July 28, 2025

JUSTIFIED BY FAITH

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“When I saw that they were not following the truth of the gospel message, I said to Peter in front of all the others, “Since you, a Jew by birth, have discarded the Jewish laws and are living like a Gentile, why are you now trying to make these Gentiles follow the Jewish traditions? “You and I are Jews by birth, not ‘sinners’ like the Gentiles. Yet we know that a person is made right with God by faith in Jesus Christ, not by obeying the law. And we have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we might be made right with God because of our faith in Christ, not because we have obeyed the law. For no one will ever be made right with God by obeying the law.””

Galatians 2:14-16 NLT

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TODAY’S THOUGHT

This moment in Galatians marks one of the most pivotal confrontations in early church history. Paul publicly corrects Peter in Antioch because Peter’s actions were inconsistent with the gospel. Though Peter had previously accepted fellowship with Gentile believers, he withdrew from them when certain Jewish believers came from Jerusalem—pressured by fear and old traditions. Paul confronts him because this behavior was a denial of the truth of the gospel: that we are justified by faith, not by law.

3 Key Observations

1. Courage to Confront for the Sake of the Gospel

Though Paul was newer in the faith compared to Peter, he did not hesitate to speak up when the truth of the gospel was compromised. His motivation wasn’t pride, but love for the message of grace and concern for the church.

Application: There are times we must speak up—not to embarrass, but to preserve truth and protect others from deception. Grace and truth are not mutually exclusive.

2. Grace is the Foundation of Our Relationship with God

Paul boldly declares that righteousness doesn’t come through rule-keeping but through faith in Christ. Obedience follows grace, but it does not replace it.

“No one will ever be made right with God by obeying the law.”

Application: We must regularly remind ourselves—and others—that salvation is a gift of grace, not a reward for performance. That truth humbles us and sets us free.

3. Correction Doesn’t Have to Mean Division

This public confrontation didn’t end Paul and Peter’s relationship. In fact, Peter later refers to Paul with affection and respect (2 Peter 3:15). The issue was addressed, but fellowship endured.

Application: It’s possible to correct others without cutting them off. Speaking the truth in love is how we build, not break, the body of Christ.

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TODAY’S PRAYER

Holy Spirit, help me grow deeper in my understanding of grace. Let me walk daily in the freedom and joy that comes through faith in Christ. Give me the courage to stand for truth when it matters, and the wisdom to do so with love and humility. Help me accept grace not only for myself but for others—and give me a heart that receives correction with maturity. Amen.

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