Confrontation

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Galatians 2:11-21; Exodus 15:1-6

Paul challenges Peter publicly because he preaches a gospel of reconciliation but lives a life of segregation. That's hypocrisy. 

In this passage we see

1. condemnation. You can't preach reconciliation and live segregation. Paul condemned this behavior that was antithetical to the gospel.
2. confrontation. When two heavy-weights of the gospel come toe to toe, that creates great instability; however, that is not as harmful as hypocrisy. Matthew 18:15-17 as well as other biblical passages (i.e., Exodus 18) show us how to deal with conflict. In all cases, the purpose of confrontation is not punishment but restoration.
3. confidence. See what confidence is ours in light of the fact that we are justified by faith alone and not by works of the law or by the observance of any human custom! If the Son of God has died to justify you before God, what arrogance it is to insist that a person needs Christ and something else to be saved.

Questions for personal reflection and/or group discussion

1. ​Are there ways in which with your mouth you proclaim a gospel of reconciliation but with your actions you live a life of segregation? Do you see how incompatible that is?
2. What would have been the consequences had Paul not confronted Peter? How do you decide when to confront someone and when to let things go?
3. How much confidence does Jesus' completed work on your behalf give to you? Do you feel the need to add to what Jesus did and help him out to secure your salvation? How differently would you live if you found unending confidence in the gospel of Christ?