Stay in Step with the Gospel
Stay in Step with the Gospel
Galatians 2:11–21
Have you ever noticed that what we do often says more about us than what we say? A seat at a table, a handshake, or who we choose to spend time with it all reveals what we believe.
That’s exactly what happens in Galatians 2. Paul confronts Peter, not for what he said, but for what he did. When certain Jewish believers showed up, Peter pulled away from eating with Gentiles. His actions sent the message: You’re second-class unless you follow the old rules.
Paul won’t let that slide. He reminds Peter—and us—that we are justified, not by our works, but by faith in Jesus. The gospel tears down dividing walls and declares us fully accepted in Christ.
So what does it mean to “stay in step with the gospel”? In Galatians 2:11–21, Paul shows us how to spot legalism and live out our faith in a way that truly matches what we believe.
1. Spot Legalism
Legalism is subtle. It creeps in when we make rules God never gave and measure our worth by performance instead of grace. It robs us of joy and keeps us from living in gospel freedom.
2. See It in Your Actions
Our choices preach louder than our words. Peter’s hypocrisy showed that legalism doesn’t just affect doctrine—it leaks into behavior. The same can happen to us when fear or pride outweighs faith.
3. Stay in Step with the Gospel
At the heart of this passage is Galatians 2:20:
“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.”
The gospel isn’t about trying harder, it’s about resting in what Christ has already done. When we know who we are in Him, we can live with freedom, joy, and confidence.
This is about identity and certainty.
Identity: Knowing who I am in Christ—I belong to Him, loved and secure.
Certainty: Knowing what I believe about God—He keeps His promises, and His grace is enough.
When you rest in these truths, the gospel moves from head knowledge to heart confidence. You’re no longer living to prove yourself, you’re living from the freedom Jesus has already secured.
The Good News
Your worth is not up for grabs. You don’t need to earn God’s love—it’s already yours in Christ. That truth frees us to love others, stay at the table, and live every day in step with the gospel.
What about you, are you living out of fear and performance, or resting in gospel freedom?
Galatians 2:11–21
Have you ever noticed that what we do often says more about us than what we say? A seat at a table, a handshake, or who we choose to spend time with it all reveals what we believe.
That’s exactly what happens in Galatians 2. Paul confronts Peter, not for what he said, but for what he did. When certain Jewish believers showed up, Peter pulled away from eating with Gentiles. His actions sent the message: You’re second-class unless you follow the old rules.
Paul won’t let that slide. He reminds Peter—and us—that we are justified, not by our works, but by faith in Jesus. The gospel tears down dividing walls and declares us fully accepted in Christ.
So what does it mean to “stay in step with the gospel”? In Galatians 2:11–21, Paul shows us how to spot legalism and live out our faith in a way that truly matches what we believe.
1. Spot Legalism
Legalism is subtle. It creeps in when we make rules God never gave and measure our worth by performance instead of grace. It robs us of joy and keeps us from living in gospel freedom.
2. See It in Your Actions
Our choices preach louder than our words. Peter’s hypocrisy showed that legalism doesn’t just affect doctrine—it leaks into behavior. The same can happen to us when fear or pride outweighs faith.
3. Stay in Step with the Gospel
At the heart of this passage is Galatians 2:20:
“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.”
The gospel isn’t about trying harder, it’s about resting in what Christ has already done. When we know who we are in Him, we can live with freedom, joy, and confidence.
This is about identity and certainty.
Identity: Knowing who I am in Christ—I belong to Him, loved and secure.
Certainty: Knowing what I believe about God—He keeps His promises, and His grace is enough.
When you rest in these truths, the gospel moves from head knowledge to heart confidence. You’re no longer living to prove yourself, you’re living from the freedom Jesus has already secured.
The Good News
Your worth is not up for grabs. You don’t need to earn God’s love—it’s already yours in Christ. That truth frees us to love others, stay at the table, and live every day in step with the gospel.
What about you, are you living out of fear and performance, or resting in gospel freedom?
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