Weekly Bible Memory and Meditation

Galatians 2:1-5

 1 Then after fourteen years, I went up again to Jerusalem, this time with Barnabas. I took Titus along also. 2 I went in response to a revelation and, meeting privately with those esteemed as leaders, I presented to them the gospel that I preach among the Gentiles. I wanted to be sure I was not running and had not been running my race in vain. 3 Yet not even Titus, who was with me, was compelled to be circumcised, even though he was a Greek. 4 This matter arose because some false believers had infiltrated our ranks to spy on the freedom we have in Christ Jesus and to make us slaves. 5 We did not give in to them for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel might be preserved for you.

1. Paul returns to Jerusalem this time with his friend Barnabas (name meaning encourager).  It is vital that we travel through life with an encourager by our side.  Who is your Barnabas that you are walking with in your spiritual journey?

2. We know that the Gospel Paul received was not derived from any man; so we can be sure that Paul was not seeking approval for preaching the Gospel to the Gentiles.  I believe Paul was consulting with the apostles to make sure the message of, “salvation by grace alone” was being preached by them as well.  When sharing your faith do you ensure that the message you preach is “salvation by grace alone”?

3. It says that Paul meet with those esteemed as leaders.  Do you honor your spiritual leaders and submit to their authority?

4. Each of us has a race to run that has been given to us by God.  What measures are you taking to ensure that you are not running that race in vain?

5. Our freedom in Christ is often misunderstood by those that are a bit more legalistic in their religion.  In what ways have you been “compelled” to follow a certain do’s/don’ts checklist in your walk with Christ?

6. Doing things to BE holy puts us in chains and makes us slaves.  However, doing good things BECAUSE we are holy is the mark of a believer in Christ.  How often does that fine line get crossed in your relationship with the Lord?

7. The verbiage of verse 4 strongly conveys the fact that we are at war (infiltrate, ranks, spy).  The fact is that we are at war 24/7 in the spiritual realm.  Ephesians 6 lists the proper equipment needed for a spiritual solider.  Are you faithful, on a daily basis, to gear up and face the spiritual battle that awaits?