Digging Deeper: Galatians 2:11-21
Day 1: I am crucified with Christ.
Less of me, more of Christ.
When we are saved by grace through faith in Christ alone, not only are we forgiven for our sins, but we are also given the Holy Spirit, and now live our lives by the power of Christ in us. This profound truth, that it is no longer we who live, but Christ who lives in us, reshapes our interactions and decisions, pushing us towards a Spirit-Filled Life rather than a life marked by our own desires or direction. As believers, embracing this identity means our daily actions, relationships, and decisions should reflect Christ's teachings, ways, and character, promoting a lifestyle of holiness and integrity. Our transformed lives, put on display for the people and the world around us to see, is a living example, a living hope, that shines the light of Christ in a world marked by darkness.
Galatians 2:20 (ESV)
"I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
Reflection:
What implications does Paul's statement in Galatians 2:20 have for us as Christ Followers? How does this truth inform your identity and daily living?
Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you any areas of your life where you are currently, “out of alignment” with the teaching, ways, and character of Christ.
How can you more fully allow Christ to live through you in your daily interactions at home, work, or school?
Day 2: The power of community and accountability.
Caring enough to confront.
The conflict between Paul and Peter in Antioch underscores the critical need for community and accountability in our walk with Christ. Faith is a journey and no one should walk alone. We all have bad days, make mistakes, and need a mulligan, but the other reality is our lives, words, and actions have influence and impact on the people around us. When our lives “get out of step” with the truth of Scripture, as Peter did by withdrawing and withholding fellowship from the Gentile believers, it must be addressed. We need to love one another enough to confront each other when we waver from the gospel, sin against one another, or are intentionally pursuing sin. Confrontation is not merely about pointing out faults but about upholding the truth of the gospel, which is central to the community's spiritual health, testimony, and witness.
Galatians 2:14 (ESV)
"But when I saw that their conduct was not in step with the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas before them all, 'If you, though a Jew, live like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how can you force the Gentiles to live like Jews?'"
Reflection:
According to James 2:9, what is the consequence of showing partiality among the believers?
In Galatians 2:11-14, what specific actions did Peter take when certain men from James arrived, and how did Paul respond to these actions?
Do you have people in your life, who know you well enough to speak truth into your life, or bring words of encouragement or correction when needed?
Day 3: Building Gospel Culture.
Culture is what we teach and tolerate.
The culture within a church should be a direct reflection of what we we believe. Culture is more than what we teach, it is our Gospel informed values, practices and behaviors put on display for people to see and experience. When discrepancies arise between what is taught and what is tolerated, it creates a disconnect that can weaken the church's mission. We see this is Galatians 2, Peter’s actions are out of alignment with the Gospel he preaches. This takeaway emphasizes the role of us as believers modeling gospel-centered behavior and ensuring that the church's culture aligns with the transformative message of grace and redemption. It is crucial for us as individuals and as a church family to be vigilant and proactive in promoting and protecting a culture that is in alignment with the Gospel. It takes all of us to be a church that is marked by an environment where the true essence of the gospel flourishes and is expressed.
Galatians 2:12-14 (ESV)
"For before certain men came from James, he was eating with the Gentiles; but when they came he drew back and separated himself, fearing the circumcision party. And the rest of the Jews acted hypocritically along with him, so that even Barnabas was led astray by their hypocrisy. But when I saw that their conduct was not in step with the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas before them all, “If you, though a Jew, live like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how can you force the Gentiles to live like Jews?
Reflection:
How were Peter’s actions out of step with the Gospel? What were the implications of those actions in the church in Antioch?
Have you personally ever experienced a church who’s culture seemed out of alignment with the Gospel? What was that like? How did that affect you personally?
How might you be proactive in making sure the culture of Redemption Church stays in alignment with the truth of scripture?
This culture thing we are talking about is not just for churches. It is also true for your home, your friendships, and your workplace!
Day 4: Embracing Unity in Christ.
Refusing to rebuild barriers Christ tore down.
The gospel of Christ breaks down barriers of ethnicity, social status, and personal background, uniting us in our diversity within the framework of God's kingdom. This unity is essential for the church's witness to the world, demonstrating the power of the gospel to transcend cultural, social and racial divisions. As believers, we are called to celebrate and embrace this diversity, recognizing that our unity in Christ does not erase our differences but highlights the the power of God to love, redeem, and unite people who come from different cultural, social, or racial backgrounds. That means because of Jesus life death and resurrection, we can be in fellowship with people who put ketchup on their hot-dogs, root for the Green Bay Packers (Go Bears), or put cream in their coffee. It also means God can save people who are not like us, people who have hurt us, or even people we consider our enemies, and because of His saving grace they are now our brothers or sisters in Christ.
Ephesians 2:14-16 (ESV)
"For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace."
Reflection:
How can you actively promote unity within the diverse body of Christ in your community or church?
How does Galatians 3:28 describe the unity among believers in Christ?
Considering the unity in Christ described in Galatians 3:28, identify a relationship where you can work to overcome a cultural or social barrier. What specific action will you take to initiate reconciliation or deeper understanding in this relationship?
Day 5: Live Free
Christ has set us free.
Understanding that our freedom in Christ is a call to live under the guidance of the Holy Spirit is vital for every believer. We have been set free, so that we might experience the freedom Christ desires for us. This new freedom in Christ is a call to live in a relationship with Jesus, where we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to serve one another in love, uphold the truth of the gospel, and engage in the mission of reaching people far from God and making disciples with humility and boldness. As we live freely under grace, we are empowered to resist legalism, religion, and cultural conformity, embracing a life that truly reflects the transformative power of the gospel.
Romans 6:14 (ESV)
"For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace."
Reflection:
Read Galatians 5:1. Work on memorizing it this week.
What do you think it means when Romans 6:14 says sin no longer has dominion over you? How can you walk in that freedom this week?
Read John 8:31-32. What is the relationship between truth and our freedom? Have you believed any lies from the enemy this week? How can you replace those lies with the truth of God?