Read Galatians 2:1–10. Paul says that the false brothers "slipped in to spy out our freedom that we have in Christ Jesus, so that they might bring us into slavery" (Gal. 2:4, ESV). What are Christians free from? Read ; Rom. 6:6, 7; 8:2, 3; Gal. 3:23–25; 4:7, 8; Heb. 2:14, 15. How do we experience for ourselves the reality of this freedom?

From the above passages we understand that we are no longer slaves to sin, and to the consequence of the transgression of God’s law which is death.  Before Jesus Christ we were all on death row waiting to die.  When Jesus died on the cross for us He took the punishment on the cross which we all deserved. When we accept by faith what Christ has done for us we are justified and we receive credit for the life that Christ lived. When we accept Christ by faith we are empowered to be the sons and daughters of God and to walk in the newness of life we are no longer slaves to sin.

The apostles recognized that Paul "had been entrusted with the gospel to the uncircumcised, just as Peter had been entrusted with the gospel to the circumcised" (Gal. 2:7, ESV). What does this suggest about the nature of unity and diversity within the church?

This suggests to us that Paul was given a mission to work with a specific population and so was Peter. Even though they were ministering to separate people groups this did not invalidate their unity for the sake of the gospel.

How open should we be to methods of evangelism and witnessing that take us out of our "comfort zone"? Are there some forms of evangelism that bother you? If so, what are they, why do they bother you, and might you need to be more open-minded about these things?

We must assess our methods based on biblical principles. We must also evaluate where our own personal preferences get in the way of the fulfillment of the gospel.

Prayer:  Father help us to be unified by your Spirit and through your word for the sake of the gospel. Thank you in Jesus name amen.

Related posts:

1. The Importance of Unity
2. Unity in Redemption
3. Freedom from Slavery