Chapter 2:1-10
Message Notes:
Today’s message revolves around Galatians 2:1-10
One of the underlying issues of this passage relates to the “salvation question” for Gentiles (non-Jews):
•In order to be saved — some Jewish Christians (the Judaizers) taught — these Gentiles must become Jews first, before they can receive Jesus. In other words, they must be circumcised, etc. first.
•But the eventual and final position of the Church disagreed with this. No, Gentiles do not need to become Jews first. They can go straight to Jesus and salvation. The anointing of the Holy Spirit on these Gentiles became the deciding proof.
•You can see some of this in Galatians 2:1-6 — the Titus question (vv. 1 and 3), and the “false brothers” discussion in verses 4-6.
Now, after saying all of that:
•Today’s message will not address that, but rather, the question about “calling” found in verses 7-9.
The calling of Peter, James and John — was to the “circumcised” (or Jews).
The calling of Paul (with Barnabas and Titus) — was to the “uncircumcised” (or Gentiles).
In other words: Not all callings from God will look the same or be to the same people.
Calling describes a sense of “direction from God” for how we should live our lives in service of God.
•What do you want me to do with my life? Where? How?
•Who do you want me to reach or bless — using the “graces” that you have placed in my life?
Byron offers in his message an extended description of the missionary calling of William Carey.
Quote about William Carey’s calling:
•“Calling was described by a growing sense of burden or conviction about something ‘in the world’ and/or something ‘in God’s Kingdom’ that is just not right and needs to be addressed.”
•He eventually said “yes” to a growing burden about the vast number of unreached people in India (left in 1793).
•His ministry was very hard — poverty, disease, death, discouragement, fires, and lack of success at first.
•Yet, his calling enabled him to remain firm and committed.
•And after 41 years of ministry in India God eventually used Carey in powerful ways to change that part of the world.
Another quote about William Carey’s calling:
•“Calling often begins not with a dramatic vision but with a growing burden. God placed a concern in his heart that would not leave him alone. Others dismissed it, circumstances opposed it, and the path looked impossible, but the conviction remained.”
Callings are different
•See 1 Corinthians 12:4-6 — 4 There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit is the source of them all. 5 There are different kinds of service, but we serve the same Lord. 6 God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us.
Three primary callings from God:
•Salvation - Revelation 3:20 (We all need to respond to Jesus’ call to the salvation of our souls)
•Service - 1 Peter 4:10 (We all need to determine how God might want to use us in service every single day)
•Vocation - Isaiah 6:8 (Some will be called to a “professional or vocational” ministry in some setting)
Discussion Questions:
Galatians 2:1-10
•The first six verses delve into the disagreement about the pathway to salvation.
•Salvation by grace through faith versus Jesus plus works (Jewish Law)
•Read verses 1-6 and talk about how this disagreement is discussed here.
Byron’s message this week is focused on the notion of “calling.” (Verses 7-9) Look at the two quotes about calling from the story of William Carey and comment:
•“Calling was described by a growing sense of burden or conviction about something ‘in the world’ and/or something ‘in God’s Kingdom’ that is just not right and needs to be addressed.”
•“Calling often begins not with a dramatic vision but with a growing burden. God placed a concern in his heart that would not leave him alone. Others dismissed it, circumstances opposed it, and the path looked impossible, but the conviction remained.”
•In what ways does “having a strong sense of calling from God” help sustain a person when they are facing times of tribulation?
Paul notes in verse 9 that the Christian leaders in Jerusalem “perceived the grace that was given to me…”
•Byron states in his message that “grace” (in this passage) could be a description of different gifts and abilities given by God that empowered Paul’s ministry. What do you think about that? Do you agree or disagree?
•What specific “graces” do ordinary Christians need in order to be effective witnesses for Jesus?
Toward the end of his message, Byron lists three primary callings from God:
•Salvation - Revelation 3:20 (We all need to respond to Jesus’ call to the salvation of our souls)
•Service - 1 Peter 4:10 (All Christians need to determine how God might want to use them in service every single day)
•Vocation - Isaiah 6:8 (Some will be called to a “professional or vocational” ministry in some setting)
•Can anyone describe a time when they sensed God calling them in any of the above ways?