"Be the Buffalo"

Galatians 2:11-21

Do you know the buffalo story?

It has been said that a Buffalo in it’s natural state will always walk directly into a storm. How insane! Most other animals usually will walk away from the dark clouds and billowing storm. yet, the buffalo will turn its face towards the clouds and walk directly towards it. The theory? By facing the challenge of the storm head on the buffalo will not only be in the midst of the storm for a shorter period, but it will also be over sooner than if running from it. Consider the additional energy it takes an animal to run from a storm only to find it still hit by the storm. Buffalo seek to conserve that energy and use it for the storm.

Paul here has been faced with an interesting situation that we have been see build. The churches in the region of Galatia which was comprised of both Jews, Gentiles, Celtic Gals, and infiltrating Judaizers, are following a works based salvation in their doctrine and theology. These are strong well established people groups and organizations. Consider the weight that Paul is up against when addressing this, especially when he finds fellow believers and spiritual leaders on the other side of the table.

Paul marvels that within just a few short years they have turn away so quickly for the simple but profound faith in Christ and have moved to the focus of the law. Paul reminds us multiple times within this letter that he and we are not to seek the approval of men but rather God alone. The churches here are falling to the impression of man and the traditions of their fathers rather then embracing the all satisfying relationship with God through faith placed in Christ.

In tonight’s text, we are looking at the continuation of Paul’s explanation and past experience in his own life as an example to the churches of Galatia which shows the importance of not only guarding the Gospel message, but also confronting face first the issues that some times can surface within the household of faith. Remember, last week, tonight’s text is right on the heals of Paul’s explanation of how he and Barnabas had received the right hand of fellowship within the church community with unity in the Gospel.

Verse 11 & 12-Paul confronts Peter face to face. For He was to be blamed (condemned, convicted, Judged). He would eat with Gentiles one way when alone and then separate himself when those of the Jewish heritage were present because of fear. Fear really is the matter at hand by the way. What do we have fear or respect towards? Illustration: I recall a conversation within my extended family once, where one family member was discussing how different cultures sometimes present different religious practices (not all are good by the way). This family member used the statement “When in Rome act like the Romans”. At this point another family member piped up and said “Ugh No!”. I appreciate the quick and sharp conversation in many ways. Primarily because culture should never define the structure of doctrine of the household of faith.

Verse 13-Paul explains that the rest of the Jews also fell into this hypocritical lifestyle. Even Barnabas (again being honest and hitting the matter head on) is pulled into the ideology.

Verse 14 & 15-Paul then gives a very bold statement that truly identifies the struggle that can exist from time to time. Not only in our own individual private lives, but also among the lost. “But when I saw that they were not straightforward about the truth of the gospel”-...goes onto confronting Peter. Paul provides another example to Peter about their past as jews and yet not sinners of the Gentile heritage. Why impose the Jewish traditions upon men which this gospel message is not Jewish centric??

Verse 16 & 18 - Paul reminds Peter that they both know that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Christ Jesus. Justified (Just if I had never sinned). Galatians 3:19 “19 What purpose then does the law serve? It was added because of transgressions, till the Seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was appointed through angels by the hand of a mediator.”

We are living in a day when there is a large push to early church father traditions, orthodoxy and liturgy, and not the focus of Faith. We are seeing churches add things to the gospel message (Example- I just wanted to hear about Jesus Today- while visiting a church). There is a

This dichotomy by the way has been at war for all of history, through the reformation and up through today. We are to be so careful to not add any prerequisites to the presentation and follow through of the Gospel. This is important for you and I, as well as those were are encouraging and sharing with. Often times, we can identify at least one area in our mindset that involves this. Have you ever looked upon a situation where maybe someone is professing Christ, but you are hesitant? I had gone through this recently and found myself struggling at length and I began asking why. We are to guard the truth (IE testing all spirits) of the Gospel yes, however realize also that Christ can save and redeem any human being. You and I are to love those who God loves regardless of their performance or what seems like maybe a lack of growth in comparison to your life. Part of Paul’s approach here is done with love and growth in mind.

Verse 19 & 20- Paul then shifts his past conversation Peter (remember Paul is explaining this encounter with the churches at Galatia via letter. Paul reminds readers and listeners that the Law was intended to reveal sin and the reality of death, while the gospel is the very means of eternal life. Dead to the law, that he may live for Christ! This seems to be two fold- Not only does Paul want to be dead to the law and live through faith with Christ, but also, that per the Law he ought to be dead and per the New Covenant committed through faith, he should be dead but is alive! Do we truly realize tonight that the reality in our flesh is that we ought to be dead, yet by the mercy of God we live with Him? If you've had a near death experience, you probably have either had a mind shift or are living differently.

Verse 21- Lastly, Paul addresses the teaching and character of God as a way to summarize tonight’s portion of the text. we are not to set aside the grace of God. For by grace ye are saved through faith, and not of yourselves, it is a gift of God. Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them (Eph 2:8-10).

Conclusion-

Paul addresses the issue head on

Paul reiterates the Gospel Message and the intention of the Law

Paul then instructs the churches of Galatia through this past testimony, that we who were once dead in trespasses and sin, are now made alive by Him who saved us, through the death of Christ on the Cross and the resurrection. In your future interactions with fellow believers-

Share the Gospel Message

Guard the Gospel message

Reiterate to yourself and others the Gospel Message

Live out the Gospel Message

Know God’s characteristics through the Gospel Message

Be the buffalo- go into the storm with the reality of the Gospel Message