"By Faith in What was Done"Galatians 2:14-16a
When I saw that they were not acting in line with the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas in front of them all, "You are a Jew, yet you live like a Gentile and not like a Jew. How is it, then, that you force Gentiles to follow Jewish customs? We who are Jews by birth and not sinful Gentiles know that a person is not justified by the works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ."

Thoughts for Today:In our passage today, Paul confronted Peter in the presence of all the brothers: "Why would you want to start religiosity all over again? It didn't work for us, so why force them? Besides we know the truth -- we are justified by faith in Christ -- not by works, but simply by believing." The clarity and directness of Paul's statement is one of the reasons I personally hold him in such high esteem. Paul was not going to allow the Gentiles to be forced into the bondage of Jewish traditions as a condition of their salvation. Why? Because the blessings of God are based only on His grace.

Sometimes I too am tempted to earn God's favor by the time I spend writing morning devotions; by the work I do in the mission field sharing and teaching the Gospel; or by the hours I invest counseling and coaching young men. But it would be a huge mistake. Why? Because I am not justified by what I do, but by my faith in what was done.

When we first were born again, we were justified by faith. And it continues from yesterday, through today, and into tomorrow as well. The blessings of God are not conditioned upon what we do or don't do. We receive His blessing only because the sin that separated us from Him was washed away by the blood of His Son. Not by our work, but by His love. Therefore, everything we do should solely be our loving response to His great sacrifice for us.

Questions to Ponder:I certainly want God to be pleased with my life and say: "Well done, good and faithful servant!" However, there is a big difference between doing things to please God and trying to earn His favor. What motivates your efforts? Are you responding in love? What does your obedience say about your faith?

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"The Same Standing Before God"Galatians 2:7
On the contrary, they recognized that I had been entrusted with the task of preaching the gospel to the uncircumcised, just as Peter had been to the circumcised.

Thoughts for Today:I read the story once of a young seminary student who had a dream on the eve of a Bible study he would lead before his professors. In the dream, he was standing and holding hands around a giant tree with many of his contemporary heroes. Included with him were all of his professors, his father, Billy Graham, and the pastor who had led him to the Lord. The strange thing was they were all dressed the same and of the same height. When he awoke the meaning of the dream became clear to him -- the Lord was reminding him that all of humanity is equal before Him -- and there was no need for him to feel intimidated when leading the study.

In our passage today, Paul does NOT say that he and Peter preached two different Gospels (one to the circumcised and another different Gospel to the uncircumcised). In fact, just the opposite -- there is only one true Gospel. Yet God primarily used Peter to preach it to the Jews, and Paul to the Gentiles. Their ministry focus, educational background, or previous relationships did not make one individual superior to the other. As far as God was concerned, they were both on equal footing. And it is the same for all of us. Jst like the dream of the young seminary student, all of humanity has the same standing before God -- regardless of our vocation.

Questions to Ponder:Sometimes leaders can become blinded to things other than the focus of their own ministry. They might even feel that nothing is more important than what they are doing. Although I think it is important to be fully committed to whatever task or work the Lord has given us, we can be wrong if we do so at the expense of others. God has all sorts of work He is doing -- with many different people groups throughout the world. And none is more valuable than the other. He calls everyone individually to His Name. Has your focus become too narrow? What change in attitude or approach is the Lord speaking to you about now?

"No Pacifism When Preserving Gospel Truths"Galatians 2:5
We did not give in to them for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel might be preserved for you.

Thoughts for Today:Jesus said, in Matthew 5:39: "But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also." How do we know when it's time to stand strong, as Paul demonstrates in our passage today, or turn the other cheek, as Jesus instructed? Sometimes it's really hard to know the right way to react. Ultimately, in each situation we encounter, we need to be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit. However, Paul gives us a pretty good place to begin: Be certain the motivation is not selfish. Paul was not trying to defend his reputation, fighting for control of the church, nor creating division within the church as a result of his own pridefullness. His sole purpose was to preserve the truth of the Gospel.

The same is true for us today: Whenever it comes down to preserving Gospel truths there can be no pacifism. In Acts 20:29, Paul warned the leaders of the church in Ephesus: "I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock." Jesus also admonished the churches of Pergamum (Revelations 2:12-17) and Thyatira (Revelations 2:18-29) for not taking action against the false teachers in their churches. The consequences for not doing so can be rather severe. In this section of Galatians, Paul provides a clear example of resisting those who try to pervert the truth of the Gospel.

Questions to Ponder:In any situation we encounter there are many factors to consider. However, we should always pay careful attention to our personal motives. Could it be anger, pride, fear, envy or advancement that is causing us to act? Those issues must first be ruled out before we move to "preserve the Gospel".

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"Rejecting God's Grace Because of a Ritual?"Galatians 2:3
This matter arose because some false believers had infiltrated our ranks to spy on the freedom we have in Christ Jesus and to make us slaves.

Thoughts for Today:I think one of the reasons Paul took Titus with him to Jerusalem was as an example of a Gentile who had been transformed through faith in Jesus Christ. We can be certain that Titus demonstrated all the fruit of salvation without the Jewish rite of circumcision. In some ways, Paul was forcing the leaders of the church in Jerusalem to answer a question: Would they reject an example of God's grace because of a ritual?

There were many Jews who had acknowledged Jesus as the Messiah, but held on to the idea that a person must keep the Old Testament Law in order to be right with God. In other words, Christ was not enough -- and an additional form of holiness was also required. In our passage today, Paul referred to these people as "false believers". Unfortunately, they had succumbed to lying and spying to see if Titus was indeed circumcised and thereby in violation of the Law. Their fervor for maintaining religious traditionalism had caused them to commit a far greater sin than the one they had accused Titus of committing.

Questions to Ponder:Over the years I have seen legalistic-minded Christians act in anger, hatred and cruelty toward others who did not share their same view. Churches have split, and lives ruined, over points of doctrine that were nothing more than traditions. Have you been holding onto traditions rather than Jesus? The difference is how we react toward others. Is it in love or rage?

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"Compelled to Comply?"Galatians 2:3-4
Yet not even Titus, who was with me, was compelled to be circumcised, even though he was a Greek.

Thoughts for Today:In Acts 16:3, a similar situation had arisen related to the circumcision of another of Paul's protégés Timothy: "Paul wanted to take him along on the journey, so he circumcised him because of the Jews who lived in that area, for they all knew that his father was a Greek." What was the difference? In one case, Paul volunteered to circumcise Timothy, yet in Titus' situation he resisted. It comes down to one word in our passage today: "compelled". It is entirely possible that Paul would have encouraged Titus to submit to circumcision -- except for one thing -- other people were demanding his compliance.

We know Paul had a history of doing whatever was necessary to win people to Christ. (1 Corinthians 9:20-21: "To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God's law but am under Christ's law), so as to win those not having the law.") So if Titus had voluntarily chosen to be circumcised in order to not offend the Jews, Paul would have supported his decision. However, Titus had chosen not to be circumcised, and when the Jews made an issue of it, Paul sided with Titus. Why? Because of the Gospel. As we will soon see, Paul would never force (nor compel) anyone to observe religious traditions -- especially for the wrong reasons. In this case, it would also have sent an incorrect and error-filled message.

Questions to Ponder:We should never exercise our freedom in Christ in a way that offends the religious traditions of others. However, compliance to religious traditions cannot be substituted for a personal relationship with Jesus as Lord and Savior. Nor can those traditions be added to the Gospel of Grace. Is there any practice you have added to the gift of grace? Any requirements you must fulfill?

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​"The Lord Using Other People"Galatians 2:2
I went in response to a revelation and, meeting privately with those esteemed as leaders, I presented to them the gospel that I preach among the Gentiles. I wanted to be sure I was not running and had not been running my race in vain.

Thoughts for Today:When Paul says, "I went in response to a revelation," it appears he is referring to Acts 11:27-30: "During this time some prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. One of them, named Agabus, stood up and through the Spirit predicted that a severe famine would spread over the entire Roman world. The disciples, as each one was able, decided to provide help for the brothers and sisters living in Judea. This they did, sending their gift to the elders by Barnabas and Saul."

From Acts 9, we know the Lord personally appeared and called Paul. We also know the Lord used Ananias to give Paul the first glimpse of his mission in ministry (Acts 9:15-16): "But the Lord said to Ananias, 'Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.'" I think it is particularly interesting the Lord used Ananias to first introduce Paul's ministry direction; and then He used Agabus to send him to Jerusalem -- this would ultimately confirm that he was on the right path (our passage today). From these two examples, it is safe to say that the visions and revelations of other people had a major influence on the direction of Paul's walk of faith.

There are several things we can learn from Paul's example and also apply in our lives. First, the Lord often uses other people to make His will known to us. Second, we need to compare any new directional, or other information with the truth of Scripture. Third, we should always seek the counsel, wisdom, and guidance of other faithful believers. And finally, we must respond. We are not to blindly follow the instructions of any one person but to seek additional confirmation. It's why Paul met privately with the esteemed leaders in Jerusalem. He wanted to be certain that he was on the right path. If he was, then the Holy Spirit would speak to each of them in confirmation -- they would have harmony, peace and be united in the one mind of Christ.

Questions to Ponder:It is important for all Christians, who have a passionate desire to share the Gospel and serve God in their own unique way, to pay careful attention to the example of Paul. Today, there are some people who totally ignore the admonition for unity among the body of believers. Often times they brag about their unwillingness to listen or compromise. Yet, this was not the example of Paul. What can you learn from Paul's example? Is there a lack of peace and harmony in your Church? What can you do to bridge the gap?

​"Re-engaging in Ministry"Galatians 2:1
Then after fourteen years, I went up again to Jerusalem, this time with Barnabas. I took Titus along also.

Thoughts for Today:In the Book of Acts there are five definite and separately recorded incidents of Paul's visits to Jerusalem. The first visit was about three years after his conversion (Acts 9:26-30); second, to provide famine relief (Acts 11:27-30); third, to attend the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15:1-30); fourth, at the end of his third missionary trip (Acts 18:22); and fifth, the visit that ultimately ended in Paul's imprisonment and trial (Acts 21:15-35).

Based on the sequence of events Paul has been describing, it appears this was the second of his five trips to Jerusalem. The following is a brief synopsis of Paul's history (post-conversion) up to the time he references in our passage today: He spent three years in the desert being taught by Jesus; fifteen days in Jerusalem primarily with Peter and James (his first trip); and then traveled to Syria, Cicilia, and back to his hometown of Tarsus where he spent the next eleven years.

It was at this time that Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for his old friend Saul (Paul) to bring him back into ministry (Acts 11:25-26): "Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch." After serving the Lord together in Antioch, Paul and Barnabas traveled to Jerusalem and took Titus with them. Their purpose in going? To serve in another way -- this time by bringing a gift of support to the brothers and sisters living in Judea who had been affected by a severe famine.

Questions to Ponder:Many times we need a Barnabas in our life to help us re-engage in ministry. However, we still must respond. Has someone asked you recently to serve with them in some way? What was your response? Has your walk become a little stale lately? Perhaps God has sent someone to help re-invigorate your passion.

"A Sacrificial Nature"Galatians 1:21-24
Then I went to Syria and Cilicia. I was personally unknown to the churches of Judea that are in Christ. They only heard the report: “The man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.” And they praised God because of me.

Thoughts for Today:Some people who meet me today, and are aware of my work for the Kingdom, have a difficult time understanding that I have not always been involved in ministry. In fact, just fifteen years ago I was a hard-core business owner focused on the bottom line of profitability and growing my business. But things changed. I had my own "Damascus Road" experience and I adjusted my life to the eternal truth of the Gospel. The people who knew me before probably have a harder time reconciling my transformation from a focus of grinding it out for greater earthly compensation, to my now wholehearted commitment to serving God and His eternal reward.

For Paul, it proved far easier for him to share the Gospel with people who didn't know him or his background. Why? Because those who didn't know him would judge based only on what they saw him doing, not on what he had done. And then when they heard the report: “The man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy," they praised God. The churches of Judea rejoiced because they witnessed what God can do in any of us. Paul was himself both testimony and evidence of the transformational power of Jesus Christ.

All born again Christians have the same ability to be transformed. (Romans 12:1-2a: Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed...") How does transformation occur? When we offer ourselves sacrificially to Him. I pray that each of us will have the faith and courage to experience the glory of God in our lives.

Questions to Ponder:The problem with a "living sacrifice" is that it can crawl off the altar. Have you crawled off the altar of sacrificial commitment to Him? Have you lost a little joy, peace, prosperity, or any of the other blessings God has promised to His people? Perhaps it is time to rejoin Him in worship? Will you offer yourself to Him today?

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