DON’T FOLD UNDER PRESSURE
Galatians 2:11–21
Pastor Calvary deJong
June 1, 2025
Introduction: When Doing the Right Thing Costs You Something
Some years ago, I was new in ministry leadership when a tension surfaced in our group. A guy named Mike had started attending our young adults ministry to support his friend Andy, a young adult who had muscular dystrophy. Andy couldn’t drive, so Mike—who was in his 40s—would pick him up, help him transfer in and out of his wheelchair, and even assist with personal needs like going to the bathroom. He wasn’t a professional caregiver, but he was a caring friend who made it possible for Andy to participate.
Then one night, another young adult pulled me aside and said, “I don’t like that Mike is here. He’s older. It’s awkward. If they’re coming... I’m not.” In that moment, I had a choice to make. I knew that including Andy meant Mike needed to be there too. And I also knew I wouldn’t win any popularity points with this young adult who thought their presence made the group less cool. But the goal wasn’t being cool—it was embodying love. So I told him, “You’re welcome to stay—but so are Andy and Mike.” It wasn’t a public confrontation. But it cost something. Doing the right thing under pressure usually does. When fear drives our decisions, we don’t just risk hurting people—we risk distorting the gospel.
Peter Folded — Galatians 2:11–13
In Galatians, Paul recounts a dramatic moment: “When Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned.” Peter—bold Peter, who preached at Pentecost and declared Jesus the Christ—folded under pressure. He had been eating with Gentile believers, affirming their full inclusion in God’s family. But when “certain men from James” arrived—who taught that Gentiles must adopt Jewish customs—Peter backed away out of fear. His retreat wasn’t based on theological convictions. Rather, it was an example of caving to social pressure. And silence in moments like these sends a message louder than words.
Peter’s hypocrisy fractured the unity of the church. Though the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15) had already affirmed that Gentiles were saved by grace alone, Peter’s withdrawal contradicted the gospel in practice. Even Barnabas—the encourager, Paul’s missionary partner—got swept up in the fear. That’s the power of silently going along with the crowd: it sends a louder message than we realize.
Paul Stood Firm — Galatians 2:14–16
Paul knew this wasn’t just a social misstep or a cultural faux pas—it was a gospel issue. When Peter withdrew from eating with Gentile believers because of pressure from the group that argued following Jewish traditions was necessary for salvation, Paul didn’t stay silent. He confronted Peter publicly and directly: “They were not acting in line with the truth of the gospel.” This wasn’t about etiquette or hurt feelings—it was about faithfulness to the gospel. The gospel is not Jesus plus—not Jesus plus tradition, not Jesus plus cultural conformity, not Jesus plus religious performance. It is grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone.
When unity around that truth is at stake—when fear or favoritism threatens the integrity of the gospel—we must speak clearly and act courageously. Like Paul, we’re called to stand firm, not for our opinions, but for the truth that sets people free.
It’s Not About You or Me, It’s About Jesus
Sometimes we can be tempted to start treating our church like it’s our birthday—as if we’re king or queen for the day. As part of the family celebration for my grandmother’s 80th birthday—alongside the usual dinner, cake, and presents—she had one special request: a hymn-sing featuring lots of songs by her favourite hymn writer, Fanny Crosby. So, on her birthday, what Grandma wants, Grandma gets! I think we sang nearly a dozen Fanny Crosby hymns that evening. It was a beautiful way to honour her.
That’s all very wonderful for a birthday party where you want to make that person the centre of attention—but it’s not how a local church is meant to function. Church doesn’t exist to cater to our personal preferences. It’s not about your preferences or even my preferences—it’s meant to be about Jesus. Our church exists to glorify Jesus and make disciples. That means the focus isn’t on what makes us most comfortable—but on what helps others encounter Christ. When we keep that mission front and centre, we’re willing to lay down some of our personal preferences so that others can be built up in faith.
When Churches Cling to Preference, They Can Miss Their Moment
A ministry friend of mine, Marco Bessa, became the pastor of the Portuguese church his dad had pastored for many years. Seeing that younger generations no longer spoke Portuguese, he led a careful shift towards hosting services in English to reach the next generation and their community. Theologically, nothing had changed. But some key long-time members saw this shift as a betrayal of their identity. A split followed. And sadly, the church eventually closed.
There is a redemptive arc to the story. Marco told me that a few years later, his aunt—the one who had led the charge to oppose him—reached out in repentance. Reconciliation happened. He forgave, their relationship was restored, and grace had the last word in their family. But it remains a cautionary tale of what can happen when personal preferences eclipse Jesus’ mission for the church.
Takeaway: Hold Tight to Jesus. Hold Loose to Everything Else
Not every disagreement is a gospel issue. But when someone’s belonging in Christ’s body is threatened, we must stand firm—in love. When the gospel is clear, silence is not faithfulness—it’s compromise.
So here’s the challenge:
- When it comes to the gospel, hold tight.
- When it comes to preference, be openhanded.
Let’s ensure Jesus is Lord of the church—not our tastes or preferences.
Prayer
Lord Jesus,
Thank You for the truth of the gospel—grace alone through faith alone.
Forgive us for the times we’ve folded under pressure.
Grant us wisdom to discern what truly matters,
Courage to speak when unity is at stake,
And humility to let go of our preferences for the sake of Your mission.
May we be a church that reflects Your welcome and Your truth.
Amen.