Copied From Our
Daily Bread
2012-05-16 Courageous
2012-05-16 Courageous
— by Marvin Williams
Our Daily Bread Radio is hosted by Les
Lamborn
Read: Galatians
2 : 11 - 21
2:12 For before that certain came from James, he did
eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated
himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision.
2:13 And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him;
insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation.
2:14 But when I saw that they walked not uprightly
according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If
thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews,
why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews?
2:16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works
of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus
Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works
of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
2:17 But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ,
we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin?
God forbid.
2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live;
yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh
I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
2:21 I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if
righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.
When Peter had come to Antioch, I withstood
him to his face, because he was to be blamed. —Galatians
2 : 11
Bible in a Year : Job 8 - 10
Is it possible that technological advances in communication have left us
unable to confront people properly?
After all, employers can now send layoff notices via e-mail.
And people can criticize others on Facebook and Twitter instead of talking
face to face.
Perhaps it might be better to put all that aside and emulate how Paul
communicated with Peter when they had a disagreement.
Paul had to confront Peter for compromising grace (Gal. 2:11-16). Peter
had been fellowshiping with Gentiles, but when the Judaizers arrived (who
believed that sinners are saved through Jesus plus keeping the law of Moses),
Peter separated himself from the
Gentiles.
He ostracized them while professing to be one with them.
Seeing this hypocrisy, Paul, in love and with passion, confronted Peter
face to face for cowering to a legalistic system that was powerless to change
lives.
He vigorously reminded Peter that grace leads to freedom from sin’s
slavery and to obedience to God.
Having courageous conversations with fellow Christians can be difficult,
but they will promote purity and unity.
We can carry out our responsibility to one another to speak the truth in
love ( Ephesians 4:15 )
4:15 But speaking the truth in love, may
grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: speaking...:
or, being sincere
by walking in the power of the Holy
Spirit.
Lord, give us courage to confront
Believers who have strayed;
Believers who have strayed;
And then with gentleness restore
By coming to their aid. —Sper
By coming to their aid. —Sper
A well-chosen word can speak volumes.
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