Introduction : The life of a prodigal son and the consequences of legalism
1. Legalistic attitudes of life 1) Self-centeredness-being possessed with the illusion that self is justice and law (Lk 15:12) 2) Proud and arrogant-self centeredness (Pr 16:18, Ps 5:5) 3) Unkind and indifferent to others (Hos 6:6, Mt 9:13) 4) Ungrateful-always complaining (Ps 106:25-17)
2. Legalism that breaks 1) Famine breaks into the world of the prodigal (Pr 11:28, 23:5) 2) A matter of course (Pr 1:30-32) 3) A life is lowered to the very bottom (Jer 17:5) 4) A past life and grace (Ps 77:4-5, 8-9)
3. Eyes opened by trials 1) A cutting wind of suffering strips off legalism (Ps 25:7, 71:20) 2) When broken down by suffering, one´s eyes open up to grace - God´s great grace has brought us all this way in faithfulness (Isa 33:2, Ps 80:7) 3) Grace produces a humble attitude-make me like one of your hired men (Pr 28:13, Jas 4:6)
4. Grace given to those who realized 1) The best robe - the robe of righteousness (Eph 2:4-5) 2) A ring - the protection of the Holy Spirit (Eph 1:13, Gal 4:5-6) 3) Sandals - the Threefold Blessing (Ps 103:2-5) 4) The fattened calf - glory, faith, hope, love, righteousness, peace, and the joy of heaven (Jn 10:10, Ro 5:2)
Conclusion : Only people whose legalistic self is broken can comprehend the grace of the Cross of Jesus, be transformed, and become the people of heaven.
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