In Galatians 2:11–21, Paul confronts Peter for allowing the fear of man to influence his conduct. Although Peter knew the truth of the gospel, he withdrew from fellowship with Gentile believers when certain men arrived in Antioch. His hypocrisy influenced others, including Barnabas, revealing how even mature believers can compromise what they know to be true.
Peter's actions were not in step with the truth of the gospel. Paul publicly corrected him because his conduct contradicted the grace he professed. The gospel must shape more than our beliefs. It must govern how we live, how we treat others, and how we obey God. We do not obey to earn God's acceptance. We obey because we have been accepted in Christ.
Paul then explains that sinners are justified by faith in Jesus Christ, not by works of the law. No amount of religious performance, moral effort, or obedience can make us righteous before God. Justification is received through faith in Christ, never achieved through our works. The Christian life begins with grace and continues by faith in the Son of God, who loved us and gave Himself for us.
Our confidence must never rest in our own righteousness or the approval of others, but in the finished work of Jesus Christ. The gospel we believe must also be the gospel we live.
KEY TRUTH: We are justified by faith in Christ alone, not by our works, and the gospel we believe must also shape the way we live.
SERMON OUTLINE
I. The Fear of Man Can Lead Us to Compromise the Truth — Galatians 2:11–13
II. The Truth of the Gospel Must Govern the Way We Live — Galatians 2:14
III. Sinners Are Justified by Faith in Christ, Not by Works of the Law — Galatians 2:15–18
IV. The Christian Life Is Lived by Faith in the Son of God — Galatians 2:19–21
Grace Alone — A Study of Galatians
Week 3: Justified by Faith
