Scripture
20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Reflection
In today’s passage Paul noticed that when he came to Antioch, he used to see Peter eating with Gentile Christians who were not circumcised, but when some Jewish Christians came, who viewed circumcision as a necessity, he stopped and started acting in hypocrisy. This hypocrisy, coming from within the early church, caused others to fall away, so Paul decided to confront him.
Paul then reminds Peter how everyone is made right with God by faith in Jesus Christ, not by obeying the law. He goes on by saying how he had died for the law, by stopping to try to meet all its requirements, so that he might live for God. (v.16,17).
Sometimes the kind of comfort we have to let go is not just the things that bring us comfort physically. Living for Christ will push us to think and act differently than what society or different worldviews might expect us to. Are you willing to be uncomfortable by living out your faith, even when you know others might criticize or judge you for your choices? Are you willing to speak out and confront others (even other Christians) if their actions are leading people away from the gospel?
Paul didn’t consider the grace of God meaningless; the law and anything else in this world can’t make us right with God. Because of His great love, Jesus willingly died for you and I so that we could have a new life and be made right with the Father.
“Are the things you are living for worth Christ dying for?” – Leonard Ravenhill
Thoughts for the day
- What does this passage tell you about God or Jesus
- What do you feel God is telling you through this passage
- How will you respond/apply God’s Word today?
- Whom will you share with today’s passage or takeaway?
Prayer
Pray for unity across the churches in your area and invite the Holy Spirit to be at work.
