Title: Freedom and Relaxation that the Truth Gives
Galatians (9) The freedom and freedom given by the truth (Galatians 2:11-14)
< Be faithful to your mission >
The church began with the descent of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost, the preaching of the gospel by Peter, and the founding of the church in Jerusalem, and spread throughout Judea and Samaria. Next, the church in Antioch and Paul played a major role in spreading the gospel to the ends of the earth. Although Peter was a disciple of Jesus and founder of the first church, his ceremonial structure was rooted in Jewish culture, traditions and rituals. So, God transferred the role of preaching the gospel to the Gentiles to the Antioch church and Paul.
Each church needs to be faithful to its mission and role. Conflict always arises when the situation is not understood. Even in the early church, there was such a conflict between the Jewish believers and the Gentile believers. A Jerusalem church meeting was held to resolve the conflict (Acts 15). That church meeting is a very important meeting in the history of the church. In other words, it was a meeting where Christianity and Judaism clashed with victory. It was then that I laid an important doctrinal foundation.
In fact, doctrine is also important. Theology that deals with doctrine is ‘systematic theology’. Tissue is like the skeleton of the human body. The skeleton is the pillar that supports the human body. So is the doctrine. Why are there so many cults and cults these days? It is because they do not know the skeleton of the Bible very well.
There are four things that heretics and cults always attack. It is ‘theology, doctrine, devotional books, skepticism’. They said, “Only Jesus! Only the Bible!” He said, “Why do we need such things?” In the meantime, he made unbiblical interpretations and arguments according to his own will. But “Only Jesus! Only the Bible!” But we need theology, we need doctrine, we need devotional books, and we need even conferences. Some people have a meeting at a meeting, but if you do it wisely, it is an important factor in creating a good historical and strategic community.
If the church had accepted the claims of the Jewish believers at the Jerusalem Council, Christianity would have become like a branch of Judaism. Christianity became global because it overcame Judaism through that conference. Why was there such a conflict? At that time, some Jewish Christians insisted that Gentiles also need to be circumcised (Acts 15:5). The text says that Paul rebuked Peter for acting consciously of those who had such thoughts.
< The freedom and freedom that the truth gives >
One day, Peter had a supper with the church members in Antioch. Then, during the meal, a guest arrived from the church in Jerusalem. When Peter heard the news, he quickly got up and left (verse 12). Because he was afraid of being attacked for eating with a stranger. Then the other Jews arose, and even Barnabas did the same (verse 13). How absurd is your attitude?
In a way, Peter's actions may have been wise because he didn't want to hit them. However, Paul thought that if he did not point out the problem, a great rift would arise between the Jewish and Gentile believers, and the church could not become one. That is why the Apostle Paul boldly rebuked Peter, the chief head of the church, in front of everyone (verse 14).
Now, like Paul, have a firm foundation of faith in the gospel and live as free as possible. There is no need to be too conscious of others. Be free and relaxed. Conversely, there is no need to make others too conscious. Give me freedom and leisure. In terms of the gospel, stand firm in the truth, but in your life, show room to leave room and space. A ‘free existence’ does not mean ‘a being who lives as he pleases’. A being free in the truth rather keeps order.