Galatians 2:11-21 • Face to Face

Review & Overview

1. Previous Study’s Review

In Ch. 1 we started this section called: The Preservation of the Gospel.

In this section we are going to look at several ways how Paul preserves the Gospel of Grace or how he defends the Gospel of Grace.

Last time together we saw Paul preserve or defend the Gospel of Grace in regards to tje Approval of Paul’s Ministry..

We looked at 4 things:

He visited the Church - in Jerusalem to meet with those of reputation.

Peter, James, & John to confirm with them if the message he has been preaching was accurate and same as what they were preaching.

He Also Brought - Titus who was a greek gentile and NOT circumcised.

What was interesting about that is that the leadership did not compel him to be circumcised.

Church Legalizers - The main reason for his visit though was because false teachers called judizers were legalizing the church.

And what a blessing that was: We are saved by Grace through faith…

2. Current Study’s Overview

This brings us to Vs. 11 of ch. 2 where Paul continues to preserve The Gospel of Grace. READ…

The Title of Today’s Message Is:

Because as you saw in our quick reading of today’s scripture

If you taking notes we want to look at ___ things regarding Paul’s Rebuke to Preserve The Gospel of Grace.

1. Paul’s Rebuke Involves Confrontation Vs. 11

2. Paul’s Rebuke Involves Motivation Vs. 12-13

3. Paul’s Rebuke Involves Explanation Vs. 14-21

1. Paul’s Rebuke Involves Confrontation Vs. 11

So Paul confronts Peter to his face, he rebukes Peter to his face.

Notice, Paul didn’t rebuke Peter behind his back, he didn’t rebuke Peter by gossiping to his two best friends, his mom, and coach.

Paul rebuked Peter to his face… Listen to what Jesus says about this…

Luke 17:3 NKJV

3 Take heed to yourselves. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him.

Matthew 18:15 NKJV

15 “Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother.

And this isn’t anything knew BTW, even the OT talks about this…

Leviticus 19:17 NKJV

17 ‘You shall not hate your brother in your heart. You shall surely rebuke your neighbor, and not bear sin because of him.

Did you know, confrontation is something that God does?

1. God Confronts Regarding Our Sin…

Acts 9:4–5 NKJV

4 Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” 5 And he said, “Who are You, Lord?” Then the Lord said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads.”

2. God Confronts Regarding Our Character…

Genesis 34:24 NKJV

24 And all who went out of the gate of his city heeded Hamor and Shechem his son; every male was circumcised, all who went out of the gate of his city.

APPLICATION: As believers, we are called to follow this example in our own lives.

Confrontation, when approached biblically, is a tool for restoration and reconciliation.

And if you are taking notes I want to give you 4 practical steps to ensure our confrontations are healthy and God-honoring:

1. Pray First: Before approaching someone, seek God’s wisdom and guidance. Ask Him to purify your motives and give you the right words.

James 1:5 “5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”

2. Speak the Truth in Love: Approach the person with a heart of love and a desire for their well-being. Your goal is not to condemn but to restore.

Ephesians 4:15 “15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ—”

3. Be Direct and Honest: Address the issue directly with the person involved, as Paul did with Peter. Avoid involving others who are not part of the problem or the solution.

4. Listen and Forgive: Be prepared to listen to the other person’s perspective and be ready to forgive, aiming for reconciliation and unity.

Ephesians 4:32 “32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.”

APPLICATION: By practicing godly confrontation, we build stronger, more authentic relationships and reflect the character of Christ in our interactions.

2. Paul’s Rebuke Involves Motivation Vs. 12-13

2.1 Paul Rebuked Because of Exclusion Vs. 12

When Peter first came to Antioch, he would eat with the Gentiles in the full enjoyment of his Christian freedom.

But, by Jewish tradition, he couldn’t have done this.

But some time later, a Jewish Legalist group from Jerusalem came to Antioch for a visit.

They were probably Jewish Christians who were still clinging to certain legal observances. (Circmucision, Jewish Festivals, & Sabath)

When they arrived, Peter stopped having fellowship with the Gentiles, fearing that the news of his behavior would get back to the legalist group in Jerusalem.

Now this is important: Because in doing this, Peter was denying one of the greatest truths of the gospel: That all believers are one in Christ Jesus, and that national differences do not affect fellowship. Turn w/ Me…

Galatians 3:28 “28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

I like what Findlay Bruce a renown biblical scholar said…

“By refusing to eat with uncircumcised men, Peter affirmed implicitly that, though believers in Christ, they were still to him ‘common and unclean,’ that the Mosaic rites imparted a higher sanctity than the righteousness of faith.”

- Findlay Bruce

In other words: when Peter chose not to eat with non-Jewish Christians (those who were uncircumcised), he was sending a message, whether he meant to or not.

By avoiding these believers, Peter was acting as if they were still considered "unclean" or not fully acceptable in God's eyes, even though they believed in Jesus.

It was like Peter was saying that following the old Jewish customs (like circumcision) made someone more holy or acceptable than just having faith in Jesus.

This went against the teaching that faith in Christ alone is what makes someone righteous and part of God's family.

APPLICATION: Understand, our actions and choices regarding who we associate with within the church can send unintended messages about the inclusivity and unity of the body of Christ.

Again, if you are taking notes I want to give you 4 practical steps to ensure we communicate the gospel's message of unity and acceptance:

1. Evaluate Your Associations: Reflect on who we spend time with in our church community.

Are there people we unconsciously avoid? What message might this send to them and to others?

James 2:1–4 NKJV

1 My brethren, do not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with partiality. 2 For if there should come into your assembly a man with gold rings, in fine apparel, and there should also come in a poor man in filthy clothes, 3 and you pay attention to the one wearing the fine clothes and say to him, “You sit here in a good place,” and say to the poor man, “You stand there,” or, “Sit here at my footstool,” 4 have you not shown partiality among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts?

2. Be Intentionally Inclusive: Make conscious efforts to include and engage with all members of the church, regardless of background, status, or appearance. This demonstrates the inclusive love of Christ.

Romans 12:16 NKJV

16 Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.

3. Promote Unity: Encourage and model behaviors that promote unity and equality in Christ.

Maybe by participating in different groups, attending events that celebrate people within the church (bday, sports), or simply reach out to someone new or different from you.

Ephesians 4:1–3 NKJV

1 I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, 2 with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, 3 endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

4. Challenge Your Biases: Be aware of and challenge any personal biases or prejudices that may influence your behavior.

Seek God's help in loving others as He loves us—unconditionally and without partiality.

And you know Peter should have known this, because God showed it to him way back in Acts ch. 10

Acts 10:34–35 NKJV

34 Then Peter opened his mouth and said: “In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. 35 But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him.

APPLICATION: Understand, by being mindful of our actions and actively promoting inclusivity, we ensure that we reflect the true message of the gospel: That in Christ, we are all one.

2.2 Paul Rebuked Because of Hypocrisy Vs. 13

So others followed Peter’s example, including Barnabas, one of Paul’s most valued co-laborer.

So Paul Recognizing the seriousness of this action, Paul boldly accused Peter of hypocrisy.

ILLUSTRATION: I remember reading a story once, of a majestic tree standing in the middle of a busy park in Japan.

From a distance, the tree looks healthy and vibrant, with lush green leaves and a strong, sturdy trunk.

People often would gather under its shade, admiring its beauty and enjoying the comfort it provides. This tree was a symbol of life and strength.

ILLUSTRATION: But, one day, a powerful storm hits the park. As the wind howls and the rain pours, the tree begins to sway violently.

Then suddenly, with a loud crack, the tree falls, crashing to the ground.

As the people begin to inspected it, the park-goers were shocked to discover that the inside of the tree was completely hollow, it was a man made tree, eaten away by rot and decay.

APPLICATION: You see, what looked strong and healthy on the outside was, in reality, weak and diseased on the inside.

This is what hypocrisy is like. It presents an outward appearance of righteousness and integrity, but underneath, there is a disconnect—a rot of inconsistency and deceit.

And here we see Peter's hypocrisy on full display. He presented himself as a devout follower of Christ, who truly understood the Grace of God, but his actions contradicted the message of the gospel of grace.

We also notice something else, Paul had the heart of Jesus because Jesus hated hypocrisy and he often would call it out…

Mark 12:38–40 NKJV

38 Then He said to them in His teaching, “Beware of the scribes, who desire to go around in long robes, love greetings in the marketplaces, 39 the best seats in the synagogues, and the best places at feasts, 40 who devour widows’ houses, and for a pretense make long prayers. These will receive greater condemnation.”

Luke 12:1–2 NKJV

1 In the meantime, when an innumerable multitude of people had gathered together, so that they trampled one another, He began to say to His disciples first of all, “Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. 2 For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, nor hidden that will not be known.

APPLICATION: We shouldn’t be hypocrites but doers of the Word of God.

3. Paul’s Rebuke Involves Explanation Vs. 14-21

Here Paul explains several things regarding the nature and content of his Rebuke.

3.1 Paul Explains Peter’s Hypocrisy Vs. 14

Peter you are a Jew who lives like a gentile, but you are compelling gentiles to live like the Jews?

Peter, your being a hypocrite, and setting a bad example. Why are you doing this?

3.2 Paul Explains His Motivation Vs. 15-16

Paul here explains his reasoning behind the Rebuke…

Look the Bible is very clear! we are justified, made righteous by faith in Christ alone!

It says at the end of Vs. 16 by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified!

APPLICATION: But unfortunately, there are many today that do not agree with that, and they try to put a burden on the people and legalistic towards people.

And Paul would have known this first hand!

Galatians 1:14 NKJV

14 And I advanced in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries in my own nation, being more exceedingly zealous for the traditions of my fathers.

Paul would have known first hand of this burden but when he gets saved he is freed from it all.

Acts 15:10 NKJV

10 Now therefore, why do you test God by putting a yoke on the neck of the disciples which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?

Acts 15:11 NKJV

11 But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved in the same manner as they.”

3.3 Paul Explains Justification is not a License for Sin Vs. 17-18

Paul’s opponents argued, that since justification by faith eliminated the Law, it encouraged sinful living.

They argued that a person could believe in Christ for salvation and then do as he pleased, having no need to do good works.

Paul 100% denied that accusation, especially noting that this made Christ the promoter of sin.

In addition to that, if a believer would return to the Law after trusting Christ alone for salvation, that Law would only demonstrate that he was a sinner, a lawbreaker.

3.4 Paul Explains a Life that is Justified Vs. 19-21

The purpose of the law is not to make us holy, holier, or even to save us.

The purpose of the law is to show us how big of sinners we are.

And when we understand how big of a sinner we are it kills us.

Romans 6:23 “23 For the wages of sin is death…”

2 Corinthians 3:6 “6 …for the letter kills…”

When Moses brought the law down 3000 men died…

But this is good because in order for us to live for God we must first die for God.

Romans 6:23 NKJV

23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

2 Corinthians 3:6 NKJV

6 who also made us sufficient as ministers of the new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.

In Acts 2 when the Holy Spirit came down 3000 men were saved.

APPLICATION: When we truly understand how big of sinners we are and they we understand GREAT God’s love and Grace is towards, that washes us clean.

Man, that causes us to live our lives for God.

APPLICATION: Who we once were, is dead in Christ, we have been crucified with Christ.

And it is no longer us who live, but Christ lives in us!

ILLUSTRATION: In a small village, there was a man named Henry who’s parents had disowned him at a very age and would later grow known for his terrible deeds.

He became a thief, a liar, and caused pain to everyone he encountered.

His life was marked by selfishness, and his heart was hardened by years of bitterness and sin and his parents not loving him.

The villagers avoided him, and his name became synonymous with trouble and deceit.

ILLUSTRATION: One day, the king of the land announced that he would visit the village. He had heard of Henry and, despite his reputation, he chose to meet with him.

The villagers were shocked and curious about what would happen. When the king arrived, he went straight to Jacob.

Instead of condemnation, the king offered Henry a remarkable gift—an invitation to become part of the royal family and be adopted.

The king explained that Henry’s past would be forgiven and that he would receive a new identity as a prince, a son of royalty, living in the palace and serving the kingdom.

ILLUSTRATION: Henry was overwhelmed by the king’s grace and accepted the invitation.

Some time later he came back to visit the town to do some business for the King, and Jacob was no longer the same man.

He left his old, tattered clothes behind and had the royal garments given to him by the king.

He lived in the palace and lived a completely new life. The villagers could hardly believe their eyes when they saw Henry—now a prince—living with honor, kindness, and integrity.

ILLUSTRATION: The transformation was so complete that it was as if the old Henry had died, and a new person had taken his place.

The villagers saw the change and were amazed. Henry’s actions and character were now guided by a higher way of life.

Henry’s actions and character were guided by the king’s values and principles.

And it was clear that his life was no longer his own; it was now lived in service to the king, reflecting the king’s goodness and love.

APPLICATION: And this is what Paul means when he says, "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me."

Our old self, with its sins and failures, is put to death and we receive a new identity in Christ, and our lives are now lived through His power and presence within us.

Just as Henry’s life was transformed by the king's grace, our lives are transformed by Christ living in us, guiding our actions, and shaping our character to reflect His love and righteousness.

IN CONCLUSION: This is what happens when we come face to face with God, when He genuinely confront us and we receive his rebuke…

ENDING….