Proclamation through Presentation

Introduction

Well if you have your Bibles, you can take them and open them to Galatians chapter 2. For the past several weeks, we have been working through Paul’s defense of his apostolic ministry and message, as we have noted that Jews have been following behind Paul on his missionary journey and calling into question Paul’s credibility and legitimacy of his message. The purpose of this defense is clearly seen in chapter 2 verse 5, “But we did not give up and submit to these people for even a moment, so that the truth of the gospel would be preserved for you”. Paul’s purpose in defending his apostleship and ministry is not for Paul’s sake, as we have already noted, but it is for the sake of the true gospel going forward unhindered by division and/or perversion. This purpose continues this morning in our passage, and its important for us to remember that, because if we are not careful, then the passage this morning can seem like a “Clash of the Titans”, Paul vs. Peter, and one of them will come out on top, but Paul’s rebuke of Peter in this account is not for us to view this as Paul vs. Peter, but rather to see this as The True Gospel vs. The False Gospel. My aim this morning then is to drive this point, which is hinted at in the title, “Our actions will proclaim one of two things: the true Gospel, or a false gospel”. If you will, stand with me as we read Galatians 2:11-14.

Body

(1) The Table Matters

Peter’s Vision and Meeting with Paul lead to this moment

Peter’s Vision shows the Gospel going forward unhindered

Peter’s Meeting with Paul affirms that salvation is by grace through faith in Christ.

The Beauty of this fellowship

It symbolizes a liberating gospel

It symbolizes a purifying gospel

It symbolizes a unifying gospel

It symbolizes a hopeful gospel

Application:

The Power of Fellowship for Believers

The Power of Hospitality in communicating the Gospel

(2) The Action Speaks

It communicates the false gospel to the Gentiles

It convinces the other Jews to side with the False Gospel

It results in rebuke

Application:

When hypocrisy kills your witness

When fear of man kills you witness

When works based gospels kill your witness

Conclusion