Sermon Audio

Set Free from Legalism to Live Fully in Christ

 Is your Christian life fueled by grace or burdened by legalism? In this freeing and Christ-centered message from Colossians 2:8–23, Pastor Chris Teien helps us see how Jesus sets us free from man-made rules, religious pride, and sin’s grip. Through Scripture, personal stories, and practical encouragement, this message invites you to experience the joy of living fully in Christ, free from the bondage of trying to earn God’s favor. 

Link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2285086/episodes/16335646

Key Points:

  1. Set Free from the Noise to Be Complete in Christ – Colossians 2:8–10. Don’t be captured by empty philosophies or religious lists—find your completeness in Christ alone.
  2. Set Free from Sin to Live a New Life in Christ – Colossians 2:11–15. Jesus cuts away the sinful nature and brings resurrection life to those who trust Him.
  3. Set Free from Your Past to Live in Christ’s Forgiveness – Colossians 2:13–15. Christ nailed our sins to the cross and disarmed the powers that accuse us.
  4. Set Free from Legalism to Live in Christ’s Grace – Colossians 2:16–19. Real spiritual life is rooted in Christ, not religious rules or personal pride.
  5. Set Free from Entrapping Rules to Live Freely in Christ – Colossians 2:20–23. Rule-based living looks wise but has no power to change the heart—only Christ does.

Personal Stories from Pastor Chris:

  • Attending a legalistic Christian school and struggling with judgmental attitudes learned through rule-based religion.
  • Reflecting on early ministry challenges and learning that true Christian living comes through grace, not external perfection.
  • Honest struggles with voices of accusation, and encouragement to replace them with God’s truth.
  • Real-world examples of avoiding legalistic judgment over preferences like dress codes or habits like smoking.

Notable Quotes:

  • “God doesn’t call us to live a list—He calls us to live in Christ.”
  • “Legalism leads to pride or despair. Grace leads to joy and transformation.”
  • “Christ has done the work. We live from His victory, not for our own.”

Actionable Takeaways:

  1. Replace legalistic thinking with Scripture-centered truth.
  2. Extend grace toward others instead of judging them based on preference.
  3. Live daily in the freedom Christ secured at the cross.
  4. Seek to glorify God out of love, not out of guilt or fear.

Scripture References:

  • Colossians 2:8–23 – Freedom from legalism and religious rules
  • Galatians 5:1 – For freedom Christ set us free
  • Romans 12:2 – Renew your mind with truth
  • Philippians 4:8 – Think about what is true and excellent
  • Romans 8:1 – No condemnation for those in Christ
  • Matthew 22:37–39 – Love God and love your neighbor

Keywords:
 legalism, freedom in Christ, Colossians 2, Christian living, grace vs. rules, spiritual growth, living by grace, gospel transformation, Christian liberty

Closing Statement:
Jesus didn’t die to make you a better rule-keeper. He died to set you free. Live fully in the grace and truth of Christ, and let H

Subscribe to Well Faith with Chris Teien where you get your podcasts or go to wellfaith.buzzsprout.com Easily search these messages on our well.faith website. Find inspiring posts, faith building resources, and encouragement for a better life at ChrisTeien.com Join us 10:15am Sundays in person at 93 Midway Dr, Virginia, MN 55792 or online at rockwell.church #rockwellchurch218

Note: New messages shared Sundays. Encouraging replay messages from Pastor Chris’s previous ministry (2021 and earlier), marked with an asterisk (*), shared Wednesdays.

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