Take Two: Galatians 2, Proverbs 4

In Chapter 2, Paul is further defending the fact that the gospel he preached (salvation is by grace and not by keeping the Law of Moses) is well known among those closest to Jesus and is accepted by them.

Remember that the matter at issue is the "changing" of the gospel message to ADD the keeping of Jewish law as a requirement for Salvation. Paul is certainly a man who would allow Christian liberty in observing Jewish Law. He would not prevent the keeping of the Law as an act of worship by those who did it as a matter of conscience (See Roman 7); however, he was opposed to these same zealots mandating that someone else keep the Law in order to be saved.

What you have "evolving" here is a disunity in the church. There is a two-class mentality bubbling to the surface. Those who came from a strong Jewish (likely Pharisee) background began to see themselves as somewhat "better" than those without the same background. They began to look down their noses at those who did not treat the Law of Moses the same way they did.

Out of this zeal for the observance of the Law came a distorted presentation of the gospel.

In Gal 2:1-2, Paul noted that he went to Jerusalem and met privately with the church's leaders there, on his own initiative (not because he was summoned to the principal's office). The outcome of this meeting was that not even the Gentile among them, Titus, was to be circumcised (Gal 2:3). It was determined that Paul had been given a ministry to the Gentiles and it would look different than Peter's ministry to the Jews; however, both ministries were unified in essence and in Whom they served (Gal 2:5-10).

Don't miss that point. God is big enough to give two men two different approaches to Kingdom mission and still be One God. Sometimes people today think we have to be one or the other. There is room for those who are legalistic in some of their practices (Pianos, Organs, and KJV) as well as those who are more "fluid," (Praise teams, art and drama, blue jeans, and the New Living Translation). Each of us has a preference, but our preferences are not the gospel. The gospel is the gospel. Our preferences are our preferences.

A friend (church planter) of mine had a group in the early days of his church demand that homeschooling was the only biblical way to educate children. They wanted that to be taught as part of the core beliefs of the new church. He refused and they left. Why? Because they wanted to add to the gospel (what it means to be a follower fo Christ) and he was resolute at defending the pure gospel.

In Gal 2:11-21 Paul gives another example of how serious he was at defending the gospel. He points out/reminds the church that he (Paul) even went toe-to-toe with Peter on the issue. Peter hung out with the Gentiles on most days, but when the zealous Jewish brothers came to town, Peter acted differently. Paul called Peter out! To not do so would have caused others to think that Peter's actions were appropriate and even embrace them themselves.

Notice then two different ways of approaching the disunity. I think it is instructive for us. First, there are times when it is necessary to approach people in private and seek clarity and resolution. There are other times when it is best suited to address matters publicly. When do you differentiate?

You might hate this but here goes. Bearing principles in mind...it has to be a "led by the Holy Spirit" thing. It is not black and white. There are principles involved, not the least of which is how best to accomplish a RIGHTEOUS UNITY in the Body. (Soapbox alert: Not just unity, which might be construed as a lack of conflict. RIGHTEOUS UNITY which is a firm resolve that God is...and we are called to align with Him in it. We change our approaches to follow after God. Period. )

Proverbs 4:6 is the takeaway today. Do not forsake [wisdom]...love [wisdom]; and, [wisdom] will guard you and watch over you. To not forsake is simply to set the boundaries and observe them. To love...is to actively and intentionally explore wisdom and apply it to our lives. Wisdom guards us as a fence sets the protective boundaries of our homes; while, watching over us gives a picture of wisdom being active and searching. It is a living presence in our daily lives. As with yesterday, it is loving wisdom that speaks of our response to its value. We are to value God's Word and love it, seeking to explore and apply it in every way. By doing so, we gain not only boundaries that guard...but a God who watches over and guides our steps moment by moment.

Grace,