Galatians 2:11-14 The Gospel and Racism Sermon Notes

11 But when Cephas (St. Peter) came to Antioch, I (St. Paul) opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. 12 For before certain men came from James, he (St Peter) was eating with the Gentiles; but when they came he drew back and separated himself, fearing the circumcision party. 13 And the rest of the Jews (ish Believers) acted hypocritically along with him, so that even Barnabas was led astray by their hypocrisy. 14 But when I saw that their conduct was not in step with the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas (St Peter) before them all, "If you, though a Jew, live like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how can you force the Gentiles to live like Jews?”

The presenting problem was kosher food but the underlying issue was racism and the answer, for the Believer, is not more Law but rather walking the Truth of the Gospel out into every area of our hearts and lives.


Growth in the Christian Life:

Climb the Stairs of The Law
vs.
The Truth of The Gospel as the Hub walked out into every area of life.

Galatians 2:14 - their conduct was not in step with the truth of the gospel

The Truth of the Gospel - John 1:17 - For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

Their conduct was not in step with - orthopodeo - to walk straight.
ortho - right, straight, correct
podeo - to walk, Podiatrist, a Foot Doctor.

The Gospel is the Good News of the Cross and Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

We are transferred from the Old Covenant of Law to the New Covenant of Grace. Romans 6:14 - You are not under Law but under Grace. So as Believers we start thinking about things very differently.


I have invited a very good friend to speak to us this morning.