The Roots of Insecurity (Part 2)
By John Woodward
June 14, 2007

2. Legalism

"Legalism" involves legislating ideal behaviors, trying to gain
practical righteousness by self-effort, and focusing on externals more
than the heart motives. The Galatian church fell into this trap due to
false teachers: "O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you that you
should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was clearly
portrayed among you as crucified? This only I want to learn from you:
Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing
of faith? Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now
being made perfect by the flesh?" (Gal. 3:1-3). These believers had
been saved by grace through faith, but later had been duped into trying
to complete their salvation by attempting to keep the law of Moses.

They were also seeking to grow spiritually by trying to keep external
standards in their own strength. Their view of Christian living needed
a grace awakening. The apostle affirmed, "For we through the Spirit
eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. For in Christ
Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but
faith working through love" (Gal 5:5,6).

Whether obvious or subtle, legalism can become a root of insecurity. To
the extent that disciples "keep the rules" they will be tempted to have
pride and make comparisons. Or, if they fail to live up to these rules,
they will be burdened by guilt and condemnation. This feeling of
estrangement from God raises questions as to whether the disciple is
really saved after all. "If I were truly saved, wouldn't I be more
obedient? More consistent? More victorious?"

The most comprehensive description of the legalist's inner struggle is
found in the seventh chapter of Romans. Although space prevents a
detailed exposition of the chapter, some essential observations help to
navigate this passage. Remember that Romans chapter 5 explains the
nature of justification by faith and chapter six teaches identification
with Christ by faith.[1] However, before a fuller statement of the
victory of faith through the Spirit-filled life (chapter 8 Paul is
guided to convey the frustration all believers have experienced: "For
what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do
not practice; but what I hate, that I do" (Rom. 7:15).

Paul speaks of an earlier time in his life as a present conviction.[2]
To the extent that a Christian lives according the the flesh, he/she
will find themselves feeling that "... I am carnal, sold under sin"
(Rom. 7:14b). This condition is intensified when a believer tries to
live a holy life by means of external standards in his/her own
strength. This legalistic paradox drags the frustrated Christian to the
point of despair and misery: "O wretched man that I am! Who will
deliver me from this body of death?" (Rom 7:24).

Thankfully, the way of deliverance is explained in the passages
surrounding this 'page from Paul's journal.' Those who are in Christ
are totally forgiven and justified! "Therefore, having been justified
by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ ...
There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus
..." (Rom. 5:1; 8:1). From this assured standing the disciple is to
walk according to the Spirit and live out of his/her union with Christ
by grace through faith! We have been freed from sin's authority through
our union with Christ: "For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ
Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death" (Rom. 8:2.

Therefore, if you have been burdened by the weight of legalism, realize
that this is no proof that you're unsaved. Rather, the law has
magnified the sinful tendencies of your flesh: "For I know that in me
(that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells ..." (Rom 7:18a). The flesh,
however, is distinct from your new human spirit where you are unified
with Christ.[3]

Here is a testimony of your innermost desires if you are born again:
"For I delight in the law of God according to the inward man" (Rom.
7:22). In the Grace Economy assurance is not as license to sin, but an
incentive to respond in loving gratitude to God. Motivated from this
secure relationship, "His commandments are not burdensome" (1 John
5:3b). "For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under
law but under grace" (Rom. 6:14).

So instead of maintaining a holding pattern of insecurity and doubt due
to legalism and guilt, base your assurance on God's promises and move
ahead by walking in the Holy Spirit's fellowship and power.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

[1] For an exposition of the chapters of Romans see Robert Jones' The
Gospel for the Believer at
http://gracenotebook.biblemessages.com/pg/10

[2] This struggle was probably part of his three year sabbatical in
Arabia after his conversion (Gal. 1:17). Paul's testimony as a
Spirit-filled apostle is that he lived an exemplary life with a clear
conscience (1 Cor. 4:16; 11:1; Acts 23:1; 2 Tim. 1:3).

[3] Technically, the flesh is not a co-equal "nature," but the body and
soul's residual patterns and tendencies from "the old man." The flesh
is IN you, but it's not YOU. This is not hair splitting but dynamically
important, since Paul went on to declare, "Now if I do what I will not
to do, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me" (Rom.
7:20). This doesn't excuse the believer from personal responsibility.
Rather, this distinction reveals the true source of spiritual
opposition--the Sin principle (Rom 7:17). This principle results from
the world/flesh/devil influence that opposes the Holy Spirit's purpose
for your life. Thankfully, in Christ you have been set free from the
law of sin and death through the resources of the abundant life--Christ
in you, the hope of glory (Rom. 8:2; Col. 1:27). The "old man" was
co-crucified with Christ (Rom. 6:6) and is no longer your nemesis (Col.
3:9). See GraceNotebook.com "definition of terms" and David Needham's
analysis of the differences between the "old man" and the "flesh":
http://gracenotebook.biblemessages.com/pub/363

For further study on the dispensations of law and grace, see
http://www.Gracenotebook.com/law_vs_grace.htm

Copyright 2007 by John Woodward. Permission is granted to reprint for
non-commercial use. Scripture quotations are from the New King James
Version, Copyright by Thomas Nelson.