Q5. (1 John 2:3-6) How can we be serious about obeying Christ without becoming legalistic and judgmental, with a self-righteous attitude like the Pharisees had?
The study says it very well, giving the example of Jesus speaking with the Pharisees - "you neglect justice and the love of God." LOVE. There's a verse in II Cor. 5 - "For Christ's love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again."
If we're living for Him, we are compelled by love to obey Him and to bless others. We become legalistic when we're focused on ourselves and how "good" we look - either in God's eyes, others', or our own. God gave us commands in order to communicate with us how to live in a way that brings glory to Him and blessing to those around us. He did not give us rules in order for us to earn merit. He tells us His ways, so we can be like Him, and be fully who He created us to be. . . . again, it comes back to Relationship, Fellowship with Him and each other. Legalism only builds barriers and makes for competition. Jesus reprimanded his disciples for that kind of competition. He turned their thinking around to serving, not being "the best or greatest."
How do love and legalism differ?
I probably answered this in the above response, but -
Love is outwardly focused on God and others, giving oneself, surrendering, serving, joyfully obeying the Lord's commands.
Legalism is inwardly focused on self and what we may be "earning" for our obedience. Jesus did the earning for us. We are powerless to do what it takes . . .have to leave it to Him. Something our pastor said recently: All other religions of the world say "Do, Do, Do." Christianity says, "Done." Thank you Jesus!
If not based on merit-seeking, legalism is focused on the rules themselves and doesn't look beyond to their purpose. - What's the saying? - You lose sight of the forest in the midst of the trees?
How can we be serious about obedience and make love our center?
Get with God!!! Come to know Him through His Word, prayer, His working in the world. Desire for obedience grows as your relationship with Him grows. God is love (that comes up in Ch. 4) - so if you're getting to know God, love becomes more and more your motivation for all of life. I love that passage the study cites: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30)
With Jesus gently leading us and teaching us, obedience becomes a joy!
Have a JOY-FILLED week!