Gal 6.11-18

Here, “the Galatians are reminded as to what is at stake in this controversy” (Schreiner, Galatians, 373). Indeed, Galatians is about a controversy. (Interestingly, virtually every letter in the NT is written because of a controversy!) The controversy in Galatians is about the nature of salvation. Paul is making one final plea that “Jesus paid it all.”

PRAYER

A - Father we proclaim your glory, You are worthy of our praise. We praise you for your goodness and faithfulness.

C - Lord we confess that we do not boast in your cross near as much as we ought. Help us to marvel at the gospel new and afresh every day. Let us live for and by your word and your son.

T - Thank you LORD for today for this time together for your word and for the family of believers that is your church. As we come to the last section of Galatians we praise you for this book and for the treasures that are within it.

S - Send us afresh your fire as we look into your word.

AMEN

MESSAGE

Walk Humbly In Grace

Galatians 6:11–12 ESV

11 See with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand. 12 It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh who would force you to be circumcised, and only in order that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ.

Pauls Plea

Do not be deceived!

by grace through faith

no other works necessary

no circumcision = no flesh = Phil 3.2-7.

Pauls Passion

LARGE Letters - his own hand

Pauls Persecution

For the Gospel

Rom 1.16 “16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.”

1 Cor 1.23-24 “23 but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, 24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.”

Treasure Christ Above All Else

Galatians 6:13–14 ESV

13 For even those who are circumcised do not themselves keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may boast in your flesh. 14 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.

Find No Peace in Position

Paul = Apostle

He exposes their insincerity

anakazo - put pressure on / constrain =/= love?

He exposes their insecurity

fear of man - offensive cross

Rom 1.16 “16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.”

1 Cor 1.17 “17 For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.”

He exposes their inconsistency

hypocrisy - law kept by no-one = Paul !!

He exposes their inferiority

the law of moses - law of christ

Find No Peace in Possession

Those who are wealthy need not the cross of a poor carpenter

Find no Peace in Proficiency

law education = boast in the cross

1 Cor 1.23 “23 but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles,”

please Christ not men

The Message of Galatians 2. Human or Divine? (Verses 13–16)

If we boast in ourselves and in our ability to save ourselves, we shall never boast in the cross and in the ability of Christ crucified to save us. We have to choose. Only if we have humbled ourselves as hell-deserving sinners shall we give up boasting of ourselves, fly to the cross for salvation and spend the rest of our days glorying in the cross.

Value Spiritual Transformation Not External Ritual

Galatians 6:15–18 ESV

15 For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. 16 And as for all who walk by this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God. 17 From now on let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus. 18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers. Amen.

Circumcision of the Heart

Jew or Gentile

Baptist or Methodist or AOG

Walk in Accordance to This Rule

Kanon = Measuring Rod = Cannon of Scripture

Peace & Mercy

The Israel of God

Rom 9.6 “6 But it is not as though the word of God has failed. For not all who are descended from Israel belong to Israel,”

Exploring Galatians: An Expository Commentary C. Paul Emphasizes the Truth of Galatians Practically (6:16)

Just because a person was a natural-born descendant of Abraham did not make one an Israelite indeed. A personal experience with God is what made one a true Israelite, just as it took an encounter with God to change Jacob into Israel.

Bear The Marks of Christ

Stigmata - “Tattoo or Slave Brand”

suffering did not disqualify rather it solidified

Let no one trouble him…

From Grace to Grace

Gal 1.3 “3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ,”

Gal 6.18 “18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers. Amen.”

Group Questions

How does Paul speak of the hypocrisy of the false teachers in these verses? How does legalism lead to hypocrisy?

In what possessions, gifts, and opportunities are you tempted to boast? How does the message of the cross change your perspective?

What does it mean to boast in the cross? How can you boast in the cross practically every day?

Why might proclaiming the cross bring persecution?

How does Paul say the cross should affect our view of the world?

Do you think many people perceive Christianity as “being nice” instead of “becoming a new creation”? How does the latter change everything?

What does Paul mean by “follow this standard” (v. 16)? How does this relate to Paul’s confrontation of Peter (2:14)?

How do “peace” and “mercy” relate to the gospel?

How is Christ’s death on the cross unique and unrepeatable? How is it a pattern for His followers?