Tag: Galatians 6
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.
The law of sowing and reaping!
Scripture reading for August 23rd: Galatians 6
Key Scriptures for over-comers: Galatians 6: 7-10 “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please the sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”
Deception is always possible if we get off into the flesh or believe the lies of our adversary. Anything can be justified by our flesh and often we think that because of what we have done for God or how long we have walked with God that we can justify a little sowing to the sinful nature. However, what we sow we will reap! There are only two fields and two harvest that will definitely come. The field of the flesh will always yield destruction and the field of the Spirit eternal life! We must not grow weary or give up sowing to the Spirit. We are to be especially helpful to the family of God.
Observations for over-comers: Perseverance in sowing to the Spirit marks the life of an over-comer and there will be a rich harvest of eternal life for all who finish well! “Tell the righteous it will be well with them, for they will enjoy the fruit of their deeds. Woe to the wicked! Disaster is upon them! They will be paid back for what they have done.” (Isaiah 3:10-11)
Boasting in the Cross of Christ!
Scripture reading for August 24th: Galatians 6
“Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other’s burdens and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:1-2) Paul ended his letter dealing with false teaching by encouraging the church members to gently and humbly help those caught in a trap of sin. That sin might have been one of the acts of the sinful nature described by Paul, or it might have been the sin of trying to keep the law rather than walk by faith in the grace of Christ. Paul warned them to be careful in restoration, that they not also be tempted. Christ’s law is the law of love–love our neighbor as ourselves.
“Don’t be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.” (Galatians 6:7-8) When we continue to live in known sin and yet claim to know Christ, we actually are mocking God. We can’t mock God without consequences! How we live is like sowing seed. We do reap what we sow!
“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. Neither circumcision or uncircumcision means anything; what counts is a new creation.” (Galatians 6:14-15) Paul’s faith rested in the finished work of his Lord Jesus Christ! He was a new creation in Christ. This truth must be the foundation of all believers! What is your boast today?