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  BEING MORE EXCEEDINGLY ZEALOUS OF THE TRADITIONS OF MY FATHERS.
  by Martin Luther
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Summary: Martin Luther shares his personal testimony of being zealous
for the law before his conversion, highlighting the dangers of self-
righteousness and the transformative power of the Gospel.

Topics: "Legalism", "Galatians"
Scripture References: 1 Corinthians 10:31, Galatians 1:13, Galatians 5:1, Philippians 3:5, Colossians 2:20

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DESCRIPTION
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Martin Luther speaks about his past life as a zealous follower of the
Mosaic Law and the papistical laws and traditions of the fathers,
striving to uphold them with great fervor and dedication. He emphasizes
his strict adherence to these laws, even surpassing those who now oppose
him, and his deep commitment to honoring God through his actions. Luther
warns the Galatians against deceivers who overly exalt the Law, using
his own experience as an example of how such legalism can be misleading
and dangerous.

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CONTENT
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Speaking now of the Mosaic Law, Paul declares that he was wrapped up in
it. To the Philippians he wrote: "As touching the law, a Pharisee;
concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness
which is in the law, blameless." He means to say, "I can compare myself
with the best and holiest of all those who are of the circumcision. Let
them show me if they can, a more earnest defender of the Mosaic Law than
I was at one time. This fact, O Galatians, should have put you on your
guard against these deceivers who make so much of the Law. If anybody
ever had reason to glory in the righteousness of the Law, it was I."

I too may say that before I was enlightened by the Gospel, I was as
zealous for the papistical laws and traditions of the fathers as ever a
man was.

I tried hard to 37live up to every law as best I could. I punished
myself with fasting, watching, praying, and other exercises more than
all those who today hate and persecute me. I was so much in earnest that
I imposed upon my body more than it could stand. I honored the pope as a
matter of conscience. Whatever I did, I did with a single heart to the
glory of God. But our opponents, well-fed idlers that they are, will not
believe what I and many others have endured.

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/martin-luther/being-more-exceedingly-zealous-of-the-traditions-of-my-fathers/
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