Read

Galatians 2:19-21

Paul shares his experience of God’s new creation. Christ’s death on the cross changes Paul’s identity. He is now one with Christ

Reflect

Our identity is shaped by many factors. Because faith in Jesus Christ is now a part of Paul’s identity, he must respond to his encounter with Christ. He does so by becoming an instrument of Christ’s love. Paul is a missionary to the Gentiles, sharing the message of Christ’s sacrificial love. Consider what new thing God is doing in your midst.

Respond

Follow Jesus

You are a part of the body of Christ. Claim your part in the body of Christ as you pay attention to how God is making all things new.

Pray

Almighty and everlasting God, in the life, death, and resurrection of your Son, Jesus you have offered me a new life. Remind me today, “that it is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me.” Take those bold words and use me, Lord, to embody your love in a hurting world. I offer myself in the strong name of Jesus, Amen.

Celebrate

What new thing is God doing in your life? The church? Your local community?

Use a notebook to record your responses. Share your celebrations in the comments.

Read

Galatians 2:17-18

As you might expect, verses 17-18 build on the previous verses. Paul is using rhetorical tools and historical imagery to make a dramatic point and challenge the emissaries from James.

Reflect

Paul is articulating the objection of Jews and Gentiles eating together in dramatic fashion. “Sin” is personified. Paul asks, “Is Jesus Christ now serving Sin?” The implied answer is “No.”

Further, the wall Paul refers to is an image from Torah. The wall kept Israel separate from Gentiles. But, for Paul, Jesus tore down the wall.

Respond

Follow Jesus

Consider your words and actions today. Notice if there are ways you are “building walls” or “tearing down walls.”

Pray

Lord Jesus, call us together around your table. Unite us in our common mission and ministry even as you help us recognize our differences. Guide me, I pray, to speak words of grace that unite us as your people. Amen.

Celebrate

What words and/or actions did you witness today that are “tearing down walls”?

Use a notebook to record your responses. Share your celebrations in the comments below.

Read

Galatians 2:6-10

Paul is being challenged by a group of people who think Peter, James, and John taught him everything he knows. He’s also desiring to stay connected to the center of the faith in Jerusalem. But, if he’s not careful, they’ll either think he’s saying anything goes or Peter, James, and John taught him everything he knows. More than anything, at the center of this difficult passage, Paul wants to keep the unity of the church.  

Reflect

How do you keep focused on balancing the essential message of the gospel in the midst of times of disagreement and differences? What is essential? What did Paul offer to us that we can model today?

Respond

Follow Jesus

Where you begin matters. Consider if you start with Jesus or if you start with issues. How might your conversations change if you started with how Jesus is revealing himself to you. Consider how you’ll finish this statement: Because of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, I…

Pray

Humble us, Lord Jesus, to see the unity of our faith and the diversity of our expression. Guide us to see your grace empowering us in different ways. Give us a heart open to your revelation. Then, help us witness to your love and light in the midst of a dark and hurting world. Amen.   

Celebrate

In the evening, reflect on the following: Given what you experienced today, finish this statement: Because of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, I…

Use a notebook to record your responses. Share your celebrations in the comments below.