We Too Have Put Our Faith

In Christ Jesus

When Peter came to Antioch, I told him to his face that I was against what he was doing. He was clearly wrong. He used to eat with those who weren't Jews. But certain men came from the group that was led by James. When they arrived, Peter began to draw back. He separated himself from the non-Jews. He was afraid of the circumcision group.

 Peter's actions were not honest. The other Jews joined him. Even Barnabas was led down the wrong path.

 I saw what they were doing. It was not in line with the truth of the good news. So I spoke to Peter in front of them all. "You are a Jew," I said. "But you live like one who is not. So why do you force non-Jews to follow Jewish ways?"

We are Jews by birth. We are not "non-Jewish sinners." We know that no one is made right with God by obeying the law. It is by believing in Jesus Christ. So we too have put our faith in Christ Jesus. That is so we can be made right with God by believing in Christ, not by obeying the law. No one can be made right with God by obeying the law.

We are trying to be made right with God through Christ. But it is clear that we are sinners. So does that mean that Christ causes us to sin? Certainly not! Suppose I build again what I had destroyed. Then I prove that I break the Law.

 Because of the law, I died as far as the law is concerned. I died so that I might live for God. I have been crucified with Christ. I don't live any longer. Christ lives in me. My faith in the Son of God helps me to live my life in my body. He loved me. He gave himself for me.

 I do not get rid of the grace of God. What if a person could become right with God by obeying the law? Then Christ died for nothing!

Galatians 1:11-21

Jesus should never be relegated to a bumper sticker that indicates He is our co-pilot. He is the captain. We are the passenger. Our safety is in His hands, not ours. With Jesus in the driver’s seat, old destinations are off limits. This is not about you or I, it is about Him, the One who saved us from our sins. He is at the wheel now! He died so that He alone can drive and define us. He is not the co-pilot. Your joy should be to let Him drive and define your life. There may be a few bumps in the road, but you can count on it – He will take you somewhere good. Still at the wheel of your life? It is time to let Jesus drive.

Our Daily Bread – April 25, 2010