There may be few stranger coupling of words in the English language than “circumcision party”. Physically it doesn’t seem like a party for anyone involved. And according to Paul in Galatians 2, theologically it is no better.
The circumcision party of Paul’s day was clutching to empty forms of failed religious efforts. And worse they were requiring that everyone else join them in this futility. The Gentiles were now being asked to do what the Jews had found they could never do.
Even those who knew better were susceptible to this error. The appearance of circumcision party caused Peter to change his practice, along with the rest of the Jews. Even that great friend of the Gentiles, Barnabas was pulled off course.
Influence may be one of our most precious commodities. In chapter one we marveled about the kind of influence Peter and James might have had on Paul, how they contributed to his growth and maturity.
But that influence cuts both ways. When we get it wrong, in tone or spirit or effort or doctrine, it can have terrible effects.
I pray that I would recognize and remove anything in my life that is having a negative influence on the work of God.
The circumcision party of Paul’s day was clutching to empty forms of failed religious efforts. And worse they were requiring that everyone else join them in this futility. The Gentiles were now being asked to do what the Jews had found they could never do.
Even those who knew better were susceptible to this error. The appearance of circumcision party caused Peter to change his practice, along with the rest of the Jews. Even that great friend of the Gentiles, Barnabas was pulled off course.
Influence may be one of our most precious commodities. In chapter one we marveled about the kind of influence Peter and James might have had on Paul, how they contributed to his growth and maturity.
But that influence cuts both ways. When we get it wrong, in tone or spirit or effort or doctrine, it can have terrible effects.
I pray that I would recognize and remove anything in my life that is having a negative influence on the work of God.
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