Tag: Galatians 3:10-11
Boasting in Christ’s Cross
Scripture reading for August 22: Galatians 6
“But far be it from me to boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. And as for all who walk by this rule, peace and mercy be upon them and upon the Israel of God. From now on, let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers. Amen.” Galatians 6:14-18
In our world, pride of life, position, wealth, or power brings boasting and toasting! Even religious leaders boast in their theological knowledge, good works, or unique favor with deity. Boasting often causes strife and violence. Sometimes it causes envy, jealousy and factions. That’s why Christ’s church has splintered into thousands of denominations and religious cults. This leaves many in confusion and disillusion about the church and its message of love, mercy and unity.
In Galatia, Jewish false teachers had insisted on circumcision for believers, adding another boast in their ‘obedience’ to the law. Paul taught the church that circumcision or no circumcision did not matter at all to God. In fact, all who were adding circumcision to their body were under a curse. No one circumcised or not can keep the law. (Galatians 3:10-11) What really counted was a ‘new creation’ (2 Corinthians 5:17) that came from faith in the work of Jesus Christ on the cross in dying as a substitute for our sins. Unless a person is born-again, they cannot see the kingdom of God. (John 3:3) Because of this, Paul stated that his only boast was in the cross of Jesus Christ where his sin nature was crucified with Jesus and he now considered himself crucified to the world. God’s grace was something to boast about! The marks of beatings, stoning’s and persecution testified to God’s mark inside of sonship through faith in Jesus and His work on the cross.
Have you ever been full of pride in something you have accomplished or that you possessed? Has boasting ever caused trouble in your life, either your own boasting or another’s? Can you identify with Paul’s statement of boasting in Christ’s cross?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for giving me something to truly boast about–Your sacrifice on the cross! May my life be marked by the cross and Your work on my behalf. Help me to live consistently dependent on Your grace and share Your mercy through the cross with a world full of boasting in itself.