Good Morning Beloved,
Welcome to worship this Lord's Day
We're glad you're here with us!
We can be tempted to compromise the truth when forceful, high position people champion another cause. While it is true, compromise is an important element in getting along with others, however, we can never compromise the truth of God’s Word, ever! If we feel we need to change our Christianity to get along with our companions we are following a dangerous lie. Paul made a stand for the truth, he opposed powerful people within the fledgling Church.
Is salvation only through Christ or by Christ and the law? Knowing the
right answer and acting on or practicing the right thing in daily life
does not always follow. Old habits that are carried on into the
Christian life don’t die on their own, they must be put to death by the
power of the Cross.
The Jerusalem Council had convened and doctrinal clarity had been
established, however, that did not necessarily mean the issue of how a person is saved.
Let us bow our heads in prayer.
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for Your precious Word. Thank You for Your Son, Jesus Christ, and the grace that reached down and gave us life when we were dead in trespasses and sins. Thank You for giving us faith in the one true gospel, may we never deviate from its truth.
Thank You for our time together, to study Your Word, for love and fellowship between us, we are so grateful. Thank You for Your Holy Spirit, helping us to understand the richness of Your Word, our union with Christ, which defines our life. May we be held accountable to uphold it, no matter the cost.
Father, we pray that those who have not yet received Christ, as their Lord and Savior, that You might touch their hearts, so that today may be that day, that they might come to know the love of Christ. Let us then, Your church, rejoice with the angels for their salvation. May it all be for Your glory and Christ's sake.
We pray this in Christ's precious name
Amen
Today's Message: The Spirit of Confrontation
I want to begin by saying, I am so grateful for all of you. I simply cannot imagine, what my life would be like without my family of faith. I love you guys, and pray for you, I just wanted all of you to know that.
Satan has always tried to counterfeit everything that God does. And, he continues to do so, even today. He appears disguised as an angel of light. His ministers are disguised as angels of light. They masquerade within the people of God, among the people of God, and in the church, subtly proclaiming error and false doctrine. Why does Satan work so hard at devising false religions, false teachers? Because he is the archenemy, a hater of God. That's why any deviation of the truth, the gospel is a cursed thing.
When did the false religion of Satan begin? Genesis chapter three! When sin entered the world, and the Fall occured.
Paul said in chapter 1, verses 8 and 9, "If anyone preaches another gospel than the gospel that I have preached to you, let him be anathema, — accursed or damned!" Paul is concerned about the truth of the gospel. Why? "..so that the truth of the gospel would remain with you."
In the early church, there was no New Testament. The gospel was communicated by Paul and the other apostles, who were traveling to spread its message; the true gospel. Peter, was a preacher of the true gospel, and his preaching was predominate in the first half of the book of Acts, which is the record of the early preaching of the gospel. Then Paul comes along, preaching in chapter twelve and continues through chapter twenty-eight, the end of the book of Acts.
Until the New Testament was written down by the apostles and their associates, the gospel resided in these men. That's why it is detrimental, that they believed Paul's teaching. Which is why Paul, goes to such great lengths, to validate his teaching of the gospel. It was imperative, for the sake of the gospel.
Open with me your Bibles to the second chapter in book of Galatians, as we continue our study of this wonderful epistle, in the Word of God. I invite you to follow along with me, as I read to you from our text, Galatians 2:11-14.
"But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. For prior to the coming of certain men from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles; but when they came, he began to withdraw and hold himself aloof, fearing the party of the circumcision. The rest of the Jews joined him in hypocrisy, with the result that even Barnabas was carried away by their hypocrisy. 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?"
In verse 11, which tells us that we must stand up for living out the gospel truth
against anyone, even leaders in the church. "But when Cephas came to
Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned."
That's what is behind Paul's confrontation of Peter, that is what is behind the book of Galatians, Paul's desire to defend and declare the true gospel, even in the face of certain men who have come into the churches of Galatia and propagated a false gospel. It's a fight for the truth.
Despite the different variations of religion, there are only two: The true religion of God, revealed in Scripture and the multiplicity of false religions of Satan. Given the understanding and nature of the natural man, through various practices and discourse, he will always find ways to believe many possible truths, rather than the one truth, in the Word of God. It all comes down to this, salvation is solely by the divine achievement, a divine accomplishment by God through Jesus Christ, or it is by human achievement. Satan's false religion is by some kind of human effort.
There was no ancient city out side of Jerusalem, as influential in the
early Christian community as Antioch. It was in Antioch Syria that
believers were first called Christians, in Acts 11:26.
It was the third largest city, a population of over 500,000, of the Roman Empire after
Rome and Alexandria. The church in Antioch became the mission headquarters
for Gentile Christians and Paul and Barnabas’ base for operation. It is
likely Paul or Barnabas invited Peter to Antioch at the Jerusalem
Council, to join the Christian communities together, more closely.
There is much that is unknown about why Peter visited Antioch. For example, did he visit
occasionally, or was it a stop over, on the way to somewhere else. Either way, while Peter was there, he
committed an error so serious, that Paul felt obligated to oppose him to his face, which means to confront directly and openly. Paul thought Peter’s
action was entirely inexcusable, which is understood because
he stood self-condemned. Paul recognized the issue, what was at stake
and had the boldness and courage to speak up for the right application of biblical
truth.
I'd like to mention as a footnote, it is no insignificant act, no light thing, to rebuke a church leader. That is why in verse twelve, Paul begins by explaining his actions. "For prior to the coming of certain men from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles; but when they came, he began to withdraw and hold himself aloof, fearing the party of the circumcision."
Why was that such a big deal, such a terrible offense? Because by Jewish standards, Jews didn’t eat with Gentiles. By Jewish standards, a Gentile was unclean. It was a form of racism, and we see it as far back as Jonah, when he didn't want the Gentiles to repent. Jews resented and hated Gentiles, therefore, they kept themselves separate.
Peter was raised in that environment, so what's the big deal? Because in Christ, the Jew and Gentile are one, and Christ is neither Jew nor Greek. In Christ, that separation is over with. It’s all over. There is no longer a division. And Peter knows that!
When Peter came to Antioch, he found Jewish and Gentile Christians regularly eating together in a
meal, a love feast, much like our pot-luck suppers, and so he joined them. For the record, the Mosaic law did not forbid eating with Gentiles. However, Leviticus 11 sets forth specific dietary laws for Jews that might be including forbidden food present at the table of Gentile meals.
Peter had let go of those old taboos, in the fellowship of the new faith and he shared in the common meal. Despite being an orthodox Jew. He learned at the home of Cornelius that what God makes clean is cleaned indeed. Christ by His death on the cross fulfilled, abolished the Old Testament dietary restrictions, and therefore there reasons for existing.
Peter's freedom in Christ, was threatened by his fear of men-or by his need for their approval. Peter's actions were in contrast to the teachings of Proverbs 29:25, which says "The fear of man brings a snare,
But he who trusts in the Lord will be exalted." In other words, Peter compromised what he knew was right, what he knew to be true, in Christ, to gain the approval of the circumcised.
But he who trusts in the Lord will be exalted." In other words, Peter compromised what he knew was right, what he knew to be true, in Christ, to gain the approval of the circumcised.
As Christians, we need to be held accountable to God by being accountable to godly Christians. However, the all too spiritual-sounding phrase "I am answerable only to God" may well be for some, a subtle excuse for not answering to anyone, including God! Christians need to hold one another accountable. Why? Because we are all vulnerable to pride and power! We are all vulnerable to pride and power. Therefore, we are the last to know when we have succumb to the power of their seduction.
That is why Paul confronted Peter, openly, face to face, for his hypocrisy. This had to be terribly embarrassing
for Peter. However, Peter needed the rebuke. Peter knew from his previous
boasting and denial of Christ that he couldn’t trust his own estimate of
himself.
I have what may be perceived by some to be a rather disturbing revelation; Everyone of us must come to that realization, sooner or later, that we are not perfect. We all sin, even as Christians. And, one way to make
sure you’re not the last one to know when you’re sinning is to have
someone hold you accountable.
It is of course, uncomfortable and unpleasant, to say the least, when someone points out our sin, and more often than not, in our humanity, we attempt to defend our sinful actions, nevertheless, rebuke is necessary.
So, I'd like you to notice Peter’s attitude, his spiritual maturity. Peter recognizes the higher
claim of truth over rank. He recognizes Paul’s rightful rebuke and
defense of the Gospel. So in humility, Peter accepts the severe public
correction from "an inferior," in both age and standing.
Peter’s actions, however intended or self-justified began to cause a
division as we seen in verse 13. The rest of the Jews joined him in
hypocrisy, with the result that even Barnabas was carried away by their
hypocrisy. Peter’s fearful tactical action was contagious. The
rest of the Jews in the Antioch Church joined with him in acting, sunupokrinomai, self-righteous. The idea is that Peter knew he was acting contrary to his own inner
convictions. He and the other’s including Paul’s best friend Barnabas
were hiding their own real beliefs just as an actor conceals his real
face behind a mask.
In verse 14, Paul says, "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?"
Since Peter was a leader who knew he was doing wrong, Paul confronted
him publicly with his hypocrisy in verse 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.
The gradual withdrawal and the slow division had progressed to a point
where it could no longer be ignored or hoped that it would solve itself.
What was occurring in the fellowship would not advance people straight
forward or upright, is the Greek word, orthopodeo, where we derive the word orthopedics, in the
integrity or honesty of the Gospel. Paul knew that he had to confront
Peter before his actions damaged the church and the Gospel. So Paul
publicly opposed Peter for leading the brethren astray by means of a
severe rebuke.
Paul did not go to the other leaders, nor did he write letters to the
churches telling them not to follow Peter’s example. Instead, he
opposed Peter directly, face to face. Sometimes sincere Christians, even Christian
leaders, make mistakes. And it may take other sincere Christians to get
them back on track. If you are convinced that someone is doing harm to
himself/herself or the church, try the direct approach. There is no
place for backstabbing in the body of Christ.
In Closing...
If you deviate from the gospel in what you say about the gospel, or if you deviate from the gospel in how you act, you’re in violation of the purity of the gospel. I understand, it's hard. It’s hard to be bold for the gospel when you’re around people who compromise the gospel yet talk about Christ. It’s hard to be bold, when you want to be accepted by them.
Paul’s confrontation
was based on the freedom and unity of the Gospel of Grace. Do Gentiles
need to abide by Old Testament laws to associate with you, who no longer follows
them? Peter knew that God had freely given the Gentiles the Spirit but
instead of continuing to unify with God in freedom from the law and live
in New Testament submission to the Holy Spirit he fell back under the
law and his old habits of life. Paul brings to his mind the truth of the
Gospel. However, do not attack the gospel, by with people who have a false gospel. Don't ever do that!
No man can stand innocent before God by any other means than forgiving of, and cleansing from, sin, and by the provision of righteousness that Jesus alone can give. Justification cannot be earned or deserved in any way. It must be received as a gift from God by placing your faith in Jesus Christ alone. Man cannot justify himself before a Holy God. God must do it. It can only be done if we will enter into a relationship with Jesus Christ and abiding in His salvation for us.
Saving faith is the kind of trust that leads one to make a personal commitment of oneself to Christ for time and eternity. Good works will follow such a commitment, but good works will not save anyone. Cast off all other hope of deliverance from sin for it is only sinking sand. The salvation received by entering into a relationship with Jesus Christ is the only solid rock that will extend past time into eternity.May it be so...
And now may the Lord bless you and keep you;
the Lord make His face shine upon you,
And be gracious to you;
The Lord lift up His countenance upon you,
And give you peace.
Now and forever, in Jesus' name
Amen
the Lord make His face shine upon you,
And be gracious to you;
The Lord lift up His countenance upon you,
And give you peace.
Now and forever, in Jesus' name
Amen
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