Legalism, the strict devotion to laws or rules, has been an ongoing issue in religious traditions for centuries. It is often marked by overemphasizing external conformity to regulations while ignoring the deeper, more meaningful internal transformation that God has given. In Matthew 23, Jesus delivers a critique of legalism as practiced by the Pharisees and teachers of the law. Similarly, in John 5:16-29, Jesus challenges the legalistic views of the Jewish authorities when He heals a man on the Sabbath, demonstrating that God’s laws are meant to bring life, not oppression.
 
This message will explore legalism as portrayed in both Matthew 23 and John 5:16-29, examining how Jesus responded to it and how followers of Christ today can avoid falling into the same trap. Ultimately, following Jesus requires obedience to and proclamation to Him as Lord and Savior and embracing his grace, love, justice, and mercy rather than becoming entangled in legalism's rigid and often burdensome practices.
 
Legalism Exposed: Matthew 23 and the Pharisees
In Matthew 23, Jesus confronts the Pharisees and teachers of the law for their hypocrisy and legalism. He criticizes their behavior, saying, " They crush people with unbearable religious demands and never lift a finger to ease the burden." (Matthew 23:4). This statement captures the essence of legalism: the imposition of unnecessary and burdensome rules on others while neglecting the true purpose of the law.
 
Legalism, as seen in the actions of the Pharisees, focuses on outward appearances and external adherence to rules. They strictly followed ceremonial practices, such as tithing even the smallest spices, “What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are careful to tithe even the tiniest income from your herb gardens, but you ignore the more important aspects of the law—justice, mercy, and faith. You should tithe, yes, but do not neglect the more important things.” (Matthew 23:23); in their legalism, the religious leaders ignored "the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy, and faithfulness." This contrast reveals the flaw in legalism: it emphasizes minor details while missing the broader, more significant principles of God's law.
 
Legalism often leads to a judgmental and self-righteous attitude. The Pharisees prided themselves on their ability to keep the law and viewed themselves as spiritually superior to others. However, Jesus rebukes them for their hypocrisy, calling them "whitewashed tombs" that appear beautiful on the outside but are full of "dead men’s bones" on the inside. “What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs—beautiful on the outside but filled on the inside with dead people’s bones and all sorts of impurity. (Matthew 23:27). Legalism promotes a false sense of righteousness based on external actions while neglecting the internal transformation of the heart that God desires.
 
John 5:16 - 29
Breaking Legalistic Traditions: John 5:16-29 and the Sabbath Controversy
In John 5:16-29, Jesus confronts the Jewish authorities' legalistic interpretation of the Sabbath. After healing a man who had been disabled for 38 years, Jesus instructs the man to pick up his mat and walk—an action that violated the Sabbath regulations as understood by the Jewish authorities. According to their interpretation, carrying a mat on the Sabbath was considered "work" and thus a violation of the law.
 
The Jewish leaders were more concerned with the man’s breaking of their Sabbath traditions than with the miracle of healing that had just occurred. This reaction demonstrates legalism’s distortion of priorities. Instead of rejoicing in God's miraculous work, they focused on the technicalities of their rules. Jesus’ response to their accusations was challenging: ““My Father is always working, and so am I.” (John 5:17). By this statement, Jesus declared His divine authority, aligning His work with God the Father.
 
The Sabbath was instituted as a day of rest, a time for people to reflect on God's provision and experience renewal. However, the Jewish authorities made it a burdensome obligation by adding extra rules and restrictions. Jesus, by healing on the Sabbath, demonstrated that the Sabbath was made for humanity's benefit, not as a rigid law to be followed at all costs. His actions challenged the legalistic mindset that valued rules over people’s well-being.
 
Moreover, in this passage, Jesus asserts His equality with God by claiming He is doing the Father’s work. This statement enraged the Jewish authorities because, in their eyes, Jesus was not only breaking the Sabbath but also committing blasphemy by claiming to be equal to God. However, Jesus was revealing the deeper truth that He and the Father were one in purpose and that the true intent of the Sabbath was to reflect God’s ongoing work of restoration and healing.
 
The Spirit of the Law: Justice, Mercy, and Faithfulness
One of the central messages in Matthew 23 and John 5 is that legalism distorts the true purpose of God’s law. In Matthew 23:23, Jesus criticizes the Pharisees for focusing on minute aspects of the law while neglecting “the weightier matters of the law—justice, mercy, and faithfulness.” These three principles summarize the heart of God’s commandments. Rather than creating burdensome regulations, God's law promotes justice, mercy, and obedience to Him.
 
Justice refers to the fair and reasonable treatment of others, reflecting God's righteousness. In contrast, legalism often results in injustice, as it prioritizes rules over people. For example, in John 5, the Jewish leaders’ legalistic focus on the Sabbath regulations blinded them to the injustice of criticizing a man who had just been miraculously healed. Mercy, too, is a crucial aspect of God’s character, but legalism tends to lack compassion. The Pharisees’ rigid adherence to their interpretations of the law left no room for mercy toward those needing healing or grace.
Finally, obedience to God involves more than just external conformity to rules. It is a deep, heart-level commitment to living in a relationship with God and following His will. Legalism, by focusing on the letter of the law rather than its spirit, undermines true faithfulness and obedience. The Pharisees’ careful rule-keeping was ultimately an act of self-righteousness rather than genuine devotion to God.
 
Legalism Today: A Modern Challenge
While the Pharisees and the Jewish authorities of Jesus’ time are often the focus of discussions on legalism, the issue persists in various forms today. Legalism can creep into the Christian life when believers begin to emphasize rules, traditions, or religious practices over the transformative power of Jesus Christ. This may manifest in strict adherence to religious rituals, judging others based on outward appearances, or believing that one's righteousness can be earned through works.
In modern Christian communities, legalism might take the form of rigid doctrinal positions or moral codes that leave little room for grace or mercy. For example, some may focus on outward markers of spirituality—such as church attendance, dress codes, or specific religious practices—while neglecting the deeper matters of the heart, such as love for others and a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
 
Jesus' teachings in Matthew 23 and His actions in John 5 clearly rebuke legalistic attitudes. They remind us that the essence of following Jesus is not about rule-keeping but about living in the freedom that comes from His grace. Paul echoes this sentiment in Galatians 5:1, writing, “So Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free and don’t get tied up again in slavery to the law.” Legalism, in all its forms, is a yoke of slavery that burdens believers with unnecessary obligations and distracts them from the true joy of walking with Jesus. Here are some suggestions for how to live a life apart from legalism.
 

1. Prioritize Heart Transformation Over Rule-Keeping: Just as Jesus criticized the Pharisees for focusing on outward adherence to laws, we are reminded to emphasize a heart transformed by love for God and one another through obedience to him. This means prioritizing inner change and living out justice, mercy, and faithfulness, rather than rigidly following rules for appearances' sake.
   
   
2. Embrace Jesus and Reject Legalism: Following Jesus means living in the freedom of His grace, not being weighed down by burdensome traditions. We are called to honor God through a life characterized by compassion, humility, and faith rather than by judgment and strict rule-following.
   
   
3. Reflect God's Character Through Action: Jesus’ teachings call us to reflect God's love in our actions, focusing on compassion and mercy. Instead of being judgmental or legalistic, we should embody God’s character by acting with kindness and understanding toward others, displaying the heart of Jesus in everyday life.

 
Conclusion: Following Jesus Beyond Legalism
Legalism, as seen in the actions of the Pharisees in Matthew 23 and the Jewish authorities' response to Jesus in John 5, represents a distortion of God's law. It prioritizes external adherence to rules and traditions over the deeper, more meaningful relationship that God calls us to live. Jesus’ critique of legalism is a call for believers to move beyond rigid rule-keeping and embrace the true spirit of the law—justice, mercy, and faithfulness.
 
To follow Jesus means to live in the freedom of His grace and honor God not through burdensome regulations but through a heart transformed by Him. The Pharisees' focus on outward appearances, neglect of mercy, and judgmental attitudes are all warnings to us today. We are called not to be legalistic rule-keepers but followers of Jesus who reflect God's character through acts of compassion, humility, and faith.
 
As we strive to follow Jesus, may we resist the temptation of legalism and instead embrace the fullness of a life that comes from living in the obedience, grace, and truth of Jesus Christ.


 

Introduction
Psalm 13 is one of the shorter and more emotionally intense psalms attributed to King David. In just six verses, David moves from deep anguish and despair to hope and confidence in God's deliverance. Though it is brief, Psalm 13 resonates with the feelings of abandonment, frustration, and hope that many believers have experienced throughout their spiritual journeys. This psalm's raw and honest tone makes it a powerful reflection for anyone grappling with difficulties and seeking reassurance from God.
 
This message will explore Psalm 13's deep emotional layers, its relevance to believers today, and how it teaches us to respond to life's hardships. It will also provide application points on how to regain a sense of God's presence when we feel distant from Him. Through a careful examination of the psalm, we can glean important lessons on how to move from despair to trust and, ultimately, to joy.
 
Psalm 13
 
The Cry of Despair: "How Long, O Lord?"
Psalm 13 begins with David crying out to God in desperation: "How long, O Lord?" He asks this question four times, emphasizing his frustration and sense of abandonment. The repetition of the phrase underscores the intensity of David's emotions—he feels that he has reached his breaking point. He wonders how long God will forget him, how long he will have to bear the weight of his counsel, and how long his enemies will triumph over him.
 
This cry is one that many of us can relate to in times of suffering. When we face prolonged trials, whether illness, grief, financial hardship, or relationship struggles, we may wonder if God is listening or if He has turned His face away from us. However, it is important to note that David is not questioning God's existence or doubting His power. Instead, he expresses his raw and honest emotions as a heartfelt lament.
 
David's lament is not unique in the Bible. Many significant figures in Scripture, including Abraham, Job, and Elijah, questioned God during distress. Even Jesus, in the Garden of Gethsemane, cried out in agony, asking God to let the cup of suffering pass from Him. These examples show us that questioning God and expressing our genuine emotions is not a sign of weak faith but rather an act of deep trust. When we cry out to God in our pain, we acknowledge He is the only one who can genuinely help us, even when we cannot feel His presence.
 
The Practice of Questioning God
Throughout history, many believers have struggled with the idea of questioning God. Some people believe it is disrespectful or irreverent to voice complaints or express frustration toward God. However, the psalms and other parts of Scripture show us that God welcomes our honesty. God desires an authentic relationship with His people, and part of that authenticity involves bringing our real emotions before Him.
 
As Gerald H. Wilson points out in his commentary on Psalm 13, questioning God is not the same as doubting His existence. Instead, it expresses faith that God is still there, even when we cannot perceive His presence. We show that we trust Him enough to handle our deepest emotions by voicing our concerns to God. Psalm 13 teaches us that it is okay to be vulnerable with God. We do not have to suppress our feelings or pretend that everything is fine when it is not. Instead, we can bring our pain to Him, knowing He is compassionate and understanding.
 
The Request for Deliverance
After voicing his complaint, David requests God: "Consider and answer me, O Lord my God; light up my eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death." David asks God to intervene in his situation and provide him with the strength and hope he needs to endure. He pleads for God to "light up his eyes," a phrase that suggests a desire for spiritual and emotional renewal. David knows that without God's intervention, he will succumb to despair.
 
In this request, we see David's faith beginning to emerge. Though he feels abandoned and overwhelmed, he still turns to God for help. This is a crucial turning point in the psalm. David is not content to remain in despair; he actively seeks God's presence and assistance. This is a valuable lesson for us as well. When facing difficult circumstances, it is easy to become consumed by our problems and give up hope. But like David, we can bring our requests before God and trust that He will respond.
 
Choosing Trust Over Despair
Verse 5 marks a dramatic shift in the tone of the psalm. David writes, "But I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation." Despite his feelings of abandonment and despair, David makes a conscious decision to trust in God's unfailing love. This is a crucial moment in the psalm because it shows that David's faith is not based on his emotions or circumstances but on the character of God.
 
David's choice to trust in God's love, even when he feels forgotten, is a powerful example for us. It is easy to let our feelings dictate our relationship with God. When we are happy, we may feel close to God, but when we are sad or discouraged, we may feel distant from Him. However, David shows us that faith is not about how we feel in the moment. Faith is about trusting God's character and promises, regardless of our circumstances.
 
David does not deny his feelings of despair, but he does not let those feelings control his faith either. Instead, he focuses on God's steadfast love—a love that has been proven time and time again throughout his life. He chooses to remember God's faithfulness and to trust that God will not fail him now. This shift from despair to trust is a key element of Psalm 13 and a lesson we can apply to our lives.
 
Rejoicing in Salvation
In the final verse of the psalm, David declares, "I will sing to the Lord, because he has dealt bountifully with me." This statement is remarkable because, as far as we know, David's circumstances have not changed. His enemies are still present, and he may feel overwhelmed, but he rejoices in God's salvation. David's joy is not based on resolving his problems but on his confidence that God will deliver him in His own time.
 
This premature rejoicing is an important aspect of biblical faith. It is not about ignoring the reality of our struggles or pretending that everything is okay. Instead, it is about trusting God's promises and rejoice in the knowledge that He will ultimately deliver us. David's example challenges us to shift our focus from our immediate circumstances to the bigger picture of God's plan for our lives.
 
Application Points: Regaining a Sense of God's Presence
Gerald H. Wilson provides three helpful application points for regaining a sense of God's presence when we feel abandoned or distant from Him. These points are practical ways to apply the lessons of Psalm 13 to our own lives.

1. Voice Your Complaint to God:
   The first step in regaining a sense of God's presence is to be honest with Him about our feelings. As we have seen in Psalm 13, David does not hold back in expressing his emotions to God. He voices his complaint openly and honestly, and this is something we can do as well. Whether through prayer, journaling, or even writing our own psalms, we can bring our raw emotions to God, knowing that He welcomes our honesty. By expressing our feelings, we invite God into our pain and allow Him to begin the process of healing.
   
   
2. Take the Focus Off of Yourself
   When going through difficult times, it is easy to become consumed by our own problems. However, one of the best ways to regain a sense of God's presence is to shift our focus from ourselves to others. By serving others and praying for their needs, we can take our minds off of our own struggles and experience the joy of helping others. This outward focus helps us to remember that we are not alone and that God is working through us to bless those around us.
   
   
3. Stay Connected to the Body of Christ
   ​Finally, it is important to stay connected to the body of Christ. We tend to isolate ourselves when we feel abandoned or distant from God. However, isolation can often make our struggles feel even more overwhelming. By staying connected to the church, we can find support, encouragement, and prayer from fellow believers. The church is a place where we can share our burdens with others, and in doing so, we can experience the love and presence of God through the community of faith.

Conclusion: Trusting in God's Steadfast Love
Psalm 13 teaches us that expressing our deepest emotions to God is okay, even when we feel abandoned or overwhelmed. David's raw and honest lament shows us that God welcomes our complaints and invites us to bring our struggles before Him. However, the psalm also reminds us that our feelings do not define our faith. Like David, we can trust in God's steadfast love, even when our circumstances have not changed.
 
As we face the trials and challenges of life, let us follow David's example by bringing our complaints to God, trusting in His character, and rejoicing in His salvation. Even amid despair, we can find hope knowing God is faithful and will ultimately deliver us. Through honesty, service, and community, we can regain a sense of God's presence and walk in the confidence of His unfailing love.

​The search for a perfect church is an age-old quest, often pursued by those who grow frustrated with the imperfections, hypocrisy, and flaws they witness in their congregations. A well-known story tells of a man who sought guidance from the great theologian Charles Spurgeon, requesting help in finding a "perfect group of God’s people." Spurgeon’s reply was both witty and convicting: if the man found such a group, he should not join it, for upon doing so, it would cease to be perfect. This story captures the reality that there is no perfect church, only imperfect believers worshiping a perfect God. The church is a community of flawed individuals, sinners saved by the grace of God, striving together as the imperfect body of Christ, continually refined through the work of Jesus Christ.
 
From the inception of the church in the book of Acts, the first Christian community was far from flawless. Though it was spirit-filled, growing, and devoted to sharing, it was not without its challenges and imperfections. This acknowledgment of imperfection is a comfort to modern believers who struggle with their own failings. In examining the early church, particularly the story of Ananias and Sapphira, we learn how sin, pride, and deceit were handled in a godly and reverent manner, with the goal of preserving the holiness and integrity of the body of Christ. By exploring these themes, we gain insights into how we, too, must navigate our imperfections and confront sin within our own communities today.
 
 
Acts 5:1 - 10
The Imperfect but Giving Church
In the early days of Christianity, the church was a vibrant community marked by a spirit of giving and sharing. Luke, the author of the Acts of the Apostles, describes how early believers had all things in common and shared their possessions with anyone who had a need. This contagious generosity became a hallmark of the church as selflessness and a willingness to sacrifice for others became the norm. One prominent figure highlighted in this period was Barnabas, a man who sold his land and willingly gave all the proceeds to the church to aid those in need.
 
Barnabas’ generosity was sincere—he sought no recognition, approval, or praise from others; his giving was purely an act of worship to God. He gave openly and without pretense, setting a powerful example for the community. However, this public act of charity sparked a darker response in a couple named Ananias and Sapphira. Driven by the desire for recognition, they sold a piece of land and gave the money to the church but secretly kept a portion of it for themselves. While there was nothing inherently wrong in keeping part of the proceeds, the sin came in their deception: they told everyone they had given the full amount.
 
The Consequence of Deceit
Acts 5 provides a chilling account of the consequences of Ananias and Sapphira’s lie. Ananias brought the money to the feet of the Apostles, expecting praise and blessings for his supposed generosity. Instead, Peter confronted him, saying, “Ananias, why have you let Satan fill your heart? You lied to the Holy Spirit, and you kept some of the money for yourself.” Peter emphasizes that the sin was not in withholding the money but in attempting to deceive the church and God by falsely claiming complete generosity.
 
The gravity of this lie is highlighted in what followed: Ananias immediately fell dead at Peter’s feet. Three hours later, unaware of her husband’s fate, Sapphira reaffirmed the same lie when asked about the sale, leading to her death as well. News of this event spread quickly through the early church, and a great fear fell upon the congregation. This severe judgment has often been the subject of debate, with many questioning why God would respond so harshly to what may seem like a minor act of dishonesty. However, a deeper examination reveals the profound significance of their sin.
 
The Sin of False Spirituality and Pride
Ananias and Sapphira’s sin went beyond merely withholding money; they were guilty of pride and false spirituality. Their goal was to appear more righteous and generous than they truly were, seeking admiration and praise from the church. In doing so, they lied to the Holy Spirit and attempted to deceive God’s people. Peter’s rebuke—“why have you let Satan fill your heart?”—underscores the spiritual danger they had fallen into, succumbing to the great temptation of pride.
 
The act of deception carried significant spiritual implications. Their lie was not merely a failure to meet human expectations but a direct offense against God. As Proverbs 6:16-19 reminds us, “There are six things the Lord hates—no, seven things he detests: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that kill the innocent, a heart that plots evil, feet that race to do wrong, a false witness who pours out lies, and a person who sows discord in a family.” God’s hatred of deceit is clear, and Ananias and Sapphira’s punishment served as a sobering reminder of the seriousness of sin, especially within the community of believers.
 
 
Dealing with Sin in the Church
The story of Ananias and Sapphira serves as a powerful example of how the early church dealt with sin, particularly the sins of pride and deceit. The church, in its infancy, was vulnerable to such spiritual dangers, and God’s swift discipline ensured the preservation of its purity. While the punishment may seem harsh, it demonstrated the seriousness with which the early church treated sin. Peter could have easily taken their money and overlooked the lie, but God, in His sovereignty, chose to expose the sin and deal with it decisively.
 
In today’s church, we may not see such immediate and severe consequences for dishonesty or pride, but God’s desire for holiness among His people remains unchanged. Too often, congregations overlook or ignore sin within their ranks, choosing to avoid confrontation because it is messy or uncomfortable. Yet, as commentator Ajith Fernando writes, “If there is true fellowship in a Christian community, then when sin appears in the body, it will be confronted.” Sin that is left unaddressed festers and damages the integrity of the church, ultimately dishonoring God.
 
 
Confronting Sin with Love and Prayer
Confronting sin within the church is never easy. It requires wisdom, love, and humility. As Jesus instructs in Matthew 7:5, “First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye.” Before confronting others, we must examine our own hearts, ensuring that our motivation is pure and our goal is not to shame or judge but to restore and encourage repentance. Confrontation should always be done in love, with the hope of leading the individual to acknowledge their sin and turn back to God.
 
Prayer is essential in this process. Before confronting someone, we must seek God’s guidance and ask for His wisdom. Are we being led by the Spirit, or are we acting out of frustration, revenge, or pride? As much as we are called to confront sin within the church, we must also guard against becoming judgmental or self-righteous.
 
Conclusion
The story of Ananias and Sapphira is a sobering reminder of the seriousness of sin, particularly within the community of believers. It highlights the dangers of pride, deceit, and false spirituality while emphasizing the importance of maintaining the purity and integrity of the church. Though there is no such thing as a perfect church, we are called to confront sin with love, humility, and prayer, always seeking repentance and restoration. As imperfect people worshiping a perfect God, we must strive to reflect His holiness, guarding our hearts from the influences of pride and deceit, and remaining true to the mission of the church: to bring honor and glory to God’s name. Through the grace of Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit, the church continues to be shaped and perfected, despite its flaws, as a testimony of God’s redemptive work in the world.