Jumpstarter 1 of 10

Ideas to help restart your discussion

Question 1

David Bercot argues that “legalism” is one of the most misused words in Christian circles and notes it doesn’t even appear in Scripture; how should that fact affect the way Christians label other believers, and what does it suggest about how quickly we can adopt extra-biblical categories to dismiss obedience?

Another way to ask: If the word “legalism” isn’t even in the Bible, how careful should Christians be about calling other believers “legalistic”? What does that say about how fast we use man-made labels to brush off calls to obey?

Direct Answer Because “legalism” isn’t a Bible word and is widely misused, Christians should be very cautious about labeling obedient believers with it. The transcript suggests we can quickly adopt extra-biblical categories as a “smokescreen” to dismiss or intimidate people who take Jesus’ commandments seriously.

Support from Transcript:

Bercot says “the word legalism doesn’t even appear in Scripture anywhere,” and that should “tip us off that something is wrong.”
He observes it’s used constantly: “Oh, yeah, that group over there, they’re really legalistic.”
He insists “whatever legalism may be, it is not the same thing as obedience,” and that obeying Christ’s commandments is not “being legalistic.”
He says obedient Christians are “usually accused…of being legalistic,” as though obedience displeases Christ.
He warns accusations are often meant to intimidate: “Don’t let those kind of accusations intimidate you at all.”
He calls it a “smokescreen to justify their own disobedience,” rather than admitting lack of “faith or the love to live by the teachings of Jesus Christ.”

Discussion Follow-ups What biblical words could replace the vague label “legalism” when we see real Pharisaic behavior? When have you used the term to avoid dealing with a clear command of Christ?

Jumpstarter 1 of 10

Add your phone number?

Thank you!

Jumpstarter 1 of 10