January 22, 2023
Pastor Ricky Smith
Sermon Notes
Galatians 2:11-14
But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. For before certain men came from James, he was eating with the Gentiles; but when they came he drew back and separated himself, fearing the circumcision party. And the rest of the Jews acted hypocritically along with him, so that even Barnabas was led astray by their hypocrisy. But when I saw that their conduct was not in step with the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas before them all, “If you, though a Jew, live like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how can you force the Gentiles to live like Jews?”
I. Actions Pack Potential for Negative Impact
II. None of Us are Immune to Failure
Psalm 1:1 Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers.
When we take our eyes off Jesus, we will trip and fall
Hebrews 12:2
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus…
III. Our Sin Can Influence Others to Fall
IV. Accountability May Require Confrontation
The objective is restoration rather than being right.
Next Steps
- I confess my sin and turn to Jesus as my King.
- I commit to fix my eyes on Jesus and walk by faith rather than fear.
- I choose to extend a hand of grace to those who have failed.
Deep Dive
- How have faith leaders failed you?
- Read 2 Timothy 3:15. Why should we show grace to believers who fail?
- Read Galatians 6:1. When is confrontation called for, and what is its objective?
Springboard
- If someone is a good person, should we consider them to be a Christian? Why or why not?
- How would you guide someone who claims Christ but shows no evidence of Christ?
- Read 1 John 2:2 and discuss the impact of Jesus’ death.