Defending the Gospel: Unity Over Tradition

Devotional

Day 1: Salvation Is By Faith Alone, Not By Works

Salvation is a gift from God that comes solely through faith in Jesus Christ, not by any works, traditions, or personal efforts. The early church wrestled with the temptation to add requirements—like circumcision—to the gospel, but Paul stood firm that nothing should be added to the finished work of Christ. Even today, we must guard our hearts against the subtle ways we might try to earn God’s favor or expect others to meet our standards. True freedom and assurance come from trusting in Jesus alone, not in our ability to keep rules or traditions. [04:58]

Galatians 2:15-16 (ESV)
We ourselves are Jews by birth and not Gentile sinners; yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified.

Reflection: In what ways have you tried to add requirements—spoken or unspoken—to your own salvation or to others’ acceptance by God? Ask God to reveal and remove any “additions” you’ve placed alongside faith in Jesus.

Day 2: Preserve the Gospel, Not Preferences

There is a constant temptation to elevate our personal preferences, traditions, or convictions to the level of gospel truth, but doing so can create barriers for others and distort the message of Christ. Paul warns that preserving the gospel means refusing to yield to those who would add requirements or preferences, and instead, fighting to keep the message of Jesus pure and accessible to all. The church must be vigilant to distinguish between what is essential for salvation and what is simply a matter of personal conviction or tradition, so that lost people can encounter the true hope of the gospel. [10:48]

Galatians 2:5 (ESV)
To them we did not yield in submission even for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel might be preserved for you.

Reflection: What is one personal preference or tradition you hold dear that could unintentionally make others feel unwelcome or unworthy in the church? How can you ensure you are preserving the gospel, not just your own preferences?

Day 3: Unity in the Gospel Is Worth Fighting For

Unity in the church is not about uniformity in preferences or backgrounds, but about being united in the truth of the gospel and the mission of Jesus. Paul and Peter had different assignments, but the same gospel, and Paul fought to ensure that unity was not compromised by legalism or division. Jesus Himself prayed for the unity of His followers, knowing that it would be a powerful witness to the world. The church must continually fight for unity in the essentials of the faith, refusing to let secondary issues divide or distract from the mission. [23:55]

John 17:20-23 (ESV)
“I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.”

Reflection: Is there a relationship or situation in your church or Christian community where you need to pursue unity for the sake of the gospel? What step can you take this week to move toward reconciliation or understanding?

Day 4: Steward Your Influence With Integrity

The way you use your influence matters deeply, because others are watching and may follow your example—whether for good or for harm. Peter’s moment of hypocrisy led others astray, even Barnabas, showing how quickly division and confusion can spread when leaders or influential believers act out of fear or preference rather than gospel truth. Each of us, whether in leadership or not, has influence in someone’s life; we are called to steward that influence with integrity, consistency, and a commitment to the truth of the gospel, not swayed by the opinions or pressures of others. [31:35]

Galatians 2:11-13 (ESV)
But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. For before certain men came from James, he was eating with the Gentiles; but when they came he drew back and separated himself, fearing the circumcision party. And the rest of the Jews acted hypocritically along with him, so that even Barnabas was led astray by their hypocrisy.

Reflection: Who is someone in your life who looks to you for spiritual direction or encouragement? How can you intentionally lead them toward Christ and away from hypocrisy or division this week?

Day 5: Live Out the Freedom and Grace of the Gospel

The grace of God levels the playing field—no one is saved by their own works, background, or ability to keep the law, but only by the finished work of Jesus. When we truly grasp this, we are freed from striving, comparison, and the need to measure up, and we are empowered to extend that same grace to others. Paul’s declaration that he has been crucified with Christ means that his old self, with its preferences and pride, has died, and now Christ lives in him. Each day, we are called to live by faith in the Son of God, walking in the freedom and new life He gives, and inviting others into that same grace. [48:07]

Galatians 2:20-21 (ESV)
I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose.

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are still striving to earn God’s approval or comparing yourself to others? How can you surrender that area to Christ today and walk in the freedom and grace He has given you?

Sermon Summary

In Galatians 2, we see a pivotal moment in the early church where the very heart of the gospel was at stake. Paul recounts his journey to Jerusalem, fourteen years after his conversion, to address a growing controversy: certain Jewish believers were insisting that Gentile converts must adopt Jewish customs—specifically circumcision—in order to be truly saved. This was not just a minor disagreement; it was a direct threat to the truth that salvation comes by faith in Jesus alone, not by works or traditions. Paul’s humility in seeking unity, yet his unwavering resolve to defend the gospel, sets a powerful example for us.

Titus, a Greek believer, stood as living proof that God’s grace is sufficient—he was not compelled to be circumcised, yet his life bore the fruit of salvation. Paul exposes the tactics of the “false brothers” who secretly infiltrated the church, seeking to enslave believers to the law and strip away the freedom found in Christ. Their secrecy and divisiveness were rooted in a desire to preserve their own preferences, not the gospel. Paul, however, refused to yield, fighting to preserve the truth so that all might know the hope of Jesus.

This struggle is not ancient history. Today, we are tempted to elevate our own preferences, traditions, or personal convictions to the level of gospel essentials. Whether it’s how we dress for church, the style of worship, or other secondary issues, we must be vigilant not to impose these as requirements for salvation or spiritual maturity. The gospel is not about making others conform to our standards, but about pointing them to Christ, who alone saves.

Paul’s confrontation with Peter is a sobering reminder of the dangers of hypocrisy and the misuse of influence. Peter, out of fear of certain men, withdrew from Gentile believers, undermining the unity and freedom of the church. His actions led others astray, showing how easily even leaders can falter. Yet, before we judge Peter, we must examine our own hearts: do we act differently depending on who is watching? Do we hold others to standards we ourselves do not keep?

Ultimately, justification comes by faith in Christ, not by works of the law. The grace of God levels the playing field—there is no distinction between Jew and Gentile, or between any of us. Our calling is to preserve the truth of the gospel, not our preferences, and to fight for unity and freedom in Christ. Let us be a people who protect the gospel, so that all may know the love and salvation found in Jesus.

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Key Takeaways

1. The Gospel Needs No Additions Salvation is by faith in Jesus Christ alone; nothing we add—be it tradition, preference, or personal conviction—can improve or complete what Christ has done. When we attempt to add requirements, we risk distorting the gospel and placing unnecessary burdens on others. Our role is to point people to Jesus, not to our own standards or customs. [04:58]
2. Preserving the Gospel vs. Preserving Preferences There is a crucial difference between fighting to preserve the truth of the gospel and fighting to preserve our own preferences. Many church conflicts arise not from doctrinal issues, but from personal tastes and traditions elevated to gospel status. We must discern whether we are truly contending for the faith or simply defending our comfort zones. [10:48]
3. Personal Convictions Are Not Universal Commands God may give us personal convictions for our own walk, but these are not to be imposed on others as conditions for fellowship or salvation. The danger comes when we mistake our upbringing or personal standards for God’s requirements, leading to exclusion and judgment rather than grace and welcome. [14:24]
4. Influence Must Be Stewarded with Integrity Peter’s failure shows how easily influence can lead others astray when not rooted in gospel truth. Our actions, especially as leaders or those with influence, set a pattern for others. We must be vigilant to lead in a way that aligns with the gospel, not with fear of people or desire for approval. [31:35]
5. Unity and Freedom Are Worth Fighting For Paul’s boldness in confronting both false teaching and hypocrisy was motivated by a desire to preserve unity and freedom in Christ. True unity is not uniformity of preferences, but shared faith in Jesus. We are called to fight for the gospel’s clarity and the church’s unity, resisting the temptation to divide over non-essentials. [43:01]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:10] - Setting the Scene: Galatians and Acts
[03:46] - The Circumcision Controversy
[04:58] - The Danger of Adding to the Gospel
[06:09] - False Brothers and Secret Agendas
[08:10] - Freedom in the Gospel vs. Legalism
[09:53] - Preserving Truth or Preferences?
[12:18] - Personal Convictions and Church Culture
[14:24] - God’s Standards vs. Our Standards
[17:00] - Unity in the Early Church
[21:30] - The Never-Ending Cycle of Legalism
[26:07] - Paul Confronts Peter’s Hypocrisy
[31:35] - The Weight of Influence
[35:23] - Living in Step with the Gospel
[39:34] - Justification by Faith Alone
[43:01] - The Call to Preserve the Gospel
[45:39] - Preservation Tactics in Spiritual Warfare
[48:07] - Invitation and Closing Prayer

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Galatians 2:1-21 (ESV) — (You may want to read the whole chapter together, but especially focus on verses 1-14 and 15-21.)

Observation Questions

According to Galatians 2, what was the main controversy that brought Paul, Barnabas, and Titus to Jerusalem? What was at stake in this disagreement?
How did Paul describe the actions and motives of the “false brothers” who had infiltrated the church?
What did Paul do when he saw Peter (Cephas) withdraw from eating with Gentile believers? How did this affect others in the church?
In verses 15-21, what does Paul say is the true basis for justification before God?

Interpretation Questions

Why was it so important to Paul that Titus, a Greek believer, was not compelled to be circumcised? What did this communicate about the gospel?
The sermon points out that Paul fought to preserve the truth of the gospel, while others were fighting to preserve their preferences. How can someone tell the difference between a gospel issue and a personal preference?
Peter’s actions led others, including Barnabas, into hypocrisy. What does this reveal about the power and responsibility of influence within the church?
Paul says, “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.” What does this mean for how a believer should view their own preferences, traditions, or personal convictions?

Application Questions

The sermon gave examples of church traditions or personal convictions (like dressing up for church) being treated as if they were gospel essentials. Have you ever felt excluded or judged in a church setting because of a non-essential issue? How did it affect you?
Are there any personal preferences or convictions you hold that you might be tempted to elevate to the level of gospel truth? How can you guard against imposing these on others?
Think about a time when you acted differently because of who was watching, like Peter did. What motivated you in that moment? How can you grow in integrity so your actions are consistent with the gospel, no matter who is present?
The sermon challenged us to “fight for the unity of the gospel, not for our own opinions or comfort zones.” What is one practical way you can help build unity in our church this month?
Paul refused to yield “even for a moment” to those who wanted to add requirements to the gospel. Is there a situation in your life where you need to take a stand for gospel truth, even if it’s uncomfortable? What would that look like?
The message said, “God doesn’t need you to approve of whom he chooses to save.” Are there people or groups you find it hard to believe God could save or use? How can you pray for a heart that reflects God’s grace toward all?
The sermon ended with a call to “preserve the gospel, not preferences.” What is one step you can take this week to make sure your life points people to Jesus, not just to your own standards or traditions?

Sermon Clips

God doesn't need you to add anything to the gospel of salvation for all who believe. They might've had the issue of circumcision and that's what they're trying to add. But we can add things as well that we make very important that are not as important as they really are. God doesn't need you to add anything outside of faith in Jesus Christ that gives a person salvation. [00:04:42] (24 seconds) #NoAdditionsToSalvation

Some people preserve the gospel so that the lost might be saved. Others preserve their preferences and call them the gospel so that lost people might act like they do. It's really what it comes down to. Some people are like, I'm going to preserve the truth of the gospel because lost people need hope in Jesus. And other people preserve preferences because they want people to come in and look the way that they look and act the way that they do and talk the way that they talk. And it's really preferential. Most of our fights in church are preferential. [00:10:50] (34 seconds) #GospelNotPreferences

No one has ever found salvation through law keeping and no one will ever find salvation through law keeping because the law has never and will never have the same power to save that Jesus does. It just doesn't. You can try to work for your salvation until your hands and feet bleed but it will never be as good as the blood that covers you that came from Jesus. [00:41:26] (21 seconds) #SalvationBeyondLaw

``God's grace levels the playing field. There's no distinction between Jew. There's no distinction between Gentile. There's no distinction between you. There's no distinction between me. We are all on the same level because of the grace of Almighty God and it's not by our works that saves us. [00:42:30] (16 seconds) #GraceLevelsAll

Don't proclaim a gospel of grace that says all are sinners who can be saved by grace through faith in Jesus while living as if grace is only sufficient for people who meet your criteria for salvation. God doesn't need you to approve of whom he chooses to save. He needs you to be faithful to the truth of the gospel to share it so that he can open blind eyes. [00:42:50] (22 seconds) #FaithfulToGospelTruth

In spiritual warfare some preservation tactics might keep you safe but they won't keep you faithful and on mission. Protect the gospel of Jesus Christ that saves the most wretched and filthy person. Fight to preserve that. Don't fight to preserve something else. [00:45:52] (26 seconds) #PreserveGospelNotPreferences

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