DCLM Daily Manna December 10, 2016 by Pastor Kumuyi – Firmly Against Sin

Topic: Firmly Against Sin [December 10, 2016]

Text: Galatians 2:11-21

Key Verse: "But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed. For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision" (Galatians 2:11, 12).

"When a number of ships are moored, or anchored, or buoyed in the sea, all have an interest in the safety of each. If some of those that lie farther seaward break off from their anchor, and drift up with wind and tide, they will run foul of us as we lie secure in the channel farther up. The drifting ships may sink, but they will drag others down", D.Guthrie.

To depart from the rule of the gospel truth is to become inconsistent in the Christian life. This type of departure demands rebuke from godly leaders. Before the Jews came in from Jerusalem, there was communion and togetherness in the one flock of believers in Antioch. On their arrival, they frowned at the level of unity and oneness being exhibited in Christ, Jews and Gentiles alike. Out of fear of the Jews, Peter, who had previously heard a voice from heaven that, "What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common", began to distance himself from the believing Gentiles. When Peter, in error, separated himself from the Gentile believers, the rest of the Jews followed suit and even Barnabas was carried away by the dissimulation.

Only Paul stood firm. Man always have the tendency to retrograde, to build again what habit, character, attitude and disposition he once rejected and turned away from. Such action makes him a transgressor, backslider and sinner. The old man is crucified with Christ and the new life believers now live should be by the faith of the Son of God. They must never live to frustrate the grace that has brought them into the fold. In our Christian journey, no tie of private friendship or closeness should prevent sin from being firmly reproved. When the sin is committed openly, it should be rebuked openly so that others may fear. Yet, this should be done in brotherly love.

Thought for the day: Truth sacrificed on the altar of so-called peace is truth imperiled.

Bible Reading in one Year: Jonah 1-4

DCLM Daily Manna was written by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria