Scripture: Galatians 2:11-14
SERMON SUMMARY
Hypocrisy is more like cancer than acne. It can be deeply damaging if it takes root among the people of God. So, what is the Christian’s appropriate response to hypocrisy in the church? In Galatians 2:11-14 we have an answer to this question. In this passage, Paul confronts Peter (Cephas) for his hypocrisy in Antioch, where Peter had initially welcomed Gentiles but withdrew from them out of fear of Jewish Christians who adhered to the old laws. Paul's confrontation serves as an example of addressing hypocrisy directly when it misrepresents the gospel.
Paul’s rebuke of Peter is not merely about one’s own personal fault but is rooted in the concern that Peter’s behavior was undermining the gospel of grace. Along the way, we can recognize three ways that hypocrisy is hurtful:
- Hypocrisy infects the individual.
- Hypocrisy confuses the community
- Hypocrisy maligns ministry.
Beyond these things, one must recall that Paul’s passage about hypocrisy is found in a letter soaked with grace. Meaning, because we are made right with God and kept right with God because of Jesus’ work on the cross, we are actually liberated to call people to account. Paul is not saying that he’s the standard; that’s self-righteousness. He’s saying that Jesus is the standard; he’s God’s righteousness. And that’s why in 2:14, he wants people to make sure that their conduct is in step with the truth of the gospel. Why? Because grace is both the standard and that which forgives us when we stray from the standard. And so, when Paul calls Peter out, it’s not opposed to grace at all; it’s actually an extension of it.
Think about it… Because Jesus never wore the mask of hypocrisy, because there was never any inconsistency in him, because he walked the line of faithfulness before his Father all the way to the cross, his death was sufficient enough to pay the price for our sin and brokenness. This means that we can actually admit our own hypocrisy and also approach others about it because the gospel means we’re all called to be constantly dependent on Jesus as the standard and not ourselves.
Simply,
Walking in step with the truth of the gospel allows us to confess, turn from, or call out hypocrisy because it is Jesus’ track record, not ours, that makes us acceptable before God.
There will be times we fumble, but not Jesus. There will be times we slide into inconsistency, but not Jesus. There will be times when we say one thing and do another, but not Jesus. It is only his mercy and grace that forgives, frees us, and can actually change us. By trusting him and his work for us on the cross, we can be truly transformed to walk the line more faithfully, and we can more humbly hold others to the same.
*We are a church located in Greenville, South Carolina. Our vision is to see God transform us into a community of grace passionately pursuing life and mission with Jesus.