11 But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed. 12 For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision. 13 And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation. 14 But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before [them] all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews? 15 We [who are] Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles, 16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) How did the Apostle Peter demonstrate his hypocrisy toward Gentile believers and what did the Apostle Paul do about it? (v.11-14)
2) How are Christians justified and what were the Jewish believers reminded of concerning their ability to keep the law? (v.15-16)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
3) How do you believe that were you justified as righteous before God?
4) Have you, or anyone you know, ever insisted that other believers work to earn their salvation? If so, briefly describe what happened?
LIFE LESSONS
5) Christians are justified by the grace of God, through faith in the Son of God (Jesus), alone.
6) A "works" oriented gospel is a false gospel.
7) No one can be justified (saved) by "works of the flesh."
8) We are only justified by faith in the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross.
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