July 24, 2025

DEFEND THE GOSPEL BOLDLY

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“And they supported me and did not even demand that my companion Titus be circumcised, though he was a Gentile. Even that question came up only because of some so-called believers there—false ones, really—who were secretly brought in. They sneaked in to spy on us and take away the freedom we have in Christ Jesus. They wanted to enslave us and force us to follow their Jewish regulations. But we refused to give in to them for a single moment. We wanted to preserve the truth of the gospel message for you.”

Galatians 2:3–5 NLT

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TODAY’S THOUGHT

Here, Paul is defending the gospel of grace—salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, not through the works of the law. He recounts a significant visit to Jerusalem where he brought two companions: Barnabas (a Jew) and Titus (a Gentile convert).

Titus had not been circumcised, yet the church leaders did not require it—clearly affirming that salvation doesn’t come through Jewish rituals, but through grace alone. This moment served as a powerful symbol: Titus, a Gentile, was fully accepted as a believer without needing to become Jewish first.

Some “false believers” had infiltrated the church, trying to pull believers back into legalism—demanding rituals like circumcision to “prove” salvation. Paul recognized this as a serious threat to the freedom found in Christ and refused to yield even for a moment. Why? Because the truth of the gospel was at stake.

The Jerusalem Council (see Acts 15) ultimately affirmed Paul’s position. James, the leader in Jerusalem, acknowledged that God was calling Gentiles to Himself apart from Jewish customs.

Application:

Paul wasn’t fighting for personal preference—he was fighting for the purity of the gospel. He understood that adding anything to grace—whether rituals, rules, or religious performance—undermines the sufficiency of Jesus’ finished work.

This same battle continues today. Many still claim you need something in addition to faith: good works, baptism, church membership, or spiritual achievements. But the Bible is clear—salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone (Ephesians 2:8–9).

Let’s be people who defend the gospel boldly and live it freely resting in God’s grace and extending it to others.

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TODAY’S PRAYER

Holy Spirit, help me understand and embrace the fullness of Your grace. Let me receive it deeply and share it generously. Keep me from falling into the trap of performance or legalism. And may I never use grace as an excuse for sin, but as the power to live in freedom. Amen.

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