Behaving the gospel.
Galatians 2: 11 -- 21. 10/10/04
I suppose you have already noticed, as you have been following along in the book of Galatians, that the first two chapters of the book, the apostle Paul is giving his personal testimony. Isn’t it wonderful to hear one’s own testimony how he comes to know Jesus as his personal savior? I have heard many and I never get tired of hearing them. You see, this is something that has happened to you. If you know Jesus as your personal savior, then you have a testimony.
Paul also told about those years after his conversion that he went down into the desert of Arabia. He has also told us about attending the first church council that was held in Jerusalem. Now he is continuing his personal testimony and he tells us about a confrontation he had with the great apostle Peter. It is a rather interesting situation. He tells of the truth of the gospel in verse 5. The truth of the gospel is the death, burial and the resurrection of Jesus. The truth of the gospel is not only to be believed but also to be behaved. It isn’t enough to talk the talk but also to walk to walk. The truth of the gospel is to be applied to our daily life.
I find often that in the world of celebrities, they make a profession of faith, yet there life is not consistent with their profession. So, this evening we want to discuss behaving the gospel. We will look at the sanctimonious of Peter and the scolding of Paul.
In verses 11 -- 13 you have THE SANCTIMONIOUS OF PETER.
We find in verse 11, Peter comes to Antioch. This is the city that Paul had been winning people to Jesus. This was a Gentile city. Peter has come for a visit. The visit starts out well with all having a good time with their fellowship and worship. Then something happened and Paul said I confronted him to the face. That Paul was a pretty tough guy. I don’t think he understood how to win friends and influence people to get what he wanted. He just shot from the hip. He took the Word of God and shot down in a hole and if it he you, well, it just hit.
Now what Peter did was to withdrawal himself from the Gentile when some of the Jewish brethren paid a visit to Antioch. Now had he forgotten the council meeting that was held at Jerusalem? It was settled at that council meeting that a person, whether Jew or Gentile, was saved by Grace through faith. Had Peter forgot? No! The Jewish council settled that you didn’t have to become a Jew to be saved. Peter understood that.
Over in Acts chapter 10 we read about a vision that the Lord gave Peter. Peter was on top of a house maybe asleep when his vision of a sheet was let down from heaven. On the sheet were all kinds of animals. The Lord said arise Peter kill and eat. Peter had been brought up with all the Jewish dietary restrictions, all the things a Jew was not supposed to eat. The Lord revealed to Peter that day that a personal experience with Jesus, the Jewish dietary restrictions has passed away. Had Peter forgotten that? Not likely.
I can almost see it. Peter wakes for breakfast and says Paul what are you eating? Paul said I am eating bacon and biscuits. Peter says, man that smells good. Do you think I could have some of that? Paul said yes, you know we are not saved about what we eat and don’t eat. Peter says that is really good, what’s for launch? Paul said pork chops. Are they good? Yes, you will have to try them. After lunch Peter says what is for dinner? Paul said ham and I know you will love it. But about dinnertime, in comes the Jewish group and Peter withdrew from the Gentile table. He would not eat the ham or set with the Gentile people.
Why did Peter do that? Read the rest of verse 12, “for fear.” How many things have we done because of the fear of man? How many things have we allowed to come into our lives because we are afraid to say no? How many people are lost and know it but what will other people say if I trust Jesus?
I want you to look, Peter not only failed but he caused others to do the same. One by one, others started doing the same thing. Do you see the importance of influence? Also, this influence can be positive. Some may just have been waiting for you to turn to Jesus.
We see not only the sanctimonious of Peter but THE SCOLDING OF PAUL.
In verse 14 Paul is asking why are you reversing your position? Until this group came, you were eating at the Gentile table and eating the same food that they ate.
Paul just takes the opportunity to preach them a message. We see that in the remaining verses.
To sum up the sermon Paul preached, I am reminded of a story I read one time. There was this woman who had a sick child. The child was in need of some fresh fruit. It was wintertime and fresh fruit was hard to find. She was by the Kings Palace one day and looking into the house, she saw some fresh fruit. She went into the Palace with only a few coins and offered to try buying some fruit. The daughter of the King said no I will give you some fruit. You will take them free or not take them at all.
You know everyone comes to Lord the same way. We can come with our coins and works but salvation to the soul is free and cannot be bought. No works of man can earn salvation. Jesus has already paid it with his life and it was sufficient once and for all. All who come to Jesus receive the free salvation and are set free. Do you know Jesus?
