Legalism is Not Holiness

Thesis: Because of what Christ did and who he is in verses 9-15. we are not to be subject to legalism - the do's and dont's. Godliness and holiness has nothing to do with man-made decrees.

I. LEGALISM (v. 16-17)

• concerned more with form than substance
• don't pass judgment over forms and practices
• practices were not means to God's favor, but
  a shadow of Christ, pointing to his life!

II. FALSE WORSHIP (v.18-19)

• Many suggest alternate beings, avenues, etc
  to get to God - false worship
• ex: "I feel", "God told me", "I think", etc
• Text says Jesus is the head, only one to be
  worshipped and held on to

III. ASCETISM (v.20-23)

• imposing outside disciplines to change the heart
• The heart must change; inside-out
• can't be trapped into thinking external practices
  will change the inside
• outside action cannot detour appetites of the
  flesh. Grace opposes sin, not nature.

CONCLUSION: True holiness is imitating Christ : seeking to be like him; live for him; reflect him. Not following, and thus exalting regulations over his person and being.