This week, we continued our study through Galatians by examining Galatians 2:11-21 and Paul’s public confrontation with Peter. Although Peter knew the truth of the gospel, the pressure of other people’s opinions caused his actions to drift away from what he claimed to believe, reminding us that our conduct should always be in step with the truth of the gospel. The Christian life is about more than simply knowing the right answers; it’s about allowing our faith in Jesus Christ to shape our attitudes, priorities, relationships, and daily decisions.
Paul then brings us back to one of the central truths of Christianity: we are not justified by our works, religious performance, or ability to follow the law. Salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ alone. The law reveals God’s holiness and our need for a Savior, but it cannot make us righteous. Christ accomplished what we never could, freeing us from the exhausting pursuit of trying to earn God’s approval.
Galatians 2:20 serves as the foundation of this passage: “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.” Because Christ died for us, our old life no longer defines us. Through His death and resurrection, we have been given a new identity and a new purpose. As followers of Jesus, we don’t simply visit the cross once; we continually return to it, allowing the gospel to transform every area of our lives. This week’s message challenged us to examine whether our lives truly reflect the gospel we proclaim and to remember that the life we now live belongs completely to Christ.