Category Archives: Bible

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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Belief, Bible, Entrust, Faith, God's Will, Loyalty, Scripture, Trustworthy

ENTRUSTED

GALATIANS 2:7

“But on the contrary, seeing that I had been entrusted with the gospel to the uncircumcised, just as Peter had been to the circumcised”

To be entrusted with anything is a great responsibility. When the Lord gave my wife and I our two children, we both felt that He had entrusted them into our care. They have never “belonged” to us. They are His, entrusted to us for a season. It is our prayer that we did the Lord proud by the way we loved them, taught them and raised them to honor Him. There is probably no greater entrustment than that.

Paul uses the Greek word pisteuówhich is translated “entrusted.” Pisteuócomes from the word pistis (faith) which comes peitho (to be persuaded). Okay, you’ve had your Greek lesson for today, lol. But look at those words. What do you see now that Paul was trying to get across. God had shown faith in Paul, had been persuaded by his changed life and now had entrusted him with the Gospel to the uncircumcised.

APPLICATION

What has God entrusted you to do? I truly believe every believer has been entrusted with a mission. Whether they accept it is another story. God has entrusted me with a ministry to men through Every Man A Warrior. I truly love what I do. When I see men’s lives transform and become the spiritual leaders of their homes, it gives me joy. 2 Timothy 2:2 is a verse our ministry teaches to our men to show spiritual multiplication. “The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful people who will be able to teach others also.” You may have been entrusted with a ministry to the homeless or to unwed moms or with addicts. Whatever it is, embrace it.

Over in 2 Timothy 2:12 and 14, we see Paul talk about entrusting again. This time he uses another Greek word which means “a deposit, a trust or thing consigned to one’s faithful keeping: used of the correct knowledge and pure doctrine of the gospel, to be held firmly and faithfully, and to be conscientiously delivered unto others” (Thayer’s Greek Lexicon). “12 For this reason I also suffer these things; but I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that He is able to protect what I have entrusted to Him until that day. 14 Protect, through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, the treasure which has been entrusted to you.”

I believe that as we entrust ourselves to God, as we place our faith in His promises, He begins to entrust us with His desires for our lives. It is all about belief. It is all about faith. What do you entrust with your life? Who do you entrust with your future? Only Jesus can be trusted to hold you close.

I place my trust in You, O Lord. Thank You for trusting me with the message You have given me.

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Attention, Attitude, Bible, Boasting, Compassion, Envy, Favoritism, God's Will, Goodness, Humility, Jealousy, Scripture

NO FAVORITISM

GALATIANS 2:6

“But from those who were of considerable repute (what they were makes no difference to me; God shows no favoritism)—well, those who were of repute contributed nothing to me.”

I grew up with three siblings – an older brother and sister and a younger sister. Of course, I was mama’s favorite, lol. Just kidding! My mama never really showed any favoritism that I knew of. Each of her children were precious to her, and she showered each of us with her love and affection. She had enough love for us all.

Paul makes an interesting statement here in today’s verse – “God shows no favoritism.” Actually, the literal Greek says, “a person’s face God does not accept.” Isn’t that strange? But this goes back to a Hebrew saying about accepting a man’s face or showing partiality. Paul is saying this in relation to the apostles he met with in Jerusalem. He is saying that God did not see James and Peter as better than him. They were all equal in God’s sight.

APPLICATION

We are commanded throughout the Word to do exactly what God does. In Acts 10:34 we read, “Opening his mouth, Peter said: ‘I most certainly understand now that God is not one to show partiality,’” This was in the story of Peter and the Centurion, Cornelius, who had the vision and sent for Peter. This experience changed Peter’s outlook on the Gentiles.

Also, we see in Romans 2:11, “For there is no partiality with God.” Neither the Jew nor the Greek were seen as better than the other in God’s eyes. Christ died for both. I was sitting in a coffee shop recently people watching with my wife. Why do coffee shops attract such, should I say, “diverse” people? Green dyed hair, white-faced with black lipstick, homeless, etc. As we sat there, my wife and I were quickly reminded that Christ loves each of these people and died for them.

How about James 2:1? “My brothers and sisters, do not hold your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ with an attitude of personal favoritism.” You should really go to James 2 and read verses 1-7 to get the full picture of what James was saying. We have no right to put ourselves above anyone. We are all the same in God’s eyes.

Be honest! Do you ever think you’re just a little bit better than someone else? I can do that if I am not careful. After all, I am serving God. I give to the church and other ministries. I pray and read my Bible. But I have to remember that none of that makes God love me more. I do all that BECAUSE He loves me. And He loves those less fortunate than us. Reach out this week and show His love.

Father, I am eternally grateful for all the love You have shown me.

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NOT FOR A SECOND

GALATIANS 2:5

“But we did not yield in subjection to them, even for an hour, so that the truth of the gospel would remain with you.”

There are some things in life which you just can’t allow for a second. You can’t allow a match to be struck in a room filled with propane. The result would be devastating. Neither would you allow a fox into your chicken coop. There would be feathers and blood everywhere. Some things just can’t be tolerated. Period.

Paul goes on in verse 5 of chapter 2 to explain his complete denial of any suggestions or influence from those wanting to impose the Mosaic law on the Gentiles, thus altering the Gospel he has been preaching. Albert Barnes says this about this verse. “We did not submit to this at all. We did not yield even for the shortest time. We did not waver in our opposition to their demands, or in the slightest degree become subject to their wishes.” In other words, we do not give them an inch for we know they would take a mile.

APPLICATION

This verse is so applicable to us today. You may not see it at first glance but look again at what Paul is saying. We cannot allow the world to influence the Gospel. We must influence the world with the Gospel. Paul did say in 1 Corinthians 9:22b, “I have become all things to all people, so that I may by all means save some.” I would encourage you to read that verse in context (verses 19-23) to get the full picture of what Paul is saying. He is not saying to take on the behaviors of those people.

We must relate to people and our world without becoming them. I can share the Gospel with someone without lowering my standards or accepting their vices. Ephesians 5:8 tells us, “for you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of light.” We have to hold the torch of Christ high even though the world is doing everything it can to blow that flame out.

If the Lord has called you to someone or a group of people who do not hold to the truth of the Gospel, hold firm. Do not give in to their promptings to reduce the demands of the Gospel. Keep it simple and clear but hold the line. Don’t give in for a second. Satan loves to find those little cracks in the armor. Stand firm.

O Father, I will not give in with Your help. You sustain me and lift me up.

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Abiding, Bible, Circumcision, Commands, Godliness, Heart, Scripture

IT’S NOT ABOUT THE OUTWARD

GALATIANS 2:3

“But not even Titus, who was with me, though he was a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised.”

Okay, I am not going to make this blog all about circumcision. First of all, it’s kind of an uncomfortable topic. Am I right? I didn’t have a voice in that personally. It happened when I was a baby. It is done outside of Judaism simply as a health and hygiene choice. It meant a lot more in the Jewish faith.

Why does Paul even bring this up? Because it was important for the Gentile churches he was writing to understand that this rite of circumcision was not required of them. Titus, being a Greek, was not forced to get circumcised when he accompanied Paul back to Jerusalem. The leaders of the church, all Jews at the time, did not believe that was necessary for salvation.

APPLICATION

What are you being coerced to do to be a “better” Christian? Is that why you attend church every time the doors are open? Do you feel compelled to go to that ladies’ luncheon or to the men’s breakfast to appear engaged in the church? There is nothing you can do on the outside to improve your life spiritually. You don’t earn brownie points by doing certain things or not doing others.

Romans 2:28-29 say it well, “28 For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh. 29 But he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter; and his praise is not from people, but from God.” It is totally an inward thing. Paul knew Titus loved the Lord his God. He didn’t need to prove that by getting circumcised.

So many religions are based on works and earning your way into a higher plain or nirvana or whatever they call it. You can rest in the fact that as a believer you are saved through the precious blood of the Lamb and nothing else. Yes, we need to obey His commands. Yes, we should strive to live holy. Just don’t fall into that trap of having to do. Just be!

Father, thank You for circumcising my heart, for sealing me with Your Spirit.

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Accountability, Allies, Bible, Calling, Gospel, Purpose, Scripture

IN VAIN

GALATIANS 2:2

“It was because of a revelation that I went up; and I submitted to them the gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but I did so in private to those who were of reputation, for fear that somehow I might be running, or had run, in vain.”

A few times in my life I have found myself trying to get something done and everything fell against me. It was like taking one step forward and two steps back. I was getting nowhere fast. It’s a hopeless feeling and a complete waste of energy. I want to see something accomplished.

I love today’s verse, not so much because of Paul’s revelation or his ministry to the Gentiles. I love the fact that he submitted himself to leadership and wanted confirmation that he was not “running, or had run, in vain.” In the Greek, “vain” is the word kenos. It means to be empty, ineffective or worthless. Paul wanted to know that the work he was doing was not worthless. He wanted to be held accountable. That speaks volumes.

APPLICATION

In Philippians 2:16 Paul says this, “holding firmly the word of life, so that on the day of Christ I can take pride because I did not run in vain nor labor in vain.” He said it again in 1 Thessalonians 15:58. “Therefore, my beloved brothers and sisters, be firm, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.”

Vain work is worthless. Vain labors are ineffective. Do you think God wants us to just do something to stay busy? No! Everything God does has purpose. He wants the same for us. Years ago, there was book entitled “The Purpose Driven Life.” It was written by Rick Warren, former Pastor of Saddleback Church in California. It was a best seller. Why? Because people want to have a purpose.

Well, guess what? We are all given a purpose when we come to Christ. What is that? To share the Gospel with as many people as we can before we die. We need to have a passion for others so they can be led to the cross. That is a worthy purpose. It is not in vain. Give God the glory and find your purpose in Him.

Thank You, Lord, for giving me purpose when You called me into Your kingdom.

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Allies, Bible, Companions, Disciplemaking, Ministry, Relationships, Scripture

TRAVELING PARTNERS

GALATIANS 2:1

“Then after an interval of fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus along also.”

In my ministry to men through Every Man A Warrior, I travel a good bit. I am actually going to Haiti in a couple of months to lead a training conference for the men there who are in the Every Man A Warrior ministry. I asked a “Titus” to accompany me. Why? Accountability is one reason. Safety is another. But also, this “Titus” is one of our men who is in our Ambassador program in which we train men for leadership. I want to give this “Titus” that kind of opportunity.

Paul didn’t need to take anyone back with him to Jerusalem after fourteen years. By that time, he had proven himself as a minister of the Gospel. So, why take Titus with him? Most scholars agree that Titus, who was a Greek, was most probably saved under Paul’s ministry. He became one of Paul’s main traveling partners and someone Paul entrusted with various missions. Titus died at the age of 94 after a long and fruitful ministry, thanks to Paul.

APPLICATION

Do you have a “Titus” in your life? As believers, we have the privilege to walk alongside those younger in the faith and equip them to lead. Paul did this time and time again. Probably no better example of this is Timothy. Look at these words from Paul as he addresses his first letter to Timothy. “To Timothy, my true son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.” Paul loved Timothy, just as he did Titus. He invested in these men. Why? Because the Lord needs more leaders out there.

Let me encourage you to take a minute or two and read Romans 16:1-16. Make a list of all the people Paul named in this closing chapter. These are individuals who Paul helped equip for ministry. They are people who served with Paul and, in some situations, actually served Paul. We all need our “Titus” to invest in.

Pray about this. Ask the Lord whom He would have you take under your wing. Who does the Lord want to use to assist you in your own personal ministry. You may be surprised at the answer you get from Him. We cannot do this work alone. We need each other. Will you reach out this week?

Father, thank You for the people You have placed in my life to assist me in ministry and for the opportunity to invest in them.

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GLORIFY GOD

GALATIANS 1:24

“And they were glorifying God because of me.”

What exactly does it mean to glorify God? Have you ever wondered if you were doing it right? I mean, who wants to do that wrong? Am I right? Well, according to Strong’s Concordance the Greek word doxa means “to esteem glorious.” Thanks a lot, Carl. That doesn’t really help. It means to value God for Who He really is. Only He is worthy of glory. We certainly aren’t.

I love that Paul shared this in today’s verse. The people of the Judean churches, once they knew of the change in Paul, were glorifying God. Albert Barnes says of this verse, “They regarded me (Paul) as a true convert and a sincere Christian; and they praised God that He had converted such a persecutor and had made him a preacher of the gospel.” Paul’s conversion was something only God could have done. Therefore, only He (not Paul) was deserving of glory.

APPLICATION

I am sure you have known people who were converted from a horrible lifestyle. We’ve heard of adulterers and murderers getting saved. We may know of drug addicts or alcoholics who have done the same. How do we react? We give God glory! When Peter was called before the Jewish leaders after being arrested for preaching about Jesus, he said in Acts 4:12, “‘And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among mankind by which we must be saved.’” The same is true today.

When you hear of someone coming to Christ, give praise to the One who brings salvation to mankind. Don’t praise the actions of the one who was saved. Sure, encourage them. Walk with them as they begin their journey with Christ. But all the glory for their salvation goes to Jesus. Ephesians 2:8-9 is another of my favorite passages about this. It says, “8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”

That passage was written by Paul. He knew he had done nothing to deserve his salvation. He knew “it is the gift of God.” Coming out of a works-based religion, he knew his salvation in Christ wasn’t based on his works. It was all from Him. Only Jesus deserved the glory. And here, in today’s verse, Paul is praising God that the churches recognized that and gave God the glory. Will you glorify God today for all He has done in your life. He is worthy of all glory!

I glorify Your name, O God, Who saved me from the wretched life I was living and placed me into Your eternal family.

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