“Therefore, rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith, not devoting themselves to Jewish myths and the commands of people who turn away from the truth.” – Titus 1:13b-14

Scripture reading: Galatians 5:1-15; Titus 1:10-16

Legalism can be a danger for any Christian, but particularly for new Christians. It might be out of eagerness to get a feel for the new Christian life, like the thrill of driving a new car and seeing what it can do. It might also happen because of the influence of other Christians in the fellowship circle around a new Christian: the desire to fit in, to conform, to become like other Christians.

It’s another thing if this legalism is imposed on new Christians. Rules and “musts” and “shalls” and “ought to’s” that are not biblical should not be imposed. Galatians 5:1 says, “For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.” Peter also proclaims, “Now, therefore, why are you putting God to the test by placing a yoke on the neck of the [Gentile] disciples that neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear?” (Acts 15:10).

What the Cretans need—what we all need—is God’s Word of truth and grace. Sometimes we have to be rebuked sharply, so the truth can cut through our legalism and self-righteousness; other times it must be done so that it  can cut through our laziness. Whatever the case, let us be devoted to God’s Word of truth, living in the grace and freedom of Jesus Christ, and not by the commands of people.

Suggestions for prayer

Pray for strong and wise elders to keep our churches free from false teachers and false teaching. Pray for wisdom to discern the lies and mere commands of people. Pray for humility to listen to Jesus Christ in His Word.

Rev. Todd De Rooy currently serves in Redeemer URC, in Orange City, Iowa. He has served there since being ordained in 2008. It is their earnest prayer that by the grace of God, they would renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in the present age. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com.