Galatians 2:12-13 & 15-16

S Before certain men came from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles. But when they arrived, he began to draw back and separate himself from the Gentiles because he was afraid of those who belonged to the circumcision group. The other Jews joined him in his hypocrisy, so that by their hypocrisy even Barnabas was led astray.

“We who are Jews by birth and not ‘Gentile sinners’ 16know that a man is not justified by observing the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by observing the law, because by observing the law no one will be justified.

O The circumcision group (judiazers) believed that circumcision was necessary for salvation. They wanted non Jews (gentiles) to conform to Jewish circumcision as an act of righteousness. James the apostle was found to be 2 faced or hypocritical. James knew that we are not justified by our works but that salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ. Paul the apostle exposes the weakness of James for not standing up for The Gospel and how his weakness was also contributing to others falling away from the Gospel. James was struggling, standing up for what he believed. It seems the influence of the circumcision group was too strong for him to stand up against. He found it easier to please them and to disassociate from the gentiles.

A I was just going through all my kids’ candy. I found it difficult to pass by my favorite candy. “Mounds chocolate bars.” I love coconut and almonds and chocolate. I took them all. I could not say “no!” James could not stand up to the Judaizers and say No to their false Gospel. He could not speak what he really believed. I remember a friend in college years ago that I could not say no to. I got in a lot of trouble because I made poor choices because I could not say no. I had always thought of myself as someone who could say no to people when I needed to, but with this guy, his charisma and personality made it hard to stand up for myself and what I believe was right. Today I admit that I am susceptible to being a people pleaser and that I need to guard myself. Here are a couple of things that came to mind.

• I must commit my life to the Glory and honor of God each day.
• Be willing not to be liked by everyone because decisions for God are not always popular.
• Check my motivations for doing what I do.
• Realize that my witness and decisions affect others.

P Lord, I choose today to serve you alone. Help me to live for an audience of one. When I’m tempted to give in to popular opinion …give me the strength and willingness to stand alone.

Amen

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