Daily Devotional for Tuesday, December 17

The Content of Paul's Rebuke

"Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified;' Galatians 2:16.

Can you imagine the tension in the room when Paul called out Peter for his hypocrisy? If you read the full account, you will see that Paul did not usher Peter into aprivate area or the pastor's study or aback Sunday School classroom. Paul brought this issue to Peter's attention in front of everyone (verse 14). Paul took advantage of this gross misstep by Peter to teach everyone the dangers of trying to abide by the Law at the expense of what Jesus did for us.

It is remarkable that Peter would be petty enough to remove himself from the company of the Gentiles when the Jews arrived (verse 12). But I am quickly reminded that this is the same Peter that claimed he would not deny Christ (but did so three times), wanted to walk on water (but sank at the first sign of trouble), and knew Jesus was "the Christ, the Son of the living God" (Matthew 16:16), but still had to go into the tomb to confirm that Jesus was not there (John 20:6). On many occasions, Peter was an inconsistent Christian.

Before we vilify Peter for being a sell-out to the Jews, let us consider our own lives. How many times have we acted one way around a certain person or group, and another way around someone different? How many of us do that every single Sunday? We are saints on Sunday and sinners the rest of the week. Like we tell our kids, if you would not do or say something at the altar in church, you should not do it at all. Sin is sin, no matter who you are around or where you are.

CONSIDERATION

An inconsistent Christian walk can destroy your testimony.

Chris Floyd