Paul Glories in The Cross
July 31, 2024
Commentary
In closing out his letter to the Galatians Paul pats the believers on the head and tells them he knows they meant well but instead restates the issues and gives strong reproof. In this passage Paul presents three “marked men; “the legalist (vv. 12-13), the Lord Jesus Christ (vv. 14-16), and the Apostle Paul himself (vv. 17-18). His concluding thoughts focused on three issues.
Outward verses inward religion (vv. 11-13). Braggers (v. 12a) – wanted more followers so they could brag about them. Compromisers (v. 12b) – Practiced circumcision so they would escape persecution.Persuaders (v. 12) – the word constrain presents the idea of strong persuasion.Hypocrites (v. 13) – they wanted the Galatians to keep part of the law while they failed to obey another part of the law.Human verses divine emphases (vv. 14-15). Only at the cross is all man made equal. Paul says “But God forbid that I should glory save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.”Temporal verses Eternal Life (v. 16). The point is that without the cross of Christ there is no eternal life. It is so easy to boast in our own achievements rather than to give God the glory.In closing Paul makes an unusual appeal before giving a benediction.
Let no man cause me trouble (v. 17a).I desire to be respected (v. 17b).The final benediction (v. 18).
Application
I need to be conscious of some one who needs to hear the message of Galatians? Then I need to pray about what would be the most effective way for me to share with this person?
Galatians 6:11– 18 (NET)
11 See what big letters I make as I write to you with my own hand!
12 Those who want to make a good showing in external matters are trying to force you to be circumcised. They do so only to avoid being persecuted for the cross of Christ. 13 For those who are circumcised do not obey the law themselves, but they want you to be circumcised so that they can boast about your flesh. 14 But may I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. 15 For neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything; the only thing that matters is a new creation! 16 And all who will behave in accordance with this rule, peace and mercy be on them, and on the Israel of God.
17 From now on let no one cause me trouble, for I bear the marks of Jesus on my body.
18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen.
Illustration: Moody A Painting of a Monk Engaged in Prayer
Some years ago a remarkable picture was exhibited in London. As you looked at it from a distance, you seemed to see a monk engaged in prayer, his hands clasped, his head bowed. As you came nearer, however, and examined the painting more closely, you saw that in reality he was squeezing a lemon into a punch bowl! What a picture that is of the human heart! Superficially examined, it is thought to be the seat of all that is good and noble and pleasing in a man; whereas in reality, until regenerated by the Holy Ghost, it is the seat of all corruption. (Moody’s Anecdotes, p. 69).