2 minute read.
Daily Reading: Isaiah 19:1-21:17 ESV, Galatians 2:1-16 ESV, Psalm 59:1-17 ESV, Proverbs 23:13-14 ESV
Daily Verse: “And from those who seemed to be influential (what they were makes no difference to me; God shows no partiality)—those, I say, who seemed influential added nothing to me.” (Galatians 2:6 ESV)
DOKEO (1380): “This refers to a person’s subjective mental estimate or opinion about something. A person’s doxa (1391) may be right or wrong since it always involves the possibility of error (except when used of Jesus). It always signifies a subjective estimate of a thing, not the objective appearance and qualities the thing actually possesses.”[i]
Mental estimate.
Paul faces constant conflict but remains steadfast in his stance for Jesus. Referring to a private meeting with James, Peter, and John, men considered influential, Paul defends himself to the Galatians about the Jerusalem council.
Paul and the Big Three kept their eyes squarely on the Gospel, not allowing false teachers to sway them from the truth they knew.
The Jerusalem council met to decide the issue of circumcision. Paul went because he received a revelation from God directing him to attend. James, Peter, and John showed mutual respect for Paul. Their mission fields differed, yet the Big Three recognized Paul’s gift for working with the uncircumcised Gentiles.
Same Jesus.
As Christ followers, the mission remains the same, spread the good news about Jesus’ death and resurrection. Following the law doesn’t gain access to heaven but believing in Jesus does.
Legalistic views on the Bible draw people away from Christ. Pointing fingers at others because they break religious law does no good. No one can keep the 613 laws held by the Jews. Only Jesus lived a perfect life. We shouldn’t force others to do what we can’t do ourselves.
But we can stand firm in the face of conflict with Jesus. Anyone can place their faith in Christ, admitting they can’t do life alone. We all fall short, but Jesus picks up and carries us the rest of the way.
Influence people for Jesus. Live a humble life, acknowledge your imperfections, and glorify Jesus for helping you overcome them. Share how submitting your life to Christ gave you a new beginning. Let God’s light shine brightly through you. Stand firm in Jesus, His message doesn’t change.
[i] Strong, J., & Strong, J. (2010). The New Strong’s expanded exhaustive concordance of the Bible. Greek Dictionary of the New Testament (p.71) Thomas Nelson
