Love or Legalism? Including Prayer of Repentance for Self-Righteousness and Not Walking in Love

Love or Legalism Including Prayer of Repentance for Self-Righteousness and Not Walking In Love

Legalism or Christ?

"Question: What does the Bible say about legalism?...

Answer: The word "legalism" does not occur in the Bible. It is a term Christians use to describe a doctrinal position emphasizing a system of rules and regulations for achieving both salvation and spiritual growth. Legalists believe in and demand a strict literal adherence to rules and regulations. Doctrinally, it is a position essentially opposed to grace. Those who hold a legalistic position often fail to see the real purpose for the law, especially the purpose of the Old Testament Law of Moses, which is to be our "schoolmaster" or "tutor" to bring us to Christ (Galatians 3:24). Even true believers can be legalistic. We are instructed, rather, to be gracious to one another... The apostle Paul warns us of legalism in Colossians 2:20-23: "Since you died with Christ to the basic principles of this world, why, as though you still belonged to it, do you submit to its rules: "Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!"? Legalists may appear to be righteous and spiritual, but legalism ultimately fails to accomplish God's purposes... A word of caution is necessary here. While we need to be gracious to one another and tolerant of disagreement over disputable matters, we cannot accept heresy (Jude 3)..."

Excepted for gotquestions.org

The underlying point here is about rules and regulations versus walking in the truth in Christ, which is holiness.

Holiness is love.

When you walk in love you fulfill the Law and you do not sin. When you are walking in the love of Christ you will not sin because the Holy Spirit is guiding you. You cannot walk in sin because those who walk in the Spirit are not under the Law.

A New Covenant

2 Corinthians 3:6-8 Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life. But if the ministration of death, written and engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away: How shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather glorious?

What spirit are you being led by? Are you walking in love or legalism?

Are you being led by the Holy Spirit or are you being led by another religious spirit of legalism?

Legalism is a demon.

It Was Legalists That Crucified Jesus

Matthew 23:1-5 (AMP) Then Jesus spoke to the crowds and to His disciples, 2 saying: “The scribes and Pharisees have seated themselves in Moses’ chair [of authority as teachers of the Law]; so practice and observe everything they tell you, but do not do as they do; for they preach [things], but do not practice them. The scribes and Pharisees tie up heavy loads [that are hard to bear] and place them on men’s shoulders, but they themselves will not lift a finger [to make them lighter]. They do all their deeds to be seen by men; for they make their phylacteries (tefillin) wide [to make them more conspicuous] and make their tassels long.

Take note. Legalists crucified the Lord.

Legalists are hypocrites. Jesus exposes them and warns us so we do not fall in the same pit!

There are many hypocritical faces of a legalist. That is the flesh. They certainly do not have the face of Christ. They are faces of hypocrisy.

Hypocrisy is the Greek word for actor. That is what Satan is. He is like a clown and puppet master. He pulls the strings.

Who is pulling your string or jerking your chain?

Hopefully, you do not have a string or chain.

The only thing you want to have is the armor of light and to be free to walk in the perfect love og God.

Matthew 23:6-11 (AMP) They love the place of distinction and honor at feasts and the best seats in the synagogues [those on the platform near the scrolls of the Law, facing the congregation], and to be greeted [with respect] in the market places and public forums, and to have people call them Rabbi. But do not be called Rabbi (Teacher); for One is your Teacher, and you are all [equally] brothers. Do not call anyone on earth [who guides you spiritually] your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. Do not let yourselves be called leaders or teachers; for One is your Leader (Teacher), the Christ. But the greatest among you will be your servant. Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled; and whoever humbles himself shall be raised to honor.

Matthew 23:13-15 (AMP)  “But woe (judgment is coming) to you, [self-righteous] scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, because you shut off the kingdom of heaven in front of people; for you do not enter yourselves, nor do you allow those who are [in the process of] entering to do so.  [Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, because you swallow up widows’ houses, and to cover it up you make long prayers; therefore you will receive the greater condemnation.] “Woe to you, [self-righteous] scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, because you travel over sea and land to make a single proselyte (convert to Judaism), and when he becomes a convert, you make him twice as much a son of hell as you are.

You will know them by their fruits.

Legalists love to argue about scripture!

One thing we are commanded not to do is argue about scripture.

Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit [the result of His presence within us] is love [unselfish concern for others], joy, [inner] peace, patience [not the ability to wait, but how we act while waiting], kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Jesus said "Many shall come to me in that day and say, "Lord, Lord did we not do this, prophecy in your name, cast out demons in your name, heal the sick, etc." Jesus said in reply, "Depart from me. I never knew you, you workers of  iniquity."

Here you see a comparison with this scripture.

Self-righteousness will actually separate you from Christ.

That is what it is designed to do. It is very dangerous, and the Holy Spirit is warning every believer to take heed. Be careful. Because self-righteousness will blind you and harden your heart.

It will blind you so that you cannot see.

It will also cause you not to know the love of God, which conquers all.

This is one of the reasons there is so much denominationalism and sectarianism in the Church today.

For true believers in Christ there is no division in the Body. There is one Church and that is the Church of Christ.

There are many different gatherings of the Church but we are all baptized into one body, and that is Christ.

You cannot operate in division. You must walk in love.

What binds the Body of Christ together?

Christ.

What is Christ?

Love.

If you are on one accord with the Body of Christ, then you will not be arguing and fighting with others, but instead will be walking in love, accepting each other, and changing each other.

If you want someone to change, you do not change them by manipulating them with scriptures.

You change them by your actions.

By their actions you will know them. By their fruits you will know them.

People will respond to love. People responded to Jesus. Do you know why they responded to Jesus?

Because they saw God. They saw love. They saw his love.

They saw his fruit. his fruit was all God. He gave the people unconditional love. He gave unconditional love to the point of the Cross.

He laid his life down.

Pharisees and religious people do not love. They do not love others the way Christ commanded us to love.

The greatest commandments are to love God first and then to love your neighbor as yourself.

Jesus said the whole law was summed up in these two commandments.

When you get outside of this you are in great danger.

People under dead religion to not have the lampstand in their Church. They don't have the lampstand (See Revelation 2 in reference to the Church at Ephesus).

Jesus issued a warning that if you don't walk in love, He will come and remove the lampstand.

Legalists Are Law Driven

Legalists are law driven rather than Spirit driven.

The Holy Spirit is perfect love and He is the Spirit of Truth. If you do not have the Holy Spirit, then you are in a bad place.

The Holy Spirit is given to guide you, lead you, teach you, comfort you, and show you the way to eternal life.

True religion is a matter of knowing God personally and growing in that relationship with Him.

Legalism is a matter of going through rituals and of keeping rules, but it is devoid of the personal knowledge of God.

Legalists are full of knowledge of the Bible, but totally miss the Pear of Great Price, Christ's

biggest commandment to love each other.

There is nothing wrong with having a knowledge of the Bible as long as you are led by the Spirit, and that knowledge does not puff you up.

People that come under the knowledge that puffs up miss the commandment to love because they become conceited, proud, and elevated in their own eyes.

As soon as you do that, you are in significant danger.

You receive everything from God by grace through faith. Your position in Christ is all by faith, in love.

Faith works through love.

Romans 13:8-10 (AMP) Owe nothing to anyone except to love and seek the best for one another; for he who [unselfishly] loves his neighbor has fulfilled the [essence of the] law [relating to one’s fellowman]. The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery, you shall not murder, you shall not steal, you shall not covet,” and any other commandment are summed up in this statement: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no wrong to a neighbor [it never hurts anyone]. Therefore [unselfish] love is the fulfillment of the Law.

Jesus said, "If you love me, keep my commandments".

What are His commandments?

Love!

If you're not walking in love, you have a significant problem.

You must analyze everything you do. Put it under the test of the love of Christ. Examine yourself and see what spirit is really at work in you.

If it is the Holy Spirit working in you then you will be sanctified. Sanctification is a process.

The Holy Spirit sanctifies us continually through the washing of the Word, through the precious Blood of Jesus, and through the Message of the Cross.

Legalists Are Very Judgmental and Hypocritical

Legalists love judging others and finger pointing.

Matthew 7:1-5 “Do not judge and criticize and condemn [others unfairly with an attitude of self-righteous superiority as though assuming the office of a judge], so that you will not be judged [unfairly]. For just as you [hypocritically] judge others [when you are sinful and unrepentant], so will you be judged; and in accordance with your standard of measure [used to pass out judgment], judgment will be measured to you. Why do you look at the [insignificant] speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice and acknowledge the [egregious] log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me get the speck out of your eye,’ when there is a log in your own eye? You hypocrite (play-actor, pretender), first get the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.

Egregious means shockingly bad!

Hypocrisy means claiming to have moral standards to which one's actions do not conform.

If you are trying to be something or claiming to be something, but you are not who you claim to be, then you need to repent.

You always need to repent of your sins and walk in total humility, knowing that the only way to walk righteously at all is through Christ's grace and love.

Without Christ, you are nothing!

Note: The Greek word for actor is hypocrite.

Love Your Enemies

1 John 4:7-8 (AMP) Beloved, let us [unselfishly] love and seek the best for one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves [others] is born of God and knows God [through personal experience]. The one who does not love has not become acquainted with God [does not and never did know Him], for God is love. [He is the originator of love, and it is an enduring attribute of His nature.]

This is the barometer to know if you truly know God.

Many people worry about their salvation. If you are worried about your salvation, it is by faith through grace. But, for you to walk in the truth, you must walk in love. If you do not walk in love, then you deceive yourself.

1 John 3:15 (AMP)  Everyone who hates (works against) his brother [in Christ] is [at heart] a murderer [by God’s standards]; and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.

This is significant. The only way that you can love others by God's standard is through his grace, by His Holy Spirit. You must die to self otherwise you just be operating in "churchianity" and dead religion.

You will just become a good person. The problem is being a good person does not get you to Heaven.

Luke 6:32-36  For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them. And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same. And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil. Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.

God is kind to the unthankful and evil.

You will never look good trying to make someone else look bad.

Love without hypocrisy. Do not be one that is nice to others because of the Law and not because of the Spirit.

Love Without Hypocrisy

Ephesians 3:19-21 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

You need to understand that this is a Gospel of Power and a Gospel of Love.

The Gospel is a Gospel of love.

Jesus is a God of pure love.

If you have anything other than this, then you have the wrong gospel.

Romans 12:9-13 Let love be without dissimulation (hypocrisy). Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.

Think of others higher than yourself.

Pray, lest you enter into temptation.

Be charitable. That is love.

1 John 4:13 Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.

That is how you know the Holy Spirit: His fruit. if you do not have His fruit, then you really need to search your heart diligently and repent.

Everyone needs to do that.

Knowledge Puffs, But Love Builds Up

Ephesians 6:23-24 Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.

This is the last verse in Paul's letter to the Ephesians. His prayer was for peace to be with the brothers and sisters in Christ along with love joined with faith.

Grace is given to you when you love.

Revelation 2:1-3 “To the angel (divine messenger) of the church in Ephesus write: “These are the words of the One who holds [firmly] the seven stars [which are the angels or messengers of the seven churches] in His right hand, the One who walks among the seven golden lampstands (the seven churches): ‘I know your deeds and your toil, and your patient endurance, and that you cannot tolerate those who are evil, and have tested and critically appraised those who call themselves apostles (special messengers, personally chosen representatives, of Christ), and [in fact] are not, and have found them to be liars and impostors;  and [I know that] you [who believe] are enduring patiently and are bearing up for My name’s sake, and that you have not grown weary [of being faithful to the truth].

Facts or Christ?

Revelation 2:4-7 But I have this [charge] against you, that you have left your first love [you have lost the depth of love that you first had for Me]. So remember the heights from which you have fallen, and repent [change your inner self—your old way of thinking, your sinful behavior—seek God’s will] and do the works you did at first [when you first knew Me]; otherwise, I will visit you and remove your lampstand (the church, its impact) from its place—unless you repent. Yet you have this [to your credit], that you hate the works and corrupt teachings of the [c]Nicolaitans [that mislead and delude the people], which I also hate. He who has an ear, let him hear and heed what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes [the world through believing that Jesus is the Son of God], I will grant [the privilege] to eat [the fruit] from the tree of life, which is in the Paradise of God.’

Nicolaitans are those that lord it over the people (the laity). These are those that believe they are big-shots. They love titles, the best seats, and their own reputation.

The Ephesus Church appeared to be very obedient looking from the outside.

You can observe numerous religious people and they appear to be upright, religious, holy, knowledgeable about the Word of God, faithfully performing religious acts, busy serving and full of facts, but are missing one thing - the Spirit of God.

They are being led by the Letter and not being led by the Spirit.

They are not walking in love.

These have fallen into tradition expressing sentiments like, "We have always done it this way. This is church. This is Christianity".

You must really look at your own faith and discern who and what you are following.

Are you following the real Christ in His love?

Or are you twisting scripture to suit your own doctrine and your own self-righteousness.

They were being religious and doing everything by the Letter with an appearance of holiness but they missed the essential ingredient of love.

Avoiding Legalism in the Church:

Isaiah 29:13-14 Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men: Therefore, behold, I will proceed to do a marvellous work among this people, even a marvellous work and a wonder: for the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid.

To understand the simplicity that is in Christ, you must become like a little child, empty yourself of self, come to the Cross, lay down your life, and follow Him.

The only way that you receive God's grace is by understanding that you are nothing without Him. But in Him, you are all things.

When you understand that and humble yourself, then you can receive from the Spirit and eat from the tree of life and not from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

The tree of the knowledge of good and evil is the root of self-righteousness and legalism.

When someone falls into the deception of self-righteousness, they are eating from the tree of knowledge of good and evil and not from the tree of life.

The tree of life is perfect, pure, unadulterated love.

You cannot run your race well with legalism wrapped around your feet.

Legalism is something to avoid and be wary and careful of. It is deceptive, dangerous, and will blind you if you continue to walk in it.

It will lead to you becoming manipulating and controlling, which is witchcraft.

Prayer of Repentance for Self-Righteousness and Not Walking in Love

Father, in the name of Jesus I come before you right now with an open heart.

Lord, I lift up the gates and let you in.

I repent right now, Father God, for all of my self-righteousness, Lord.

I repent for doing things my own way, for walking in agreement with the spirit of independence, self, ego, walking in the flesh, and for being religious, Lord.

I repent, Father, for trying to prove myself rather than letting you, Father God, change and reprove me.

Lord, I ask for the Holy Spirit to speak to me and give me eyes to see and ears to hear what the Spirit is saying to me.

I repent and ask forgiveness for all unrighteousness, self-serving, self-pleasing, not walking in love, and not putting you first, Lord.

Lord, I repent for having the fear of man and not trusting you.

Lord, I repent for any divisions I have caused, for all arguments I have engaged in, all contention, strife, and anything else that would separate me, Father God, from the awesome grace and love that comes through your eternal Spirit in truth.

Father, I thank you right now and ask that you give me a heart of flesh in Jesus's name.

Lord, I repent for hard-heartedness, being judgmental, critical, and condemning, for being proud, and for anything else that would separate me from the love of Christ and knowing you in truth and spirit.

Lord, I repent for all manipulation, control, intimidation, witchcraft, coercion, or forcing people to do things a certain way if it is not your way, Lord. I repent for all the times I have forced or controlled others, Lord.

I thank you Lord that it is you that transforms and changes me through the Holy Spirit.

Father God, I repent for all hypocrisy and legalism in Jesus's name.

I pray, Father God, that I come into the true understanding of your love.

I repent for the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh, and the pride of life.

I repent for being wise in my own eyes.

Father, I repent for causing others to stumble, knowingly or unknowingly.

Father, I repent for murdering my brothers and sisters and causing others to sway from your path.

Don't allow me to be a stumbling block. I pray, Lord, that I will always build up and edify others and never tear anyone down, Lord.

I ask you, Father God, for the Holy Spirit to fill me so that I may walk in your way, the way of love, the perfect love that casts out all fear.

I ask you Lord to give me the awesome revelation that I walk in you.

I ask that the Holy Spirit guides me and leads me into all truth. I ask that the Holy Spirit comforts me, delivers me, heals, me, and equips me for your glory, Lord.

Fill me. Fill your temple, Lord.

May the hope of my calling be you, Father God.

May I decrease Lord, so that you may increase in my life.

Help me to become love, Lord that I may love others.

Please empty me out of all selfishness. I give you permission right now to cut out anything that is not of you, in Jesus's name.

Give me the awesome revelation of who you truly are, Lord. You came, demonstrated and revealed the Kingdom, Lord and what the Kingdom is.

It is love.

I thank you, Lord, that you showed perfect love in order for me to be free from myself.

I thank you for the Cross, Lord and that you can remove everything that can entangle me and

prevent me from coming to you, Lord. Please remove anything that would keep me laying down my life and following you in truth and the wisdom of your Holy Spirit.

Lord, I thank you and ask that you would rebuild the walls in me. I thank you for your Holy Spirit and ask that you would not remove your lampstand from me.

In Jesus's name.

Amen.