Peter's actions of being hypocritical not only affected himself but also allowed others to embrace the spirit of hypocrisy. So much so that even Barnabas was pulled in. Many times I feel my sin only affects me, but in reality someone is usually watching and possibly determining their actions based on mine. Sometimes situations like this creep up on us and sometimes we know we are "skirting" the issue, but for me there is always the voice of God, Spirit of God prompting me...sadly I only listen sometimes. Paul also sees this hypocrisy and addresses it directly. Sometimes I am prompted to "call people out" but I feel, who am I to judge....the problem is that this feeling is being applied wrongly. When the TRUTH of the gospel is at stake, it IS our job to judge, or better termed, to set the record straight and ensure that the true gospel remains intact. Paul caught a subtle issue in Peter's life, am I as sensitive to how I present the gospel through my life, am I sensitive to how my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ represent the gospel. I should be, I'm called to be.
v15-21) Paul reminds us that we are justified through faith and faith alone, never by works. v18-21) are difficult for me to totally parse. I've concluded that Paul's point here is that if he(Paul) rebuilds, through works of the Law, that which he destroys,through sin, he has proven himself a sinner. v20) crucified with Christ; we no longer live, but Christ living in us; now Paul lives his fleshy life by faith in Christ, who loved him. v21) I think Paul is pointing out that his actions, unlike those of Peter's do not nullify God's grace.
Father God, Today help me to hear your voice calling out my hypocrisy, to hear your voice calling me to question peoples motives, to simply hear your voice throughout my day and to respond.
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