June 21, 2009
Evening Service

Galatians 2

 

Review:

1. In chapter one Paul teaches us:

·        Vs 4, Christ died for us to deliver us from this present evil world.

·        Then begins reprimanding the Galatians for leaving the gospel of grace that he had taught them.  Actually placing a curse on anyone that would try to preach another gospel than that which he preached.

·        Telling them it was given to him by revelation of Jesus Christ.

·        Upon being converted Paul never went in with the other Apostles, he saw Peter only, and then went into Arabia for a short time, where he received from God what to preach.

·        Then after 3 years he went to Jerusalem, and there he met with Peter, and James, and spent 15 days with them.  Testifying to them what he had received from God.  They gave him their blessings, and he began his work.

·        Then that Sunday evening we spoke on ( Obtaining the glory ).

 

This evening after a wonderful Father’s day, let’s see what chapter two holds in store for us.

 

Gal 2:1-21  Then fourteen years after I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and took Titus with me also.  (2)  And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain. 

• 14 years after his first visit since his conversion.  This account is given in Acts 15.
• But went to those who were proven brothers.  Peter, James, John, and others.  Proven.
• Lest I be killed for saying what I was saying.

(3)  But neither Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised:  (4)  And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage: 

• These false brethren brought in, coming in privily to spy out our liberty in Christ, tried to make us have Titus circumcised, but we did not stand for it.  They wanted to bring us under the bondage of the law, but we would not let them.
• We will find out later to eliminate arguments, Paul encourages Timothy to be circumcised, and actually does it himself.  However, Timothy was half Jew, and half Greek, where as Titus was all Greek.  The circumstances were somewhat different also.  Timothy did this willingly before starting his work with Paul, and was not pressured into it, as they tried to do Titus.

(5)  To whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you. 

• You see the truth of the gospel is that you don’t have to be circumcised in order to be saved.  Or for that matter, being a gentile, keep any of the law.

(6)  But of these who seemed to be somewhat, (whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter to me: God accepteth no man's person:) for they who seemed to be somewhat in conference added nothing to me: 

• Remember there are a lot of Jewish converts at this time, and many are zealous of the law.
• Paul is saying that it doesn’t matter how important these people were in the church, they couldn’t add anything to what I had been given by God. 

 

(7)  But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter;  (8)  (For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles:) 

• Wrought effectually;  He that was blessing Peter’s message, and bringing good results to the circumcision, was also blessing, and bringing good results in my ministry to the gentiles.

(9)  And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision. 

• Of course this is quite important to Paul, to have the blessings of the Church on his ministry.

(10)  Only they would that we should remember the poor; the same which I also was forward to do. 

• And of course this is mentioned throughout the book of Acts, gathering collections for the poor saints at Jerusalem.

(11)  But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed.  (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.  (13)  And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation. 

• Get the picture.

(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?  (15)  We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles, 

• What made Paul make this kind of a comment.  Sinners like the gentiles.  We know that all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.
• It was that the Jews were raised with being taught the good laws of God, and the Gentiles were not.

(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.  (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.  (18)  For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor.  (19)  For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God. 

• And then one of the most profane utterances by the Apostle Paul.

(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. 

• Everyone of one of us should have this understanding.  This is a powerful statement.

(21)  I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.

• Righteousness does not come by the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ.

Rom 10:3-4  For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.  (4)  For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.