Galatians #03 – An Exposition of Galatians 2:11-21. This message by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist church on Sunday morning, January 25, 2009.
Introduction:
It is a fairly common experience. When inviting someone to church or talking about the Christian faith people will respond with, “I’m not interested in attending anyone’s church they’re all filled with hypocrites.” I must admit I do not feel the need to argue with them on that point. More often that not I feel the need to say a hearty, “Amen!” I’m too aware of my own sin and shortcomings to try to deny such an obviously true statement. The fact is we all believe better than we practice. We speak a better faith than we live. But does that mean we should ignore hypocrisy? Should we write it off as the natural result of our stumbling toward godliness? Or should we, in love, confront hypocrisy when we find it? If we are to confront it, how often are we to confront? Do we confront every false act? Do we pounce on every failure? Do we only worry about “major” offenses? How do we determine major or minor? These are important questions because our faith is something we live together. No one is meant to live his or her faith in isolation but rather as part of the church, part of the family of God. We need one another. In the second chapter of Galatians we have this extraordinary account of Paul confronting Peter for an act of hypocrisy. From this encounter we learn a valuable lesson. Our text is found in Galatians chapter 2 beginning at verse 11.
Text: Galatians 2:11-21
Thesis: It is not enough to merely understand and accept the gospel or even to defend it. You must live the gospel allowing it to inform, shape and direct your life.
Outline:
- Gospel living demands consistency. (2:11-14)
- Gospel living is rooted in faith. (2:15-16)
- Gospel living finds its identity in Christ. (2:17-21)
Conclusion: It is not enough to merely understand and accept the gospel or even to defend it. You must live the gospel, allowing it to inform, shape, and direct your life.