Legalism is worse than adultery

Zac PoonenOctober 20, 200810mWatch on YouTube

Through the incident of the woman caught in adultery in John 8:1-11, Jesus shows us how a judgemental legalistic attitude is worse than adultery. But Jesus does not give licence to adultery, but corrects with utmost mercy and compassion. Zac Poonen, tells us how the only way to grow spiritually is to stop judging others and start judging ourselves. For he who accuses others has the same spirit of the devil who is accuser of the brethren. And when we realize how we have failed, we are convicted of our sin by gaining intellectual understanding, but unless we are broken and go to God in deep repentance, we continue to fail in this area. This clip is an extract from the message " Characteristics of Pharisees" delivered in a conference on "Led by the Spirit, not under the Law". For more sermons,videos and books by Zac Poonen, please visit http://www.cfcindia.com.

Summary

Drawing from the story of the woman caught in adultery, the speaker argues that judgmental legalism is worse than the sin itself. True spiritual growth requires individuals to stop accusing others and instead focus intensely on self-examination and deep repentance. The ultimate goal is to achieve a state of brokenness before God, mirroring the mercy shown by Jesus.

Outline

The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.

The trap set by the PhariseesThe Pharisees bring a woman caught in adultery to test Jesus, trying to trap him into either violating the law of Moses or losing his compassionate reputation.

He who is without sin cast the first stoneListening to the Holy Spirit, Jesus gives a single sentence that silences the accusers by challenging those without sin to cast the first stone.

Legalism is worse than adulteryJesus compares the woman's adultery to the Pharisees' legalism, showing that compared to legalism, adultery is merely a speck next to a massive beam.

Accusing others over tiny faultsBelievers frequently gossip and accuse others of faults that do not even compare to a fraction of adultery, making their own spiritual blind spot larger.

The spirit of the accuserJesus hates the spirit of accusation because it reminds him of Satan, who accused people throughout human history.

Stop judging others and judge yourselfSpiritual progress requires completely stopping the judgment of others and turning the microscope inward to judge oneself continually until becoming like Christ.

Correcting others with mercyWhen correcting others, Jesus showed tremendous mercy by refusing to condemn the sin while telling the woman not to sin again.

None of the Pharisees sought forgivenessNot a single Pharisee humbled himself to admit he was worse than the woman and ask Jesus for mercy.

Finding fault everywhere except in ourselvesPeople easily find fault with children, spouses, and fellow believers while refusing to judge their own hearts.

Superficial apologies without brokennessCasual apologies often lead to repeating the same sins because the person has not been truly broken over their judgmental attitude.

Falling like a dead man before GodBelievers must pray for light to see their own evil and fall like dead men before God, recognizing that judgment is merciless to those who show no mercy.

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Legalism is worse than adultery

Zac Poonen · October 20, 2008 · 10m

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