Scripture Text: Galatians 2:1-10
Yet because of false brothers secretly brought in—who slipped in to spy out our freedom that we have in Christ Jesus, so that they might bring us into slavery—to them we did not yield in submission even for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel might be preserved for you.
Galatians 2:4-5
Apostle Paul continually shared his gospel journey with us to reinforce the authenticity of the Gospel of Christ which was the Gospel that he initially despised, but then converted him from his former self and former gospel that he believes in, to the true Gospel of our Lord.
The Gospel that changed Apostle Paul and turned his world upside down is the same gospel that we received and are enjoying because of people like him who were empowered by our Lord Jesus Christ and were convicted by the Holy Spirit to advance the Word of God through sharing the Gospel regardless of its outcome or the possible struggles he may face.
Apostle Paul went to Jerusalem after 14 years with Titus and Barnabas because God told him so. Paul went there and was making sure that the Gospel that he is sharing is the same Gospel that these so-called Christians are sharing in this place during their time.
Sharing the right gospel, not influenced by any outside power such as imposed unbiblical traditions, human philosophy, or paganism but the Gospel itself, as pure as it is, is necessary since this talks about the Lord Jesus Christ and His Kingdom.
These people who were pretending to be Christians shared a different gospel, a gospel to which they were attempting to enslave people to Jewish regulations that were not part of the Gospel of Christ. However, traditions aren't bad if they are biblically correct.
Paul mentioned that the gospel that he is preaching weren't changed by these influential people. The disciples from Jerusalem validated the gospel, which Paul didn't really need because with full conviction, he believes that the gospel that He is presenting is true and pure.
These disciples knew that the gospel that he was presenting came from God. Is this a different gospel from what Peter, James, and John are preaching? No, there is only one true Gospel which all of them agreed.
God entrusted them to work within different groups of people, but offering the same gospel because regardless of who you are, where you're from, or your traditions and belief, the only way to God is through the Gospel of Jesus Christ. No other way!
Reflect
1. Do you validate the gospel that you personally believe in as a pure and not influenced by any outside force from the Bible?
2. Do you have the same gospel that Apostle Paul fought for? Do you know that regardless of age, time, or circumstance, the Gospel remains the same?
Remember
Christ's Gospel itself is enough not just to change a man's life, but to save him from his sin and reconcile him with the Father in His Kingdom forever.
Read
Romans 10:3-4; Colossians 2:13-14; Romans 1:16-17
Pray
My merciful and holy Father, our glorious Creator, I pray and kneel down to You. You have redeemed me from my own damnation. I ask protection from You to keep me away from the evil forces that might deceive me. Teach me to see Your gospel as a treasured possession and guard it with my life. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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