Sermon: Confronting the Error of Legalism in the Church

Confronting the Error of Legalism in the Church (Titus 1:10-16)
Pastor Tony Felich
September 23, 2007

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Elders must be aware of erroneous teaching that manifest itself in the church and confront it.
+ This side of heaven, error will constantly confront the Church
- From within and without
- The Apostles have given us clear warning

+There are various kinds of errors that manifest themselves in the Church - legalism seems to be the most common
- Misinterpretation of the Bible (therefore, misapplication also)
- Denial of key biblical teachings (Sufficiency of Christ)
- Adding to the Bible (legalism)

+Such error must be dealt with directly and decisively for the sake of the purity of the Church and the Gospel of Christ
- The corporate purity of the Church (stewards of the Gospel of Christ) is vitally important
- Personal restoration of the erring person(s) is also important

Titus 1:10–16
10 For there are many who are insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision party. 11 They must be silenced, since they are upsetting whole families by teaching for shameful gain what they ought not to teach. 12 One of the Cretans, a prophet of their own, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.” 13 This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith, 14 not devoting themselves to Jewish myths and the commands of people who turn away from the truth. 15 To the pure, all things are pure, but to the defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure; but both their minds and their consciences are defiled. 16 They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work.