Was The Apsotle Paul A Legalist?
When we examine the body of teaching the Apostle Paul delivered to the different churches, we discover some very interesting truths that are worthy of our consideration. Of course, all Scripture is inspired by God and profitable.
It’s universally acknowledged that the Apostle Paul was deeply rooted in the truths of the New Covenant, a belief I share. So let’s consider something he spoke to the Corinthians, who were a very carnal bunch.
1Corinthians 10:1 Moreover, brethren, I do not want you to be unaware that all our fathers were under the cloud, all passed through the sea, 2 all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, 3 all ate the same spiritual food, 4 and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock was Christ. 5 But with most of them God was not well pleased, for their bodies were scattered in the wilderness. 6 Now these things became our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things as they also lusted. 7 And do not become idolaters as were some of them. As it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.” 8 Nor let us commit sexual immorality, as some of them did, and in one day twenty-three thousand fell; 9 nor let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed by serpents; 10 nor complain, as some of them also complained, and were destroyed by the destroyer. 11 Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come. 12 Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. 13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.
These passages are a stark reminder that it is not legalistic or improper to warn believers about the dangers of out-of-step behavior in relation to the new life we receive in Christ. It is our responsibility to address such issues in the body of Christ when appropriate, and it is not an unloving act but a sign of our engagement and care.
Notice the things Paul warns about. First, he makes it clear that the rock they drank from was Christ and then speaks of how God was not well pleased with most of them. He says these are our examples and indicates in what way and for what reason, and it is to encourage us not to lust after things. He encourages the avoidance of idolatry, not to commit sexual idolatry, not to tempt Christ, nor to complain.
Then he warns that no one should be so arrogant as to say they cannot be tempted in such ways and to think they are in some way to look down on others, or else they will discover just how easy it is to fall themselves.
I love what he reveals about God and the temptations that come our way. God always provides us with a way of escaping temptations. God equips us to rise above such things as we look to Him and learn to listen to Him. God is not going to allow us to be tempted beyond what we can resist. There is no temptation so great that we cannot resist it in Christ! No believer is so compelled that they must be enslaved or overtaken by any temptation.
No minister of the gospel should be incapable of addressing such things when necessary for the benefit of believers who are struggling. This is another expression of loving others in the body. To think otherwise would be to accuse Paul, who was a chief promoter of New Covenant grace and truth, of being a legalist. Now, I would not recommend that a minister dwell on these things as though they are the only truth worthwhile. Paul did not dwell on such things in all of his letters to churches. The greater focus should always be who Christ is, what Christ accomplished, and how that is to be applied to believers.
