| Isaiah 19:1-21:17, Galatians 2:1-16, Psalm 59:1-17, Proverbs 23:13-14
“When I saw what was happening and that they weren’t being honest about what they really believed and weren’t following the truth of the Gospel, I said to Peter in front of all the others. ‘Though you are a Jew by birth, you have long since discarded the Jewish laws; so why, all of a sudden, are you trying to make these Gentiles obey them? You and I are Jews by birth, not mere Gentile sinners, and yet we Jewish Christians know very well that we cannot become right with God by obeying our Jewish laws but only by faith in Jesus Christ to take away our sins. And we, too, have trusted Jesus Christ that we might be accepted by God because of faith and not because we have obeyed the Jewish laws. For no one will ever be saved by obeying them.’” Galatians 2:14-16
OOH, Paul is a hoss. He called Peter out to his face. He’s pretty much calling Peter a hypocrite. Now you remember when Peter walked with Jesus, he was loud and proud, but he doesn’t have too much to say to Paul. Paul was right. Peter had been saved long before Paul, but it just goes to show, any of us can be intimidated by the right crowd of people who believe one way. Do your best to know what you believe and to stand firm on your convictions. Paul didn’t do that with everyone; however, he saw a growing opportunity for Peter and the legalistic Jews. In closing – we are saved by the redemptive work of Jesus Christ on the cross, not by keeping a bunch of rules and regulations. If we are born again, we will naturally gear toward doing what is right because God’s laws are written on our hearts…
PRAYER: Lord, help us all to be consistent so we don’t lead people wrong or send a confusing message. Salvation definitely comes through knowing You and receiving Your sacrifice to cover our sin and to make our spirit alive. Thank You for that, it’s in Your name that I pray, amen. |
