LED ASTRAY

But when Peter came to Antioch, I had to oppose him publicly, speaking strongly against what he was doing, for it was very wrong. When he first arrived, he ate with the Gentile Christians, who don’t bother with circumcision. But afterward, when some Jewish friends of James came, Peter wouldn’t eat with the Gentiles anymore because he was afraid of what these legalists would say. Then the other Jewish Christians followed Peter’s hypocrisy, and even Barnabas was influenced to join them in their hypocrisy.
 
Galatians 2:11-13
 
None of the disciples were perfect. They were sinners, saved by grace, just as we are when we put our faith in Jesus Christ for salvation. God has revealed their imperfection so that we can learn and be on guard not to be led astray.
 
Peter and Barnabas, both of Jewish heritage and converts to Christianity, were allowing the burdens of the Jewish faith (the Law) to influence their relationships with Gentile believers. Peter and Barnabas were not bad people. They were living for Christ but had not turned loose of the chains of the Law. Jesus Christ had set them free of the burdens of the Law but they continued to live as if they were still in bondage. Their positions (early church leaders) were positions of influence. They were able, by their wrong behavior, to lead other believers astray.
 
Are you being led astray? Are you following some well intentioned leader (as Peter and Barnabas were) in some tradition that is just doesn’t measure up to the grace of God?
 
Are you, by your imperfect behavior, leading someone you have influence on, astray? Hear the words of challenge the Apostle Paul spoke to Peter and Barnabas and let them speak to you today!
 
“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” – Galatians 2:20.
 
Don’t be led astray. Don’t live in bondage to wrong traditions, leading others astray. “…live by faith in the Son of God…”!