Christ is all that Matters
Galatians, Part 4
Galatians 2:11-21
- Remember the purpose of this letter:
• To teach
• To correct
• To point us to Jesus
- Paul expressed clearly in last week’s study that unity is critical
-- Division is not profitable for the church; or the work we have before us
-- The church must be unified in order that we would draw others to Christ
-- The Gospel’s truth must be preserved in all that we do: it is our mission
- Message today is more application than instruction …
- Read Galatians 2:11-21
- Pray
∆ Point 1 – Christ Brings Renewal (11-16)
- Paul has to have an honest conversation with Peter here for specific reasons
-- Note that Paul does not just decide to stir up things within the group
- He doesn’t take cheap shots at Peter behind his back; but talks right to him
-- APP: This is a critical app for believers today: gossip is sinful
- Paul knew this and knew that he must specifically talk to Peter and get this aired
-- Why? Because it is the right thing to do; vice stirring up dissention in the church
-- Gossip & dissention leads to rebellion, which leads to even more sins committed
-- When Paul has this discussion with Peter it is to solve an issue; not cause more
- What was happening?
-- Peter was spending time in seclusion; withdrawing purposely; staying private
-- Now, the Bible does not give us specific details as to “why”; but here is a theory
- When the Jews were not around, Peter was all about the Gentiles
-- He was more than likely eating BLT sandwiches and enjoying the good life
-- But when the Jews came around; all of a sudden he would seclude himself
-- APP: The Bible tells us he feared (v12) those in the circumcision group
- But, do you see what that led to? (v13) More division and more segregation!
-- Consider for a moment what this could have led to if it wasn’t stopped …
-- Total rebellion among the brotherhood, lots of gossip within the church
-- Or perhaps, whispers in the sanctuary and places of worship set aside for God?
- APP: This is the reason for the confrontation, and why it’s done (v14)
-- What Paul is getting at is simple: Why would you force them to live different?
-- APP: Customs do not equal a relationship w/ Jesus; obedience does
- Paul is ensuring that Peter not only understands this, but that he:
• Is devoted to leading others to the true Christ
• Realizes that following the Law, during this time, does NOT save
- We must know that religion does not save, but only following Jesus does (v16)
-- Under Jewish Law if they followed the observances they were made right
- However, in following Christ we must teach/obey John 14:6 (I am the way …)
-- There is only one true Christ and even in this correction; Jesus is revealed
- This is the true sign (and a great application for believers today on witnessing)
-- APP: Even in correction Jesus must be revealed. Not opinion; but Jesus Christ
- TRANS: Faith in Christ makes us justified (not works) because he is righteous
∆ Point 2 – Justified in Christ (17-18)
- (v17) The first things we must realize who we are:
• We are sinners in need of a Savior
• Once redeemed, we are sent not to show others the way
- APP: It’s the great commission in action … we go where the sin is (not partake)
-- Too many churches live in seclusion of sinners and by that sin themselves
-- Focusing on ourselves is not our mission in the church …
- It was both heart-breaking and sad to watch this week’s news unfold
-- Many were shamed and ridiculed as their sin was revealed to the world
-- Lots were being shamed publically (or worse … privately in our hearts)
-- And it is the exact opposite of what Christ has taught us to do to one another
- Why would I bring up this sensitive topic during this message?
-- IMP: People still need the Lord today, regardless of what is going on
-- People need to know that they can still come to Christ
- Need to know that the church is still a place for them to find hope/restoration
-- Need to see that God, while disappointed, has NOT given up on them
- In seeking to be justified in Christ; we should find ourselves with sinners
-- We should go to them and lift them up; be prepared to encounter broken lives
-- Just because we have Christ doesn’t mean we are perfect
- Christ has redeemed Paul, which is the purpose of this passage (v18)
-- Christ has even redeemed you if you have surrendered to Him fully
- Think of a kid who breaks a lamp and tries to avoid being caught in sin
-- Why does he do this? It will lead to punishment, right?
- So, what does he try to do?
• Tries to make things right (fix it)
• Spends time covering it up so no one else can see
- APP: There’s much spiritual truth to be gained here for us
-- When we understand who were are; that only Christ redeems, we have a choice
• Rebel and continue to do it our way
• Stop playing games and follow Christ’s commands
- TRANS: When we submit to Christ, it is only THEN that we become like Him
∆ Point 3 – Crucified with Christ (19-21)
- Re-read v19-21 Three huge point’s jump out us that I want to finish with
-- Note how Paul proclaims that he is made free …
1) Through the law (Jesus is fulfillment of the Law; the Law led him to freedom)
-- Matthew 5:17, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.”
2) I died to the Law (he willingly gave up the ritualistic practices)
-- Romans 7:6, “But now, by dying to what once bound us, we have been released from the law so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code.”
3) So that I might live for God (he abandoned the desires of himself)
-- 1 Peter 4:1-2, “Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin. As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God.”
- HUGE: B/C of the Law’s fulfillment we must die to ourselves to live for Christ
∆ CHANGE SLIDE
- You cannot be crucified with Christ and live your own way (v20)
• We must be willing to give it ALL to Him
• Not withholding any part of ourselves
• Else, we do not truly belong to Him
This includes our preferences, our desires, and even our opinions
It is no longer about us and what we want; but what Christ came to give us
Now, consider the impact of the final sentence (v21)
• If we could get what we need from God in any other way …
• If there was anyway else we could earn favor with God …
• APP: Christ’s death is meaningless
- It really is HERE where the knowledge of Christianity turns into application
- Challenges:
• Do we reach out to others to show them what they have received?
• Are we consciously inviting people to experience freedom in life?
• What will it take for us to show others what real peace looks like?
- Invitation cards available …
- Pray
