I           Introduction

Galatians 2:11–14 showed us that the truth of the gospel stands above any office. Whether it be an apostle like Paul, an angel from heaven or the pope in Rome – there is no one who has the authority to change the message of Christ. There is no one with the authority to undermine what he commands. All authority belongs to Jesus; his Word must rule in his church.

Therefore, when Paul saw Peter behaving in a way that undermined the work of the Messiah, when he separated himself from the Gentiles, he spoke out against him. The best of men are but men at their best, and all men are subject to God.

Going back to the events at Antioch, we will now focus on the words that Paul spoke to Peter. His speech does not end in verse 14 or 16; it goes all the way to verse 21.

II          Justification by faith

A          Explain: The words recorded in Galatians are likely a summary of a longer speech. Give a paraphrase (in your own words) of what the longer speech may have looked like in order to help believers make sense of what has been recorded.

B          Explain: What is the fundamental truth that Paul seeks to convey in verses 16 and 21?

C          Explain: Why can our status in God’s sight not be connected to our obedience? Why are we unable to obey his law perfectly?

D          Explain: What is the penalty that we deserve for our failure to obey God’s law? Can we satisfy the demands of God’s justice ourselves?

E          Explain: Why was Jesus Christ able to obey God’s law perfectly? Why was Jesus Christ able to bear the burden of God’s wrath in our place without being destroyed?

F          Explain: How does faith unite us to Jesus Christ and his work?

III         Union with Christ

A          Explain: What is a common objection to justification by faith?

B          Explain: What does it mean to be united to Christ and have his Spirit dwell within us?

C          Explain/Apply: How does the doctrine of justification by faith give confidence/security to the believer? How does it motivate the believer to pursue good works?

Concluding prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for all you have done for us through your Son. Thank you that we can be justified in your sight because of him. Thank you that he torn down the dividing barrier to make us one people holy unto you.

Help us respond to the grace you have shown to us with good works. We want to honour you in our lives. We want to win our neighbour for Christ and share the good news of what you have done. Help us in this; strengthen us by your Spirit and cause us to grow in our understanding of what you want.

We pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.