Certainty In Godly Counsel | Galatians 2:2-3

I went up because of a revelation and set before them (though privately before those who seemed influential) the gospel that I proclaim among the Gentiles, in order to make sure I was not running or had not run in vain. But even Titus, who was with me, was not forced to be circumcised, though he was a Greek. — Galatians 2:2-3

CALL OUT: Shout out today to Luke McKinnon and the team from David C. Cook. Thanks for your friendship and partnership in the gospel with this new series. I am excited to tell people about it.

We have all had moments in life when we have questioned ourselves. These moments force us into self-examination, where we look back or forward at the decisions we have made or will have to make. Sometimes, we can get stuck here in indecision because of uncertainty, which is usually determined by the potential severity of the decision.

This is what Paul is doing here. The man we know as a strong, confident, and determined representative of Jesus exposes a moment of vulnerability. He tells us in his own way that he wanted to make sure that over the last 14 years, his call to preach the Gospel to the Gentiles was not an effort that was out of line with the will of God.

So, he consulted two people:

First, he consulted God. He presented his concerns to God, and then, by divine revelation, God nudged him to speak to those who were "pillars of leadership" in the church community. This meant a trip to Jerusalem, a city with people who were not very welcoming to Paul since he was considered a Jewish sell-out. Second, he consulted other "influential" Christian leaders. This would have been people like Peter—disciples who walked with Jesus during his life and ministry.

Sometimes, men fail to take the steps Paul did here and get themselves into a real mess. Men are socially conditioned to believe that being masculine or strong is to be independent and self-reliant. Therefore, in these moments of self-examination, men rarely play their cards. They hold their hand close, bluffing and talking a big game. Sometimes, it works, and if it does, they will do it again and again, reinforcing the independent and self-reliant bluff upon which they have built their masculinity.

We see here Paul doesn't do this. He plays his cards. He puts his message and efforts to the test. He exposes his concerns. He trusts God's prompting. He even puts his life at risk by returning to Jerusalem. All to ensure that he is doing and saying the right thing as a representative of the message of God.

These are the strong spiritual men and leaders we need today. Strong men are willing to submit their hearts, desires, and intentions to God and push themselves to test every decision and action to ensure it's mission-centered.

So today, build true masculine strength. If you are uncertain of the action you need to take, stop being so self-reliant. Rely on God through prayer and Scripture and then consult another wise Christian man. Play your cards before them, get Godly counsel, and make a wiser decision that will pay dividends in the future.

Because Paul took these steps, they became strong evidence for his case to the Galatian churches about the absolute certainty of his Gospel. These steps of vulnerability became his Gospel strength.

#GospelValidation #SpiritualIntegrity #ConsultingGod #MasculineStrength #DivineGuidance

ASK THIS:

How can you emulate Paul's willingness to seek confirmation and validation for your own decisions and actions in life?
Reflecting on your recent decisions, in what areas of your life do you tend to rely more on self-reliance rather than seeking divine guidance and wise counsel from others?
DO THIS: Seek God and counsel.

PRAY THIS: Lord, grant me the courage to seek validation and confirmation in my decisions, just as Paul did, and guide me to rely on Your wisdom and the counsel of fellow believers. Help me to embrace vulnerability as a pathway to strength and to trust in Your perfect plan for my life. Amen.

PLAY THIS: Altogether Good.