The Gospel Wins People Over – September 11, 2026
Read: Galatians 2:11-16
When Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. For before certain men came from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles. But when they arrived, he began to draw back and separate himself from the Gentiles because he was afraid. When I saw that they were not acting in line with the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas in front of them all, “How is it, then, that you force Gentiles to follow Jewish customs? “We who are Jews by birth and not sinful Gentiles know that a person is not justified by the works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ.” Galatians 2:11-16 (selected verses)
The Gospel Wins People Over
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
This week, we have seen how God calls Christians not to be tattletales but also to watch out for others who are heading toward spiritual danger. Jesus says that the goal is to win a person over—to lead that person away from sin and back to Jesus and his forgiveness. Knowing when and how to speak can feel like walking on a balance beam. It’s hard!
Paul knew how hard this could be. Paul had to point out to Peter—also called Cephas—that Peter had given in to peer pressure. Peter had been eating with Gentile Christians. But when certain Jewish Christians arrived, Peter separated himself from the Gentiles because he was afraid of what others would think.
Peter’s actions sent a dangerous message. They suggested that faith in Jesus was not enough and that Gentile Christians also needed to follow Jewish customs to belong in God’s family. Other Christians followed Peter’s bad example. Even Barnabas was led astray. Because Peter’s actions were public and were hurting many people, Paul corrected him publicly. Paul showed Peter that his actions did not match “the truth of the gospel.”
What is that truth? Paul explained that no one is justified by obeying God’s law. To be “justified” means that God has declared us not guilty. We cannot earn that verdict by being good enough, following enough rules, or belonging to the right group. God declares sinners not guilty through faith in Jesus Christ.
That’s what we call “the gospel.” The gospel is the good news of Jesus’ free forgiveness, and we use the gospel to win others over to Jesus. We will never win people over by only pointing a finger at them. God calls us to point out sin truthfully and then point sinners to Jesus. The Holy Spirit works through God’s Word to lead people to repentance and strengthen their faith.
It can be scary to speak to someone about sin. But the goal is not to win an argument. The goal is for the gospel to win—to bring a brother or sister back to the forgiveness that is already theirs in Jesus.
Prayer:
Lord, make me strong enough to overcome peer pressure and to stand firm in your Word. But also make me gentle when I speak to others about sin. Above all, help me point them to the forgiveness Jesus freely gives. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- Who is the only one who can save us from our sins?
- Does Jesus forgive us because we are good enough or because he loves us?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- What does it mean that God “justifies” someone?
- How did Peter’s fear of other people hurt his Christian brothers and sisters?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- Why did Peter’s actions communicate that faith in Jesus might not be enough?
- How can you correct a Christian friend without acting proud, harsh, or self-righteous?
