some of you may take issue with us for these statements claiming were are the very thing we oppose (legalistic), but, brethren, the Bible is clear on the attitude and disposition a Christian should have. There are a multitude of verses that deal with the issue (Matt. 4:19, 8:22; Luke 9:23; John 10:4; 1 Cor. 11:1; etc.). As we mentioned above, a legalist is someone who goes beyond the teaching of the Scriptures with their own subjective rules and laws as a means to "holiness." They are not satisfied with the Bible's "standards" and feel they must add to them for the sake of "godliness." As another has said, "We are free to counsel one another, and help one another, but not to legislate. It is wrong, absolutely wrong, to do so. It becomes legality when we make unwarranted demands upon others in an area not prohibited by Scripture."
The "Weak" and the "Strong"
We mentioned how Paul classified believers as "weak" and "strong" when dealing with personal liberties and limitations, but Paul was not implying that the "strong" was superior to the "weak" or the weak necessarily needed to become "strong." He didn't take sides (even though he, himself held the "strong" position). He was simply telling believers they are not to judge each other on matters of personal liberty and limitations that the Bible is not specific on. Paul very well knew the human tendency to be judgmental of others (he used to be a Pharisee) and he spent considerable time adjuring others not to unduly judge. What Paul considers "weak" or "strong" about believers is not the believer's position or standing before God but the condition of their conscience. The "weak" had a weak conscience as to what it would allow the person to do while the "strong" had a strong conscience.
The problem arises when a "weak" or "strong" believer observes his "opposite" doing something different than he does. When a "weak" believer sees a "strong" doing something his weak conscience will not allow him to do (like eating meats offered to idols) he is likely to judge him for it. On the other hand, when a "strong" believer sees a "weak" abstaining from something for "religious reasons" that the "strong's" conscience allows, he could "despise" his brother's "ignorant" behavior. These tendencies are very real and must be vigilantly guarded against by every believer. The lesson is Christians are not to judge each other in these matters, and if anyone must concede, of course, it is to be the "strong." If he refuses to sacrifice his liberty for the sake of his brethren and unity, he may be "strong" in conscience but he is weak in following Christ.
Legalism's Only Remedy
The remedy for legalism or pharisaical behavior is simple in concept but hard for many in practice. In fact, nearly every spiritual fault or sin a believer may find himself in has the same remedy, that is, REPENT! Once you see your fault or sin for what it really is, confess it to God, repent of it (turn from it, change your mind about it), and through the power of God and the strength of the Holy Spirit strive to overcome it. Positionally all Christians are "overcomers" by the work of Christ, but personally every believer must avail himself of Christ's power so he can overcome sin in his daily walk (See our work, More Than Forgiven, under the heading, "Sanctification," for a more detailed look at overcoming sin). He must "yield" his "members" to God (Rom. 6:11-16). However, before one can repent and "get right" he must first see that he is wrong, and this is the legalists weakness (in fact, blindness), like any other Pharisee he can't see where he is wrong.
The only way anyone, saved or lost, can see their spiritual needs is through the word of God illuminated by the Holy Spirit. The Spirit will convict their hearts of their sin once they are exposed to God's word, but it is up to each individual as to what they do with the conviction. Some through the word follow the conviction to its only satisfying answer, Christ; while sadly the majority harden themselves against the conviction and turn away. Some Christians who yielded to the Holy Spirit and received Christ to be saved in turn harden themselves against the wooing of the Spirit to FOLLOW Christ. Christians will not hesitate to trust God with their "soul," but many resist to trust Him with their LIFE!
In Conclusion
To paraphrase a well known proverb, "The road to legalism is paved with good intentions." Most who desire to lord it over other Christians with their brand of legalism got there (like any Pharisee) by thinking they were doing God a service. They believe their "standards" are an aid to godliness and holiness and all believers who seek these virtues must adhere to them. As with all true believers, they began their Christian life with liberty, that is, freedom from the law, sin, death, and Hell, but they by their "laws" wish to restrict the liberty of others and judge those who don't "conform." They attempt to "legislate" righteousness on people, but the Bible testifies true righteousness can come only from the inside. As has been said, "The law (any law) is like a mirror, one can look in it and see he is dirty, but he cannot wash himself with it," so even if the legalist's law was scriptural, following it would not make one righteous.
As we mentioned above, every Christian has the tendency and ability to be legalistic. And we think it is safe to say every believer has at times spoken or acted toward a brother in a legalistic or pharisaical manner. Pride and envy are enemies of us all, but we must overcome them by the power of God. If we don't then we become a hindrance to the gospel rather than a friend. God help us all to have the sacrificial "mind of Christ" and give up our "rights" where they hinder other people, forsaking the evil attitude of darkness. When we do then we can truly enjoy the precious liberty we have in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! Amen!