Living Authentically: Embracing Grace and Unity in Christ

 

Summary

Today, I opened our sermon by welcoming everyone and inviting those with Bibles to turn to Galatians chapter 2. I shared a personal anecdote about missing last week's sermon due to illness and other commitments but expressed joy in witnessing Mitchell's ordination and his academic achievements. I also celebrated the marriage of my cousin, emphasizing the importance of Jesus as the foundation of marriage.

I introduced the theme of our sermon series, "Amazing Grace," focusing on the Apostle Paul's letter to the Galatians. I recounted the story of the Jerusalem Council, highlighting its decision that the gospel is for everyone, and that we are saved by grace through faith in Christ alone, without the need for adherence to the old Jewish laws.

The core of today's message centered on an incident involving Peter and Paul in Antioch, as described in Galatians chapter 2. Peter, initially eating and socializing with Gentile Christians, withdrew from them out of fear of criticism from certain Jewish Christians. Paul confronted Peter publicly, challenging his hypocrisy because it was not in line with the gospel's truth.

I emphasized the importance of authenticity in our Christian walk. Authenticity means being consistent in our actions and beliefs, regardless of the company or situation. I used the metaphor of the Queen Mary's smokestacks, which looked solid but were actually corroded inside, to illustrate the dangers of hypocrisy—appearing righteous while being corrupt inside.

I concluded by calling everyone to live lives that reflect true Christian values, not just in appearance but in genuine faith and action. I invited those who felt moved to come forward during our time of invitation, to either accept Christ, seek baptism, or simply pray.

Key Takeaways:

1. Authenticity Over Appearance: Just as Paul confronted Peter for his hypocrisy, we must prioritize genuine faith over mere appearances. It's crucial that our external actions align with our internal beliefs, reflecting true transformation through Christ. This confrontation wasn't about shaming Peter but about realigning him with the truth of the gospel, which is crucial for the integrity of the church's witness. [44:52]

2. The Danger of Hypocrisy: Hypocrisy can damage both our personal spiritual health and the community's integrity. Like the corroded smokestacks of the Queen Mary, a life that prioritizes appearance over authenticity will eventually crumble. True Christian living requires that our practices match our proclamations, ensuring that our witness is both credible and Christ-centered. [01:11:33]

3. Unity in Diversity: The gospel breaks down barriers of ethnicity, social status, and cultural differences. Our identity in Christ supersedes all other identities. As demonstrated at the Jerusalem Council and by Paul's rebuke of Peter, the church must be a place of unity, not segregation, reflecting the inclusive love of Jesus. [41:38]

4. Confrontation in Love: Godly confrontation is necessary for the health of the church. When we see a brother or sister straying from the truth, we must, like Paul, be willing to speak the truth in love. This isn't about judgment but about restoration to the truth of the gospel, which is vital for the community's spiritual health. [49:43]

5. Justification by Faith: The cornerstone of our faith is that we are justified by faith in Christ, not by works. This doctrine is liberating, as it assures us that our standing before God is based on Christ's righteousness, not our own. This should lead us to live freely and boldly for Christ, knowing that our salvation is secure in Him. [01:07:35]

Youtube Chapters:
- [0:00] - Welcome
- [37:16] - Introduction and Personal Reflections
- [39:08] - The Importance of Authenticity
- [41:03] - Recap of the Jerusalem Council
- [42:16] - Peter's Hypocrisy Exposed
- [44:11] - Paul's Confrontation of Peter
- [47:05] - The Call to Authentic Christian Living
- [01:13:39] - Closing Prayer and Invitation

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
- Galatians 2:11-16: "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. But when I saw that their conduct was not in step with the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas before them all, 'If you, though a Jew, live like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how can you force the Gentiles to live like Jews?' 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."

#### Observation Questions
1. What was the main issue Paul confronted Peter about in Antioch? ([44:52])
2. How did Peter's behavior change when certain men from James arrived? ([44:52])
3. What metaphor did the pastor use to illustrate the dangers of hypocrisy, and what did it signify? ([01:11:33])
4. According to the sermon, what does authenticity in our Christian walk mean? ([47:05])

#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why did Paul feel it was necessary to confront Peter publicly about his actions? ([44:52])
2. How does the story of Peter and Paul in Antioch illustrate the importance of unity in diversity within the church? ([41:38])
3. What are the potential consequences of hypocrisy within a Christian community, as discussed in the sermon? ([47:05])
4. How does the concept of justification by faith alone challenge the idea of adhering to old Jewish laws for salvation? ([45:37])

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you might have acted differently in different social settings. How can you strive for greater authenticity in your faith? ([47:05])
2. Have you ever felt pressured to conform to others' expectations at the expense of your beliefs? How can you address this in your daily life? ([55:42])
3. In what ways can you help foster unity and inclusivity within your church community, breaking down barriers of ethnicity, social status, and cultural differences? ([41:38])
4. How can you practice godly confrontation in love when you see a fellow believer straying from the truth? ([49:43])
5. Think of a specific area in your life where your actions might not align with your proclaimed beliefs. What steps can you take to correct this? ([47:05])
6. How does understanding that we are justified by faith in Christ alone impact your daily walk with God? ([45:37])
7. Identify one person in your life who might be struggling with hypocrisy. How can you lovingly support them in aligning their actions with their faith? ([49:43])

Devotional

Day 1: Authenticity Over Appearance
In a world that often values the external, it's vital to remember that true Christian living demands authenticity. Just as Paul confronted Peter for his hypocrisy, we are called to ensure that our external actions reflect our internal beliefs. This isn't about maintaining an image but about embodying the transformative power of Christ in every aspect of our lives. When we live authentically, our actions and decisions are consistent with our faith, serving as a credible witness to the world around us. This confrontation in Antioch wasn't merely about correcting behavior but was pivotal in maintaining the integrity of the church's witness. [44:52]

James 3:17-18
"But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace."

Reflection: Reflect on an area of your life where your actions might not align with your professed beliefs. What steps can you take to remedy this inconsistency?

Day 2: The Danger of Hypocrisy
Hypocrisy can subtly infiltrate our lives, appearing benign but having the potential to cause significant damage both personally and within our community. Like the corroded smokestacks of the Queen Mary, which looked solid but were internally weak, our lives can sometimes project an image of righteousness while being spiritually compromised. This dissonance can undermine our testimony and the church's collective integrity. True Christian living requires that our practices match our proclamations, ensuring that our witness is both credible and Christ-centered. [01:11:33]

Luke 12:1-3
"In the meantime, when so many thousands of the people had gathered together that they were trampling one another, he began to say to his disciples first, 'Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. Nothing is covered up that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known.'"

Reflection: Consider a recent situation where you felt tempted to act differently based on who was around. How can you address this tendency towards hypocrisy?

Day 3: Unity in Diversity
The gospel of Christ breaks down the barriers that divide us, calling us to a profound unity that transcends ethnicity, social status, and cultural differences. At the Jerusalem Council, as well as in Paul's confrontation with Peter, we see a powerful affirmation that our identity in Christ supersedes all other identities. The church must reflect this inclusive love of Jesus, being a place of unity rather than segregation. This unity is not just an ideal but a practical expression of the gospel's power to transform and unify diverse peoples. [41:38]

Ephesians 2:14-16
"For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace."

Reflection: How can you contribute to fostering unity within your community, especially with those who are different from you?

Day 4: Confrontation in Love
Confrontation, when done in love, is not about judgment but about restoration. It's a necessary aspect of community life, ensuring that we remain aligned with the truth of the gospel. Like Paul's boldness in confronting Peter, we too are called to lovingly address issues that can hinder spiritual growth or integrity within the body of Christ. This approach is not about proving someone wrong but about helping each other grow in faith and maintain the health of our spiritual community. [49:43]

Galatians 6:1-2
"Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."

Reflection: Is there a situation where you need to offer gentle correction to someone? How can you approach this conversation with love and humility?

Day 5: Justification by Faith
The cornerstone of our faith is the doctrine of justification by faith alone in Christ alone. This liberating truth assures us that our standing before God is based on Christ's righteousness, not our own efforts or works. Understanding this should free us to live boldly and joyfully for Christ, knowing that our salvation is secure. This foundational truth not only comforts but also empowers us to live in a way that is pleasing to God, free from the burden of earning His favor. [01:07:35]

Romans 4:4-5
"Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due. And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness."

Reflection: How does understanding that you are justified by faith impact your daily life and decisions?

Quotes

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "And that is something that we all have to understand. Give God all the glory for that. Amen. Because as I said, the ground is level at the foot of the cross. And we have no right to try to segregate God's church. All are welcome. Jesus says all who will. For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whosoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life." [01:02:02]( | | )

2. "Culture's great. I have cowboy boots and buckles and cowboy hats in my house. I even have a few kilts because of my heritage. And I'm not wearing one to church. You're welcome. We are going to a Scottish festival in a couple weeks, so I might have one up there. Nevertheless, that is not who I am. That may be where I came from. And there's a lot of good tied to where I came from. But that's not who I am. Who I am is a child of God." [01:02:33]( | | )

3. "Good morning, church family. If you have your copy of God's Word, I'd invite you to open up to Galatians chapter 2. If you are following along in a Black Pew Bible, it's on page 973. And as I say week after week, I didn't say it last week, though. I don't know if Mitch did. Good, I missed that part. If you do not own a Bible, that Black Pew Bible is now your Bible. It is a free gift from Oak Grove. We simply ask that you read it and obey it." [37:16]( | | )

### Quotes for Members

1. "Authenticity is very much like integrity. My old friend Charlie Nichols, who used to teach Sunday school here, he was chairman of deacons quite a few times. Lovely man. He would say integrity is being who you are in the dark. That's what it is. It's who you are when nobody else is around. It's being the same person in public as you are in private. And the word hypocrite itself means actor. It means to wear a mask. It means to pretend to be someone that you aren't." [47:05]( | | )

2. "And so authenticity means being who you are regardless of who you're with or where you might find yourself. We can come to church on Sunday and we can pretend that we've got it all together. We can pretend like we are really doing great. We can pretend like we feel sorry for other people who are struggling because we're doing so well and on the inside we're just lying to ourselves and we're lying to everybody else. Bad news is we can't lie to God. God knows. God wants us to be vulnerable." [47:45]( | | )

3. "And this is what's missing in the modern church, is godly confrontation. You see, we've had these caricatures on TV like the church lady. And we believe that if a Christian confronts someone in love, according to the gospel, that there's something wrong with you. You're not acting like Jesus, because Jesus was love. 17 times in the New Testament. And by the way, Jesus is love. But Jesus spoke the truth in love. And he exercised love according to truth." [49:43]( | | )

4. "See, authentic Christians don't gossip, and they don't listen to gossip. We don't talk about people. We're to talk to people. If you have a problem with someone, you need to man up, or you need to woman up, and you need to go to that person, and you need to talk it out. And the reason why Paul opposed him to his face was because Paul loved Jesus, Paul loved the unity of the church, and he loved Peter too." [51:01]( | | )

5. "That sinful man can have a relationship with a holy God through faith in Jesus alone. Lord, I thank you for this word which teaches us the absolute importance of practicing what we preach, of being what we say we are, of living a life that's worth and worthy of the gospel of Jesus Christ." [01:13:39]( | | )

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Transcript
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