Sermon Cloud

Religion vs. Gospel – Part 1

What Satisfies?

Mark 7:1-13

What is the difference between religion and the gospel?

I. Religion seeks satisfaction in control/The gospel seeks satisfaction in Jesus’ control (v. 1-4)

A.     The origin of the traditions of the Pharisees (v. 1-2; Ex 30:17-21)

B.     The more laws, the more control (v. 3-4)

C.     Relinquishing control leads to true freedom (Matt 16:25-26)

II. Religion seeks satisfaction in performance/The gospel seeks satisfaction in Jesus’

performance (v. 5-7)

A.     The Pharisees missed the purpose of the OT ceremonial laws (v. 5)

B.     Religion cannot expose hypocrisy (v. 6)

C.     The gospel exposes heart motives (v. 6-7)

D.     Satisfaction in Jesus’ performance erupts into authentic worship

III.   Religion seeks satisfaction in self/The gospel seeks satisfaction in Jesus (v. 8-13)

A.     The Pharisees set themselves up to be god (v. 8-9)

B.     Using God for selfish purposes (10-13)

C.     Jesus came to set you free from yourself (John 8:36)