What is Legalism?

1.Sinful Misuses of the Term "Legalism".
a)As an undefined condemnation of someone else's views or practice which we do not like. Scripture is the test. Impossibility of being too Scriptural.
b)As a way of justifying making flexible principles that Scripture makes inflexible. Our sinful desire to be arbiters of what sins matter.

2.What Legalism Is.
The following misuses of God's law can fairly be described as legalism.
a) Seeking justification by our works.
b) Adding to God's Law by human tradition.
c)Attending only to the external.
d)Preoccupation with detail while neglecting bigger matters. Matt.23:23.

3.Avoiding Legalism.
a)Never ignore God's Word in the slightest on the pretext of avoiding legalism.
b)Be aware of personal temperamental disposition.
c)Think much upon Christ and our absolute dependence upon Him. Aim at Biblical consistency, but beware of pride in consistency which will prove a forerunner of blatant compromise. Gal.2:20 must be a constant reality. Make our boast in the Lord.