The Apostle Paul, expressing how even his ugly past is used to give glorify God. So, he is letting the believers know that even their past failure could be redeemed through God's grace and also could be an opportunity to give glory to God. This experience is so true to all of us. Because, we all fall short of the glory of God, but, as we put our faith in God, we are going to be renewed in faith.
Today, remember, do not think that your past is going to hold you back when you are trying to serve God. With God's plan, he will use your past failure to witness to others and through your faith in him, they will end up giving glory to God.
God will use your weakness and failure, so, continually have a faith and give glory to God.
The Apostle Paul, focuses on relationship with God rather than favoritism or praise from others. He focuses on what is given to him as being an apostle of Jesus Christ. As Paul was, we should not look for others approval or favoritism to validate our work for Jesus Christ. It is a relationship with God that affirms our purpose and our work.
Today, remember, do not look for others to validate what you are doing for God. But, look to God for always answer to what you are doing. It has to be God's direction that matters, not what others consider as direction.
The Apostle Paul rebukes the Apostle Peter's action of caving into the pressure of the group. We all could fall into this situation. We sometimes do not have the strength to over the pressure of the group and end up doing that we regret. Paul is very clear that we need to submit to God's way, not lose the pressure of the group or the world.
Today, remember, you will face challenges if you are trying to God's work right way. Why? Because it is always the case, there will be always resistance from people as you try to be a true witness for him. In the case of Peter, he dines with Gentiles conviction from God. But, he cave into the pressure of the situation and cause all the followers to fall with him as well by separating himself from the Gentiles.
Resist the voice of majority if it goes against God's word.
The Apostle Paul continually reminds the Apostle Peter, letting him know that it is not by works of law that we are saved; but, it is through the faith in Jesus Christ. We also should not get confused as well. Sometimes, we put work first than the faith in Jesus Christ.
Today, remember, you are saved by the blood of Jesus Christ from your sin. It is not something that you have done. Do not fall into temptation where you justify your faith by your works. This will let you live a sinful life and make you fall in the trap of living unrighteousness life by putting yourself above God. Because, your life worth will be always weighted of the works that you do, rather than receiving the gift of Grace from God. You will be always doing work for the sake of doing, not out of love and thankfulness.
Not by works; but, faith in Jesus is what matters.
