Week 4

Galatians 2:1-10


This week we embark on Galatians Chapter 2.  I have sat at my desk here and read, and re-read the first 10 verses of this chapter several times.  My eyes keep being drawn back to two different verses.

vs. 4: "This matter arose because some false brothers had infiltrated our ranks to spy on the freedom we have in Christ Jesus and to make us slaves."

Maybe it is just me, but I think many of us can relate to feeling like there are false brothers and sisters that infiltrate our lives.  Those people who profess to be Christian, but are more concerned about the rules, and rule following.  They want to "make us slaves" to the law, to duty, to the man-made rules we ought to follow.  What I love most about freedom in Christ Jesus is that there is nothing more we can do for our salvation.  All the "oughts" can be left at the cross.  We do not need to enslave ourselves to our past, our sin nature, or the rules and laws placed on us by others, no matter how well meaning they may be.


vs. 6: "As for those who seemed to be important - whatever they were makes no difference to me; God does not judge by external appearance - those men added nothing to my message."


Often times pastors will listen to and read other pastors messages to aid them in their study and encourage them in their walk.  Over the years I have found myself doing the same from time to time.  It is so easy to find yourself critiquing the pastor and placing some above others.  And I would guess that often times it isn't even based on the biblical nature of what they said but on the popularity of what they said.  Paul here warns us not to think too highly of others, to not put them in a place of importance beyond where they belong.  As he says, God doesn't judge the external and they add nothing to our message.  If we are following God's call on our lives, living in the freedom we have in Christ Jesus, then these "important" people hold no bearing on the importance of our lives.

Questions to Ponder:

• What about you?  Are you the type of person who usually "goes with the crowd" or do you "do your own thing?"

• How do you feel when your beliefs are contrary to popular opinion?  On what issue do you need to stand alone?