Take It Home
Freedom – Legalism and Hypocrisy
Galatians 2:1-14
“We pursue being a disciple making family: surrendered to Jesus, transformed by the gospel, and saturated in His word.”
In Galatians 2:1-14 we see the opportunity to find clarity in the gospel message. We see our commission to spread the gospel and also to live that gospel out. Paul shows us he had the ability to compromise his message to gain the approval of others. He clearly doesn’t do that. What are some of the pressures we face that can distract us from following through with what God desires for us?
1. Paul’s journey to Jerusalem provides clarity to the truth of the gospel and can guide our lives. How does this clear sense of direction from the gospel change your life and give you a clear sense of direction?
2. This passage points out the struggle with both legalism and hypocrisy. The Christ Centered Exposition Commentary on Galatians describes legalism as the “right behavior with the wrong belief” and hypocrisy as the “right belief with the wrong behavior.” How have you seen this played out in the lives of others? How do you see it played out in your own life? Why is this such a big struggle? Even though we all struggle with these, why does it bother us so much to see it played
out in others?
3. Paul confronted Peter over his hypocrisy and segregating himself from the Gentiles. Peter had pulled away from eating with the Gentiles when the Jews from Jerusalem came. The “fear of man” is common to us all, even as believers, even as leaders. Where do you find the “fear of man” most prevalent in your life? Peter’s hypocrisy led others astray. How have you seen this play out? Oftentimes, this can be very obvious in one’s social media accounts.
4. The wonderful thing about the gospel is that it has the power to transform our lives. Paul’s correction of Peter, though probably difficult, was a picture of the importance of presenting the gospel of truth. The gospel not only saves us for heaven but also impacts our lives now. It is by grace we have been saved, through faith. Peter’s life showed a major contradiction between what he believed and what he was doing. How would you have received this correction? Why is it so important that we allow the grace of the gospel to help us with our hypocrisy?
5. One of the great things about this passage is how missional it is. It is a clear picture of Paul and Peter committing to their “spheres of influence” with which they have been “entrusted” for the gospel. What about your spheres of influence? What would you say are your spheres of influence where God has entrusted you to share the gospel?
Previous Sermon Notes
“We pursue being a disciple making family: surrendered to Jesus, transformed by the gospel, and saturated in His word.”
The way we live our lives says a lot about us. The choices we make and the life directions we choose all speak loudly about our beliefs and motivations. The Apostle Paul defended his message to the false teachers in Galatia. He was transparent to the audience in Galatia. He proved himself to be willing to risk everything for the gospel
and carry the message of grace and freedom. Paul spends time sharing his story to show God’s story and the power of what the gospel can do.
1. Paul was completely changed by the encounter he had with Jesus. What must it have been like for him to go from being such a violent opposer of the things of Jesus to
spreading the message of the gospel? What did he lose? What did he gain? (Acts 8 and Acts 9).
2. How has the gospel of Jesus changed your life? How is the gospel of Jesus changing your life?
3. Paul’s life was so completely changed by grace that he could say that “it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me” (Gal. 2:20). What does your life say about you? Do your decisions and choices stay in line with God’s direction for your life? Can you say that in your marriage, your relationships, your work, your recreation, your money,
etc.?
4. What would be different about this week if you allowed Christ to live through you, direct you, and guide you in your thoughts and actions?
5. Paul was called by God to specifically take the message of the gospel to the Gentiles. Is there anyone specific God is calling you to? Is there something specific God is leading you to do?
6. Paul shows us in this text the power of the testimony. We see Paul sharing his life before Christ, how he came to Christ, and what Christ was currently doing in his life. Practice sharing your story. Share your testimony in 3 to 5 minutes. Who will you commit to share with this week? Pray and share with the group who you feel led to share with. Ask them to hold you accountable and ask them to pray for you as you share.