INTRODUCTION: There have always been churches with problems. The church in Corinth had problems with morality. The churches in Galatia were especially troubled with doctrinal problems. Both are serious! Here in chapter two we are looking at both the problem and some solutions:

I. There were false brethren (2:1-4).

A. They were infiltrators. "Secretly brought in...came in by stealth"
(as in the NKJV).

B. They were spies. They entered without sincerity. On purpose to
sneak in to take over, to sabotage, to change.

C. They wanted to make slaves of the Galatian Christians. There is
a lust for power in the church.

II. Solution: Don't give in even for a minute (2:5). If you give an inch,
they may take a mile.

III. There were weak leaders (2:11-13).

A. Peter was weak. (Not the first time, yet Jesus loved Peter)

B. Peter's weakness misled many, including even Barnabas.
(Peter was afraid of condemnation by the self-righteous.) Don't
be a people pleaser. Don't be easily intimidated.

IV. Solution: Personal confrontation, and public exposure (2:11, 14).
He "stood condemned," literal Greek.

V. Other Solutions:

1. A church council (2:1) (see also Acts 15:1-2) Presbyterianism.

2. Strong, plain Gospel preaching and teaching (2:2, 15-21)
Emphasize verse 16 and vs. 20.
3. Pay no mind to a person's fame or position (2:6).
Some famous Christian theologians today are denying Hell.

CONCLUSION: Due to the proliferation of denominations and cults and false religions, it is very important for the Christians of our generation to promote and defend the Gospel.