Written by: John Sernaque
Call to Worship
Galatians 2: 11-12
2:11 But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed.
2:12 For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision.
When Strong Men Waver—
Even the best of men, if left to themselves, will make grave blunders. The more responsibilities placed upon the human agent, the higher his position to dictate and control, the more mischief he is sure to do in perverting minds and hearts if he does not carefully follow the way of the Lord. At Antioch Peter failed in the principles of integrity. Paul had to withstand his subverting influence face to face. This is recorded that others may profit by it, and that the lesson may be a solemn warning to the men in high places, that they may not fail in integrity, but keep close to principle. {6BC 1108.5}
After all the failures of Peter, after his fall and restoration, his long course of service, his intimate acquaintance with Christ, his knowledge of Christ’s pure, straightforward practice of principle; after all the instruction he had received, all the gifts and knowledge and great influence in preaching and teaching the Word, is it not strange that he should dissemble and evade the principles of the gospel, for fear of man, or in order to gain his esteem? Is it not strange that he should waver, and be two-sided in his position? May God give every man a sense of his own personal helplessness to steer his own vessel straight and safely into the harbor. The grace of Christ is essential every day. His matchless grace alone can save our feet from falling (Manuscript 122, 1897). {6BC 1108.6}
Are we to fear man or give glory to God? Peter forgot that we are justified by faith and not by the works of man. He feared more of what man thought or could do than to follow the way of the Lord. He seemed to forget all that Jesus taught, to depend on God, and not to think he could be self-sufficient without the Lord. To die to self-daily as the grace of Christ Jesus is essential every day. To depend on the Holy Spirit to build and strengthen his character. Peter failed in the principles of integrity. Obedience is more important to God than burnt offerings, as is genuine faith in Christ and the working of the Holy Spirit. Everything good in us is the fruit of the working of the Holy Spirit. For through the law we are dead to the law that we might live unto God. Not that we live, but that Christ lives in us. Without Jesus, we can never obtain the victory over sin to receive His white robe of righteousness. Hold fast to the principles of the gospel, and do not waver for the fear of man. Glorify God by living as Christ Jesus lives.
Our kind and gracious heavenly Father,
We come boldly and humbly to the foot of Your throne of grace in thanksgiving, praise, and prayer. We thank You for Your compassion, mercy, grace, and love You give unto Your children. It is with a contrite heart in which our consciousness of guilt has completely humbled our natural pride and self-sufficiency. We can do nothing without You. We die to self-daily, as the grace of Christ Jesus is essential every day. We depend on the Holy Spirit to build and strengthen our character every day. We pray for the fruit of the Spirit. To have the character of Christ in us. To live, not that we live, but that Christ lives in us. To know You and for You to know us. To remember us at the time of the end that we may live with You forever in paradise. To walk the streets of gold on our way to our heavenly mansions. To hear You tell us “well done my good and faithful servant.” What a day of rejoicing that will be. We have sinned against You, and with every sin, we crucify You afresh. We are so sorry and humbly repent of our sins and pray for Your forgiveness. We pray to receive Your strength and courage to overcome sin as You also overcame. To not waver for fear of man but hold fast to the principles of the gospel. To not fail in integrity. To be faithful witnesses in following the way of the Lord. To steer our vessel straight and safely into the harbor. To glorify God by living as Christ Jesus lives. Save our feet from falling. Save us dear Lord, we need Your help. Heal us, and we shall be healed. Save us, and we shall be saved, for Thou art our praise. We thank You for hearing and answering our prayers, in the name of Christ Jesus, we pray. Amen.
