Luke 14: When Formalism Fails

There are three reason formalism fails to produce the results we're looking for in relation to God. 1) Formalism fails when we begin to recognize that it is ineffective in our lives and we quit; 2) Formalism fails because God will have none of it and he knows who has chosen content over form; and 3) Formalism fails when we have a crisis in our lives because it has produced nothing real.

So roll up your sleeves, put your mind in gear, be totally ready to receive the gift that’s coming when Jesus arrives. Don’t lazily slip back into those old grooves of evil, doing just what you feel like doing. You didn’t know any better then; you do now. As obedient children, let yourselves be pulled into a way of life shaped by God’s life, a life energetic and blazing with holiness. God said, “I am holy; you be holy. [1 Peter 1:13-16]