Monthly Archives: February 2024

Belief, Bible, Blessing, Chosen, Family, Favoritism, Genealogy, God's Will, Gospel, Heritage, History, Salvation, Scripture

HERITAGE

GALATIANS 2:15

“‘We are Jews by nature and not sinners from the Gentiles;’”

I had a hint the other day on one of my genealogy sites. It was pretty awesome. That hint led me back to the 11th century to a relative on my mom’s side of the family. He was an Earl in Scotland. Isn’t that cool? I find these family trees to be intriguing. Knowing where you come from can give you some grounding in life.

As Paul continues his rebuke of Peter in verse 15, we see him talking about his and Peter’s heritage. They were Jews, not Gentiles. They had prior knowledge to the things of Jehovah, unlike the Gentiles, who were commonly referred to as sinners by the Jews. But Paul wasn’t setting himself up above the Gentiles. We can see that later in this letter in Galatians 3:28. “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

APPLICATION

What can we make of this verse today in application to our life? Know where you come from! We are told in Ephesians 5:8, “for you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light.” We were all sinners doomed to an eternal damnation before coming to Jesus. Never forget what God did for you in salvation. We should stay forever grateful.

I believe the second thing we can see in today’s verse is that God did not make the Gentiles a lower class. He has always desired to see them come to Him. Look at Isaiah 60:3, “Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising.” Aren’t you grateful for that? God had a plan from the beginning for all mankind to come to Him. He knows who will and who want. But the Word says in John 3:16, “whosover.” That included the Gentiles.

And the final thing I see in this verse today is a warning not to flaunt our position in Christ. I don’t think for a second that Paul was putting down the Gentiles in this verse. I can just see him standing and addressing the crowd. You have to remember that Paul loved these Gentiles and had a mission from God to preach the Gospel to them. He was not putting the Jews above them. We are all the same at the foot of the cross. Praise the Lord!

Father, thank You for saving me. Thank You for giving me a family tree that leads to You.

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Accountability, Advice, Allies, Battles, Bible, Conflict, Confrontation, Direction, God's Will, Harmony, Relationships, Scripture

STRAIGHT FOOTED

GALATIANS 2:14

“But when I saw that they were not straightforward about the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas in the presence of all, ‘If you, being a Jew, live like the Gentiles and not like the Jews, how is it that you compel the Gentiles to live like Jews?’”

I used to love to mow grass. Just the task of getting it done and seeing the finished job was calming. That probably sounds strange, doesn’t it? In my last children’s home job, I would occasionally hop on our zero turn mower and mow some of the large fields on campus. The key to keeping a straight line is to look down the field and find a spot to go towards. You have to watch your tire tracks to keep them straight also. My dad taught me that. Going straight just made the field look nicer once I was done.

Paul and Peter aren’t mowing grass in today’s verse. But the principle I just shared is applicable. Paul saw that Peter was not walking straight in regards to the teachings of Christ. The Greek word for “they were…straightforward” is orthopodeo, which is from two Greek words – orthos (straight) and pous (foot). This word is only used here in Galatians 2:14. Peter had strayed from the straight path. He was off course, and Paul had a moral and spiritual obligation to confront him publicly for this public display.

APPLICATION

Sometimes we do things that are not “straight-footed.” We get off course. We stray. We are headed down the wrong path. Isn’t it great when someone confronts you? Not really! No one wants that. But it is so necessary. I have had to confront friends who were not walking straight. Friends have confronted me, as well. John tells us in 1 John 5:16 “If anyone sees his brother or sister committing a sin not leading to death, he shall ask and God will, for him, give life to those who commit sin not leading to death.”

Even Jesus gave us instructions in this matter. In Matthew 18:15-17 we read, “15 ‘Now if your brother sins, go and show him his fault in private; if he listens to you, you have gained your brother. 16 But if he does not listen to you, take one or two more with you, so that ON THE TESTIMONY OF TWO OR THREE WITNESSES EVERY MATTER MAY BE CONFIRMED. 17 And if he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, he is to be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.’”

Now, all that may sound too confrontational for you. I understand. It’s not easy to confront a brother or sister. It’s not easy to be confronted. But if we live that way, holding each other accountable in love, we would have so much less need to do it. As for you, be willing to receive correction when given. None of us are perfect. Amen?

Oh Father, thank You for friends who will confront me in my sin to help lead me to walk “straight-footed.”

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Accountability, Advice, Apologies, Bible, Choices, Confrontation, Encouragement, Gospel, Influence, Mentoring, Scripture

BAD INFLUENCE

GALATIANS 2:13

“The rest of the Jews joined him in hypocrisy, with the result that even Barnabas was carried away by their hypocrisy.”

It is not a good thing to be a bad influence. God does not look approvingly on that. I have to admit that before I came to Christ, I was not the best influence. I had some bad habits that I shared. I repented of that and have apologized to those I may have harmed back then. Even as a believer we can do that also. Let’s look at what happened in Antioch.

Paul begins to get in more detail why he had to oppose Peter to his face (as he said back in verse11). Because Peter stopped eating with the Gentiles, the rest of the converted Jews and even Barnabas, were influenced by him. The word Paul uses for “carried away” is only used three times in the New Testament. Once it is positive (Romans 12:16) and twice negatively (here and in 2 Peter 3:17). These Jews and Barnabas were led away by Peter’s negative behavior towards the Gentiles.

APPLICATION

Why did Paul jump in and confront Peter? Well, we will see more of the story in the rest of chapter 2. But to make a concise point – Paul had to stop the corruption of the Gospel. Peter and the rest of the men who pulled away were essentially adding to the Gospel. They were implying that you had to eat kosher to be right with the Lord. Thank the Lord that didn’t hold up. I love bacon, lol.

Another story of bad influence was told in the book of Acts when Ananias made the plan with his wife Sapphira to lie to Peter about their land sale. Read Acts 5:1-11 for the full story. This decision to follow her husband in this lie cost Sapphira her life. When we influence people in a negative manner, it may not cost them their physical life, but it could spiritually. If unbelievers don’t see a difference in us because of Jesus, they may be influenced to not listen to the drawing of the Holy Spirit in their own lives, thus costing them eternity with Christ.

Who will you influence today? You have the opportunity to be Jesus to someone. You may influence a neighbor by the way you speak to them on the street. You may influence a fellow believer by sharing a prayer request with them or praying with them. We have a high calling. Be an influencer – only in a positive way.

Lord, give me the opportunity today to influence someone to follow Jesus – not me.

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Ashamed, Bible, Double-minded, Embarrassment, Favoritism, Integrity, Scripture

ASHAMED

GALATIANS 2:12

“For prior to the coming of some men from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles; but when they came, he began to withdraw and separate himself, fearing those from the circumcision.”

I went to a ballgame once with someone who got a little obnoxious after the game. We had lost a close game, and as we walked out of the stadium, the other team’s fans were celebrating. This person I was with took offense at that and began arguing and yelling at them. I immediately walked away so I would not be pulled into that scene. I was ashamed to be seen with them at the time. Their behavior was not appropriate. Later, we talked about that as we drove home.

Paul tells us what Peter did to cause the confrontation which we mentioned yesterday in my blog on the previous verse. Peter had been eating with the Gentiles until James’ men arrived. When they got there, Peter couldn’t be seen doing that. He was probably eating some food that would not have been kosher. Plus, just the fact of a Jew eating with a Gentile was frowned upon. Paul notices Peter doing that and calls him on it.

APPLICATION

We should never act like Peter did in this situation. We are not better than anyone else. We do not “deserve” any special treatment. James 2 gives us a great illustration of this. Interestingly, this comes from the very man who sent the men to Galatia which caused the issue for Peter.

Verses 1-4 tell us, “1 My brothers and sisters, do not hold your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ with an attitude of personal favoritism. 2 For if a man comes into your assembly with a gold ring and is dressed in bright clothes, and a poor man in dirty clothes also comes in, 3 and you pay special attention to the one who is wearing the bright clothes, and say, ‘You sit here in a good place,’ and you say to the poor man, ‘You stand over there, or sit down by my footstool,’ 4 have you not made distinctions among yourselves, and become judges with evil motives?”

Do you get the picture? I could add other verses on this but let me just include one more. Romans 2:11 says, “For God shows no partiality.” And there you have it – period. If God doesn’t do this, why should we? I am not saying it’s easy. Sure, we have our preferences of people. That’s normal. But never put yourself above anyone. Allow Christ to love them through you. Amen?

Father, I naturally have people I am more comfortable with, but don’t let me ever present myself as better than anyone.

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Accountability, Allies, Bible, Confrontation, Disciplemaking, Gentleness, Harmony, Kindness, Relationships, Scripture

CONFRONTATION

GALATIANS 2:11

“But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned.”

It is not easy to confront someone who is in sin, is it? You risk losing that friend for life. But if you don’t confront them in love, you risk seeing them spiral downward. In the ministry I am serving in, Every Man A Warrior, we teach men to hold other men accountable. In fact, they have to sign a commitment to be a part of the group. One of the commitments says:

I will not be defensive if my brothers challenge me if I do not fulfill my commitment. I will welcome their challenge and seek greater faithfulness.

Paul had to confront Peter in Antioch. Why? Well, we will see that whole story in the next 10 verses (2:12-21). Paul had a mission to preach the Gospel to the Gentiles. He, being a former Pharisee, was very careful to guard these new converts from being influenced by anyone who wanted to add to the requirements for salvation. That was through Christ alone. Just watch over the next several days how Paul confronts Peter about his hypocrisy. I am sure it was not easy to do this.

APPLICATION

The application for us in this verse is obvious. We have to confront our fellow believers when we see them in obvious sin. Why? Because we want to present to a lost world a united front. Listen to what Paul said to Timothy in 2 Timothy 2:24-26. “24 The Lord’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, skillful in teaching, patient when wronged, with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth, 26 and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will.” Notice, Paul said “with gentleness.”

We even see Jesus confronting the religious leaders of His day in Matthew 23:25-26. “25 ‘Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and of the dish, but inside they are full of robbery and self-indulgence. 26 You blind Pharisee, first clean the inside of the cup and of the dish, so that the outside of it may also become clean.’” Read verses 13-32 to see all eight of the woes Jesus lays on these individuals. Remember, even though all this sounds harsh, Jesus loved these people and would eventually die, even for them.

As I said at the beginning, this is not easy. But it is so necessary. My wife will confront me when I am wrong. I may not like it, but I appreciate it (I really do, honey). I want to be a better man for her. I want to be a more godly man for her. I can get blinded to my own sin at times. I am thankful for others in my life who will hold me accountable and lovingly draw me back to Christ.

Father, give me the boldness to confront a brother or sister in Christ who are straying from the path.

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Abundance, Bible, Blessing, Caregiver, Direction, Giving, Kindness, Money, Oveflowing, Scripture

REMEMBER THE POOR

GALATIANS 2:10

“They only asked us to remember the poor—the very thing I also was eager to do.”

My wife and I love to give to others as the Lord leads us. Recently, we were at a restaurant and heard of a need from our server. We agreed almost instantly that the Lord would have us help meet that need. We like to bless our servers in restaurants. We have gotten to know a few through repeated visits. These individuals basically work for tips since their hourly wage is very low. God has so richly blessed us. We know He would have us share that when needed.

Paul mentions in today’s verse that the apostles in Jerusalem instructed them to “remember the poor.” These were probably those Judean believers who were suffering because of their conversion to Christ. They may have lost jobs and families because of their new faith. They had needs which Paul was glad to help meet. This was not the only time he did this. We’ll look at some of those efforts below.

APPLICATION

You may be led to help take up a collection to help someone or a group. In Romans 15:25-27 we see Paul doing that for the Judean believers. “25 but now, I am going to Jerusalem, serving the saints. 26 For Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem. 27 For they were pleased to do so, and they are indebted to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in their spiritual things, they are indebted to do them a service also in material things.”

Paul tells the Corinthian church to do the same. 1 Corinthians 16:1 says, “1 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you are to do as well.” Giving to others is something that has been seen all through Scripture. We see it in the Old and New Testaments.

I particularly like the way James puts this in James 2:15-16. “15 If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace, be warmed and be filled,’ yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that?” Is that crystal clear? I think so. Ask the Lord if there is a need around you that you could meet. I promise you will be blessed as much if not more than the person who help.

God, direct me to those who You would have me bless and meet a need.

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Agreement, Allies, Bible, Fellowship, Hand, Integrity, Loyalty, Partner, Relationships, Scripture

RIGHT HAND OF FELLOWSHIP

GALATIANS 2:9

“and recognizing the grace that had been given to me, James and Cephas and John, who were reputed to be pillars, gave to me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, so that we might go to the Gentiles, and they to the circumcised.”

A handshake – it used to mean something. Many a deal was made just by a simple handshake between individuals. A man’s word was his bond. That handshake meant each man would follow through on what they had agreed upon. No paperwork was required. No lawyer was needed. My dad had that kind of reputation in my hometown. Jack Willis’ word was enough. That’s the kind of man I strive to be.

When James, Peter and John gave Paul and Barnabas the “right hand of fellowship” they were agreeing to support them in their mission to the Gentiles. They were saying We trust you to carry out the mission we have agreed on. They recognized them as fellow-laborers for Christ. Whether this was done privately or in public, this handshake was a formal agreement between them. Paul believed them and was supported by them.

APPLICATION

Perhaps you have given that “right hand of fellowship” to someone. What does that mean to you? Will you support that individual in their walk with the Lord? We need each other to accomplish God’s kingdom work here on earth. You and I can’t possibly do this all by ourselves.

There is a passage in Hebrews 10 that is often quoted to encourage each other to attend church. Look at verses 24 and 25 and see what you observe there. “24 and let’s consider how to encourage one another in love and good deeds, 25 not abandoning our own meeting together, as is the habit of some people, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.”

Do you want to know what I see there? I’m going to tell you anyway. I see “encourage one another in love and good deeds.” I see “encouraging one another.” It’s not just about not missing church. We need to be coming alongside each other. We need to be offering that “right hand of fellowship.” Why? Because the day is “drawing near.”

Paul has been talking a lot about allies, companions and partners in Galatians. I believe he wanted the Galatians to know that he was not a one man operation. He was co-laboring with Titus, Barnabas, Peter, James and John. And just like Paul, we need others to work alongside for the cause of Christ. Who is that person(s) in your life?

Thank You, Lord, for my partners in ministry all over the world.

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Abiding, Belief, Calling, God's Will, Gospel, Indwelling, Messages, Scripture

HE IS AT WORK

GALATIANS 2:8

“(for He who was at work for Peter in his apostleship to the circumcised was at work for me also to the Gentiles),”

I am not a finished product. I am reminded of a song that was popular in the 70’s entitled, “He’s Still Workin’ on Me.” Here are some of the lyrics:

There really ought to be a sign upon my heart
Don’t judge him yet, there’s an unfinished part
But I’ll be better just according to His plan
Fashioned by the Master’s loving hands

He’s still working on me
To make me what I need to be
It took him just a week to make the moon and stars
The sun and the earth and Jupiter and Mars
How loving and patient He must be
‘Cause He’s still workin’ on me

I believe Paul knew he wasn’t a finished product. The same God who had called Peter to the Jews had called him to the Gentiles. The message was the same – Jesus died to save mankind from their sins. As educated as Paul was as a Pharisee, he knew it was God who had done the work in him necessary to deliver His message.

APPLICATION

It does not matter how you came to Christ; it was not anything you did to deserve it. You have not arrived. Neither have I. Philippians 2:13 tells us, “or it is God who is at work in you, both to desire and to work for His good pleasure.” Paul says again in Ephesians 2:10, “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.”

So, if God is at work in you and me, what is that for? For ourselves? Well, yes that’s true. But there is so much more to it. He wants to use His workmanship to accomplish so much in the world. Will you let Him use you?

Praise You, Lord, for working on me. I know I am not the easiest substance to mold sometimes.

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