In Galatians 2, Paul passionately defends the gospel of grace, emphasizing that righteousness comes not by the law but through faith in Jesus Christ. As believers, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking we need to earn God’s favor or live by a strict set of rules to maintain His love. However, Paul reminds us that Christ’s sacrifice was sufficient — there’s nothing we can add to what He has already done.
Paul begins the chapter by recounting his confrontation with Peter, who, out of fear of criticism, reverted to old legalistic practices. This confrontation highlights a common struggle: the pull between grace and works. We often feel the need to prove ourselves, to appear righteous, but Galatians 2 reveals that grace is enough. Our righteousness comes from faith in Jesus, not our ability to follow the law.
The climax of this chapter is found in verse 20, where Paul makes a profound statement: “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.” This verse speaks to the transformational power of grace. When we accept Jesus, our old self — bound by sin and the law — dies. We are reborn into a new life where Christ lives in us. Praise and glory to God: our identity is no longer defined by our failures or our ability to follow religious rules but by the life of Christ within us.
Listen up my brothers and sisters, this is the freedom of grace: we are no longer slaves to sin, guilt, or the impossible standards of the law. Christ has fulfilled the law on our behalf, and we are invited to live in the freedom of His grace, relying on His strength, not our own!
Pray with me:
Father God, thank You for Your grace that sets me free from the law and sin. Help me to live in the truth that Christ lives in me. May my life be a reflection of Your love and grace to others. Teach me to trust in Your complete and finished work, knowing that I am accepted and loved not because of what I do, but because of what You have done for me. Father God, I choose to never underestimate the precious value of grace. In Jesus’ grace giving name, amen and amen!
4GIVEN 