Proverbs 12:1 (NIV84) Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid.
Three lessons Peter learned the hard way:
I. Fearing God more than fearing men will help you do the
Galatians 2:11-12 (NIV84) 11 When Peter came to Antioch, I opposed him to his
face, because he was clearly in the wrong. 12 Before certain men came from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles. But when they arrived, he began to draw back and separate himself from the Gentiles because he was afraid of those who belonged to the circumcision group.
A. Paul trusted God
Proverbs 29:25 (NIV84) Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever
trusts in the Lord is kept safe.Proverbs 27:6 (NIV84) Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy
multiplies kisses.
B. Wise people
Proverbs 9:9 (NIV84) Instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still; teach a
righteous man and he will add to his learning.
Do you fear God enough to lovingly
II. Hypocrisy is
Galatians 2:13 (NIV84) The other Jews joined him in his hypocrisy, so that by their hypocrisy even Barnabas was led astray.
A. What leaders do in moderation, followers do in
Romans 12:9a (NIV84) Love must be sincere… (“without wax” - NASB)
In what ways can you be a better
III. Godly
Galatians 2:14 (NIV84) When I saw that they were not acting in line with the
truth of the gospel, I said to Peter in front of them all, “You are a Jew, yet you
live like a Gentile and not like a Jew. How is it, then, that you force Gentiles to
follow Jewish customs?
A. Paul’s
Proverbs 15:31 (NIV84) Whoever heeds life-giving correction will be at home among the wise.
THE GOSPEL = Salvation is by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone.
Do
Resources:
Message by Pastor Bill from our Get Wisdom series called “Godly Correction”,
March 2019: http://www.experiencetherock.com/message/get-wisdomgodly-
correction/
Discussion Questions:
1. In what ways can we cultivate a fear of God that outweighs our concern for
the opinions of others, as demonstrated by Paul’s confrontation with Peter in
Galatians 2:11-12?
2. Paul confronted Peter out of love and concern for the truth of the Gospel.
How can we practically invite correction in our own lives, and what obstacles
might we face when receiving it?
3. Reflecting on Galatians 2:13, what are some modern-day examples of how a
leader’s hypocrisy might influence their followers? How can we proactively
model sincerity in our own leadership roles?
4. Proverbs 15:31 teaches that life-giving correction leads to wisdom. How can
we distinguish between constructive reproof and criticism that may not be
helpful? Can you share a personal experience where reproof led to a positive
change?
5. Consider Paul’s courage to confront Peter. What steps can we take to
approach similar situations in our own lives where we may need to correct a
friend or colleague? What fears might we need to overcome?
6. The discussion of one unifying Gospel is central to the early Church. Briefly
share your story of how you became a true Believer in Christ.