Legalism empowers DEMONS in your life!

Mitspa · Feb 28, 2015

Col 2:14 Blotting out the handwriting of (legal dogma) that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;
15 And having disarmed principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.

Our battle against the demonic realm is a spiritual battle, fought with spiritual laws that we have been equipped by the Holy Spirit of God. Legalism is the flesh trying to attain spiritual truths. Legalism only keeps a believer bound and subject to the flesh. Nothing pleases the devil more than legalism! Almost every attack against the spiritual gospel in the New Testament was an attempt by the devil to bring legalism into the church, and by that, giving him power over the spiritual children of God by making them subject to their own flesh, through legalism.

Willie-T · Feb 28, 2015

As a man thinketh, so is he. If we concentrate on rules, we become bound by them.

Joidevivre · Feb 28, 2015

Legalism not only opposes grace, but it brings us into the bondage of guilt just as the law did. Our focus then is on ourselves instead of the mercy of God.

Mitspa · Feb 28, 2015

Willie-T said:

If we are bound by the limits of our flesh through legalism and trying to justify our flesh, the devil will always have power over us. If we see who we are in Christ by faith in the Spirit and have no confidence in the flesh, we will find victory in our faith, because we are in the Spirit and not in the flesh.

Ga 3:2 This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? 3 Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?

Being in faith and not under law...is being "in the Spirit"
and it is in faith, in the Spirit we have power over the enemy.

1Jo 5:4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.

The devil wants to bring us back into legalism (flesh)...which is not of faith (spirit) and there he has power over us.

Reborn · Feb 28, 2015

Willie-T said:

This is one of those rare, double meaning posts?
It's hard to tell which way you meant it?

I like it.

Jason0047 · Feb 28, 2015

While I do not believe in Works Based Salvationism or Legalism, we obviously are not talking about the ignoring of the moral law here (with the thinking that you are saved no matter how you live), right? For if one can think they can do evil or sin and think they are saved, then Jesus, Paul, and Peter would be in disagreement with them big time. For Paul says, be not deceived for the unrighteous shall not inherit the Kingdom of God. Then Paul lists certain sins (Such as murder, hate, theft, sexual immorality, etc.). Paul also says if any man teaches contrary to the words of Jesus and the doctrine of godliness is proud and knows nothing. So while I am against Legalism or a rules based system of salvation, it is just as equally wrong to say we do not uphold no law whatseover as a part of being saved. For shall we continue in sin because we are not under the Law? Paul replies, God forbid.

Mitspa · Feb 28, 2015

Delivery from sin is not through legalism namely the law...its through grace and being set free from the law of carnal rules. If one sees themselves under the law "10 commandments ..etc.. They are in bondage to sin. Just as satan would have them to be.

Ro 6:14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.

Again the devil has told the lie that a believer is under parts of the law of moses,( moral law) to bring them into bondage to their flesh and sin.

1Co 15:56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.

Mitspa · Feb 28, 2015

Here is a interesting article on the relation between legalism and narcissistic types...

I don’t know whether a legalistic organization actually creates narcissists or if narcissists are simply drawn to legalism, but the two are certainly found together often.

It isn’t only the teachers. In fact, some teachers of legalism are just as deceived as the people they teach. They just pass on what they have learned and they try to do it in new and better ways. And it isn’t just that narcissistic husbands drag their wives into these organizations. Surprisingly often, the wife is the one who pushes to connect with what she believes will help the family.

In any case, narcissism and legalism often go together. I suppose the control and authority that legalism demands are part of it. Narcissists love to control others. But I suspect that the opportunity for spiritual measurement is even more important.
Narcissists need to know where they stand against others. I have sais that legalism is a system where the participants know they are never as good as they should be, but they also know they are better than you. Legalists never measure up to the standards of the system, but they always know where they stand.

In much the same way, narcissists know their own weaknesses and inadequacies. They are filled with fear and worry and they feel constantly inferior. That’s why they try so hard to push others down. A narcissist always knows where he or she stands against the others in the room. This positioning is part of the self-preservation they have developed throughout their lives.

Legalism is a wonderful environment for positioning. If you have ever been a part of a legalist congregation, you understand what I mean. Comparisons, boasting, lies, even spying and tattling are all part of life in the legalist church. All for the purpose of appearing to be better than others.
So, like the legalist, the narcissist is keenly aware of his shortcomings. But he is also quite certain that he is better than you.

Jason0047 · Feb 28, 2015

Mitspa said:

Paul says shall we sin because we are not under the Law? Paul says, God forbid. Meaning you can't continue to sin. For Paul says the unrighteous will not inherit the Kingdom of God. In other words, while believers do not obey certain laws to be saved, being saved by Jesus Christ will lead a person to naturally keep God's moral laws (Which is to love God and love all people). For God lives within the true believer and He does the good work thru their heart and lives. So if there is no holiness or fruitful works, then their faith is counterfeit and false. Again, it's not the work that saves you in and of itself. For a person can be saved right here and right now without the deeds of the law by repenting of their sins and accepting Jesus. If they sin again, they do not go out and do a holy work to offset that sin. They get their heart right with the Lord by confessing their sin to Him (And in forsaking it with His help). That is why we are saved by God's grace and not of works. Works is just proof that God is in you; And God (Christ) is the source of your salvation. It's not in anything that you do.

Mitspa · Feb 28, 2015

More on the connection between legalism and narcissism…

I suppose the two feed each other. The narcissist must control the way others see him. He must excel in his own eyes. He must have ways of measuring himself against others and coming out on top. Legalism offers a great opportunity for the narcissist—under the guise of being spiritual.

On the other hand, the legalist must focus on himself. The whole idea is the measurement and accomplishment of spiritual progress. As he focuses on himself (in a task which can never be complete) he cannot empathize with the struggles of others. Instead, he sees others as a means to build his own image. If he can control his family, he will look good. If he can manipulate things in his church, he will feel better for his association with it. Legalism is all about serving the flesh.

Narcissism is a technical diagnostic word in psychology and should be used carefully by the rest of us, no matter how popular it is becoming. That’s why I prefer to talk about “image addiction” as narcissism relates to believers and church relationships. Those who suffer from image addiction have an obsession with the image they project to others. They will lie, manipulate, and even attack to protect and build up their image.

michael56 · Feb 28, 2015

Mitspa said:

And the only way to take away the strength of sin is to know Jesus died for all your sin, past, present and future. Then sin shall not be your master, for you are not under law but under grace

Mitspa · Feb 28, 2015

Jason0047 said:

Paul says shall we sin because we are not under the Law? Paul says, God forbid. Meaning you can't continue to sin. For Paul says the unrighteous will not inherit the Kingdom of God. In other words, while believers do not obey certain laws to be saved, being saved by Jesus Christ will lead a person to naturally keep God's moral laws (Which is to love God and love all people). For God lives within the true believer and He does the good work thru their heart and lives. So if there is no holiness or fruitful works, then their faith is counterfeit and false. Again, it's not the work that saves you in and of itself. For a person can be saved right here and right now without the deeds of the law by repenting of their sins and accepting Jesus. If they sin again, they do not go out and do a holy work to offset that sin. They get their heart right with the Lord by confessing their sin to Him (And in forsaking it with His help). That is why we are saved by God's grace and not of works. Works is just proof that God is in you; And God (Christ) is the source of your salvation. It's not in anything that you do.

Who is talking about sinning? Im talking about being set free from sin and sins power, which is legalism, namely the legal code (dogma) of the law of Moses.

Jason0047 · Feb 28, 2015

How does lying hold any weight or value to an Antinomian (i.e. Those who ignore God's moral laws)? If one wants to be consistent with that which is good, they cannot borrow from God's good moral laws to prove their point in disobeying God's good moral laws. That wouldn't make any sense.

Mitspa · Feb 28, 2015

Back to the Shame?

I recently heard a sad story about a young lady (adult) who escaped a legalist home and tried to set up a life apart from the constant criticism and control. She went through several difficulties, but eventually ended up returning home. Back to the legalism, the judgment, the condemnation, the shame. No doubt the return of the prodigal was cause for celebration, but almost certainly not the celebration of parents to have their beloved daughter home. Instead, it was the celebration of the system, the affirmation that the daughter needed what the system gave and “did the right thing” by returning. And I expect that the other system followers consider themselves to be generous and gracious by allowing the shamed one to return.

Why would someone leave legalism because of the condemnation and then return to it? This happens often. People leave a legalistic church, then find their way back with their tails tucked between their legs in repentance. Or they simply find another legalistic church to attend. People leave behind a legalistic teacher but continue to read his books with a strange longing in their hearts. What pulls them back?

Legalism messes with your mind. It controls by manipulation of emotions and twisting of logic. The primary tools used by almost all legalistic groups are:
◾Criticism – the constant criticism of any alternative thought, whether it is from the world or from the individual. Often the legalist system teaches more on what they are against than on what they believe. To harbor thoughts that are contrary to the established teaching is considered both foolish and evil. Those who try to leave find that little voice of condemnation goes with them.

◾Comparison – Along with the constant criticism is the perpetual state of being compared with others. Children grow up being compared with others who are “doing it the right way.” Wives are provided with examples of how they should act. Men are compared (unfavorably) with the teacher. To “measure up” becomes the goal. No one wants to be at the bottom of the pile. Those who leave know that they will forever be the object of that comparison: “You don’t want to end up like so-and-so, do you?” Returning holds the promise of being celebrated and of being held a little higher than those who didn’t return.

◾Cut-off – Separation has long been a hallmark of legalism. Because those outside the system, even close relatives, are seen as inferior or evil, there is little or no support structure outside. The world is a cruel place for those without support and encouragement. Things have been said and done, even in formerly close relationships, that have burned bridges. It is difficult to go to someone for help, when unkind and judgmental thoughts and actions have been committed toward that person.

◾Cause and effect – “Bad things happen because of disobedience.” This false idea is hammered into the minds and hearts of legalistic followers from the earliest ages. They grow up knowing that anything bad is the result of their own sin. Once the person gains enough strength to leave the system, he or she will encounter challenges. The normal response is that the challenges come because of disobedience. This is communicated directly through any continuing contact with family or friends in the system, but it is also considered axiomatic by the person. The only way out of the trouble or challenge is to return to the system in repentance.

Jason0047 · Feb 28, 2015

Mitspa said:

While believers do not follow the entire Law of the Old Testament obviously (For one can see changes in the Law between the OT and the NT), we do not disobey the moral law because Christ and Paul both commanded us to love (Which fulfills the moral law). Yes, it is true that we are set free from sin's power, this freedom is so as to walk in God's good ways and it never gives us a free pass so as to sin (with the thinking we are saved). For all sin must be confessed before the Lord (1 John 1:9) and forsaken in one's life. In other words, it is confusing to say we are not under law (as if we are not under no law whatsoever) as believers. Christians are not anarchists. Paul says we establish the Law. Not the OT Law, but the NT Law of Christ (Which is to love your neighbor). If one is not loving others, then they are proving they are not of God. For God is love (And God lives within them).

Mitspa · Feb 28, 2015

Jason0047 said:

Well don't lie... and believe the bible and you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free...

Joh 1:17 For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.

But using the law as a witness to faith and love is different from being under the letter of the law...obedience in the Spirit is not the same as the false obedience under the written code of the law.....I can show you the difference if you will listen to the truth of Gods Word?

michael56 · Feb 28, 2015

Mitspa said:

It is not possible for the human mind to rationalise the fact that by Jesus dying for all your sins, past, present and future sin shall not be your master. Only the Holy Spirit can turn on the light

Mitspa · Feb 28, 2015

Jason0047 said:

So then Paul is teaching love, not legalism... Love is obedience , legalism is not!

Ro 7:6 But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter.

Mitspa · Feb 28, 2015

michael56 said:

I have to assume these guys have the Holy Spirit behind all that religious flesh, puffed up by dead works? I have actually seen some legalist grab hold of true obedience in the past, and your right the Holy Spirit had to make the truth real to them.

Its possible so don't give up

Mitspa · Feb 28, 2015

Legalism kills.

It really does, you know. It has no choice. Legalism has no life to offer.

Paul understood this. In a long section about the Law of Moses, Paul writes, in 2nd Corinthians 3, “…the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.” He goes on to tell us clearly what that letter is and what it has to offer: “the ministry of death, written and engraved on stones.”

Now, if you go and read that chapter, you will see that Paul is not disrespecting the Law. In fact, he refers to it as “glorious.” It’s just that the Law was given to kill us. Its purpose is to bring us to the end of ourselves so that we see how much we need a Savior.

It’s a simple message: You can’t do it yourself. When God even begins to show you what kind of life is required, it should be very clear that you won’t be able to do it. Legalists come up with all kinds of loopholes and caveats, but God doesn’t accept anything less than perfection—and He doesn’t expect you to be anything more than what you can be. Once sin entered humanity, the opportunity for perfection was gone.

So the legalist lives with the idea that he can, if he works hard, do enough to please God and God, on His side, is never pleased with the small accomplishments of the legalist. The legalist knows that he deserves nothing good from the hand of God, yet he has worked hard to make it seem like he deserves something. His system of performance will never accomplish his hopes, so he takes a perverse pleasure in pointing out the errors of others. That way he, at least, looks like he is better than someone.

Yes, legalism kills. It kills because it is supposed to kill. It is supposed to kill all human hope of self-salvation. It is supposed to kill any pretense of human goodness apart from the Lord. It is supposed to kill the idea that we can be better than others by our own spirituality.

But, sadly, legalism kills other things as well. When the legalist refuses to accept defeat, when he just tries harder and harder to be good enough, he enters into an obsession that kills his heart. Relationship is a matter of the heart and,when the heart is dead, no real relationship is possible. Here is the tie between legalism and narcissism. The legalist is no longer able to see others as persons with life and value. He sees them only as tools to help his quest or obstacles in the way.

Pray that the legalist will come to the end of himself quickly. Pray that he will see the death inherent in his system. Pray that he will stop and see that he has accomplished nothing. Pray that he will, in his terror of death and destruction, cry out to the Lord who loves him and allow the Spirit to give him life.

Legalism empowers DEMONS in your life!

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