The Gospel of Grace-Part 3

Galatians 2:1-10

Scripture Reference

Galatians 2:1-10

Then fourteen years after I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and took Titus with me also, and I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preached among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation; lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain. But neither Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised: and that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage: To whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you. But of these who seemed to be somewhat, whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter to me: God accepteth no man’s person. For they who seemed to be somewhat in conference added nothing to me. But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter; (For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles.) And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.

Introduction

Sermon Title: “The Gospel of Grace—Part 3”

Preacher: Dr. Terry LeQuieu

In Galatians chapter two, Paul records a crucial moment in the early church: a private, authoritative meeting with the leaders in Jerusalem about the nature of salvation and the right way to communicate the gospel. This passage is not merely history; it is a practical model for how believers should handle criticism, defend the doctrine of grace, and preserve the spiritual growth of others. As we study these ten verses we will learn biblical principles for dealing with false teaching, personal attacks, and the ministry decisions that protect the gospel’s purity and spread its comfort.

Chapter number two, Galatians Chapter number two. When you get there, go ahead and stand with me. Galatians Chapter number two. As I stated last week when we began everything, we are going to cover the book of Galatians in eleven different messages so that six, six chapters over the course of eleven messages.

Outline

1. Seek the Communicating of the Gospel (vv.1–2)
   1. Paul went to Jerusalem by revelation and communicated the same gospel he preached among the Gentiles.
   2. Key point: True doctrine is consistent. Paul did not change his message to appease men; he verified it with the leaders to prevent running in vain.
   3. Application: Always check new teachings against the Word. Our source must be the Bible and the unchanging gospel—Jesus plus nothing, Jesus minus nothing.
2. Sense the Crookedness of the Godless (vv.3–4)
   1. False brethren were brought in privily to spy out the liberty we have in Christ and to bring believers into bondage.
   2. Method of the godless: infiltration and perversion. Their hidden agenda is to add works to salvation.
   3. Application: Be watchful for false teaching and motives; not everyone who attends is a friend of the truth. Learn to discern and guard the flock.
3. Stand to the Challenge to Godliness (v.5)
   1. Paul and company gave place by subjection, “no, not for an hour,” so that the truth might continue with the believers.
   2. Wise confrontation: Paul handled this with measured, private action rather than public spectacle, protecting immature believers from scandal.
   3. Application: Confront sin and error appropriately—public sin publicly, private matters privately. Protect the weak and preserve the gospel’s witness.
4. See the Character of God (vv.6–8)
   1. God accepts no man’s person; He is the author of all true apostleship. Peter had the ministry to the circumcision; Paul to the Gentiles.
   2. Recognizing God’s hand removes pride and builds unity: the same God who worked in Peter worked mightily in Paul.
   3. Application: Ask “How would Christ handle this?” Keep God’s heart for all people central—He desires salvation for Jews and Gentiles alike.
5. Share the Comfort of Grace (v.9)
   1. When the pillars perceived God’s grace to Paul, they gave them the right hands of fellowship for coordinated ministry.
   2. Fellowship and partnership follow doctrinal agreement. Comfort is shared when leaders endorse true gospel labor.
   3. Application: Support missionaries and local brothers whose calling aligns with Scripture. Extend fellowship where the gospel is faithfully preached.
6. Show the Charity of Giving (v.10)
   1. The leaders asked only that Paul remember the poor—the practical overflow of gospel ministry.
   2. True gospel work is doctrinally pure and compassionately practical: remembering needs, feeding the hurting, and supporting widows and orphans.
   3. Application: While defending truth, don’t neglect acts of mercy. Gospel ministry includes both sound doctrine and sacrificial service.

Explanation Between Points

This passage shows a balanced pattern: defend the gospel, but protect the people. Paul models careful accountability—he checks with recognized leaders, confronts deception privately, emphasizes God’s sovereign work, and pursues fellowship that results in both gospel advance and practical compassion. Note these practical safeguards:

– Always verify against Scripture. New ideas must survive the test of the Word. Paul did not rely on popular opinion or untested teaching; he relied on revelation and concord with the apostolic leaders.

– Deal with error using appropriate channels. Gossip and public shaming fracture the church; the biblical pattern is to follow the proper chain of authority and to correct in love when possible.

– Keep people in view. The goal is not to win an argument but to preserve the gospel’s influence in people’s lives. Paul restrained his approach for the sake of “truth might continue with you.”

– Partner where the gospel is true, and continue practical ministry. Fellowship with those who hold the gospel leads to coordinated mission and thoughtful compassion toward the poor and needy.

Summary

Galatians 2:1–10 records a decisive response to doctrinal threat. Paul, Barnabas, and Titus met privately with James, Peter, and John to clarify that salvation is by grace through faith—not by works of law. The passage teaches six practical lessons for handling criticism and protecting the gospel: seek correct communication, sense the schemes of the godless, stand for godliness while protecting the weak, see God’s character at work, share the comfort of grace by partnership, and show the charity of giving to meet needs. The balance of truth and love, doctrine and mercy, is the biblical way to preserve the gospel and to reach the lost.

Here again, we’re going to be starting the aspect of taking a stand for the gospel of grace.

Quote to Ponder

“Here again, we’re going to be starting the aspect of taking a stand for the gospel of grace.” — Dr. Terry LeQuieu

Application for the Week

1. Evaluate your sources.
   1. When you hear new teaching, compare it to the KJV Bible. Keep a notebook: write the claim, then write the supporting Scripture. If it cannot be shown from the Word, reject it.
2. Practice biblical confrontation.
   1. If a brother or sister errs, go privately and respectfully (Matthew 18:15 model). If you are criticized, seek to answer in meekness, not anger, aiming to preserve others’ faith.
3. Discern motives.
   1. Ask God to help you see if a teaching or person has an agenda. Pray for wisdom (James 1:5) before you assume the worst; yet be sober about spiritual danger.
4. Partner for gospel advance.
   1. Support faithful ministries with prayer, money, and encouragement. If your church supports missionaries, write them this week—ask how to pray and how to help.
5. Remember the poor.
   1. Identify one need in your church or neighborhood and meet it—bring a meal, give groceries, call a widow, help a single parent. Make charity practical this week.
6. Show the charity of giving in relationships.
   1. Reflect: is there someone you have criticized or gossiped about? If so, repent privately, seek reconciliation, and commit to help them spiritually rather than tear them down.
7. Guard your pulpit and your palate for truth and love.
   1. If you teach or lead, plan one message or conversation this month that balances strong biblical truth with clear, loving application—so that doctrine builds, not wounds.

May the Lord give us the grace to stand for the gospel without pride, to protect the weak without compromise, and to reach the lost without neglecting the needy. Let us follow Paul’s example: defend the truth, preserve the people, and keep the glory for God alone.