False brethren came to spy out the liberty of the early church. Their intention was to subvert the truth and bring people into bondage. There are those who fellowship with the body of Christ, but are not a part of the body of Christ. How do we protect ourselves from them?
1. Know they exist
2. Compare every teaching, principle, etc., to the word of God.
3. Love the truth more than anything.
In Galatians 2:11-13 - Peter visits Paul and the believers at Antioch. Peter establishes a pattern of behavior with the Gentile believers. He eats and fellowships with them in peace.
When a group of men came from James and Jerusalem, their presence caused a change in Peter's behavior. He withdraws from the Gentile believers, fearing those from Jerusalem. Paul addresses Peter in front of them all. All the Jews were guilty, so the confrontation of Peter was for the benefit of all, not the disgrace of Peter. Paul brings them back to faith.
Don't make decisions based on fear. Make decisions based on faith.
What happened here in Antioch?
1. The peace of God lead them into a pattern of behavior.
2. Others came in and the pattern was altered.
3. Fear came in over what those people might think.
4. The peace of God was no longer the umpire; fear took its spot.
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If you're visiting in the area or looking for a church home, we invite you to our Sunday Morning Service, at 10:00 AM. Zoe Christian Fellowship is located at 1111 Easton Rd. (Route 611), in Warrington, PA. We look forward to meeting you!
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