A NEW CREATION

Galatians 6:11–18 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. 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. 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.

One of the greatest ambitions of any violinist is to play a Stradivarius. Meticulously handcrafted by Antonio Stradivari these very rare violins produce an unrivalled sound. So you can imagine the excitement of acclaimed British violinist Peter Cropper when, in 1981 London’s Royal Academy of Music offered him a 258 year old Stradivarius for a series of concerts.

But then the unimaginable. As Peter entered the stage he tripped, landed on top of the violin and snapped the neck off. I can’t even begin to imagine how Peter Cropper felt at that moment. A priceless masterpiece destroyed!

Cropper was inconsolable. He took the violin to a master craftsman in the vain hope he might be able to repair it. And repair it he did. So perfect was the repair that the break was undetectable, and, more importantly, the sound was exquisite.

The Academy was most gracious and allowed him to continue using the Stradivarius. And so night after night, as Peter drew his bow across those string, Peter was reminded of the fact that what he once thought irreparably damaged had been fully restored by the hand of a Master craftsman.

1- PICKING AND CHOOSING.

A- PAUL EMPHASIZES HIS CONCERN BY LETTING THEM KNOW THAT HE WAS WRITING THE LETTER PERSONALLY.

Galatians 6:11 ESV

11 See with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand.

Galatians 4:5 ESV

5 to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.

Galatians 4:15 ESV

15 What then has become of your blessedness? For I testify to you that, if possible, you would have gouged out your eyes and given them to me.

B-THEY FELT THAT CIRCUMCISION WOULD SAVE THEM FROM THE WORLD.

Galatians 6:12–13 ESV

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. 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.

Galatians 6:12–14 ESV

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. 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.

GALATIANS 6:12-1

John 15:18 ESV

18 “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you.

2- WHAT COUNTS?

A- BOAST ONLY IN WHAT CHRIST HAS DONE.

Galatians 6:14 ESV

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.

GALATIANS 6:

1 Corinthians 1:31 ESV

31 so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.”

B- THE INTERNAL TRANSFORMATION MEANS MORE THAN THE OUTWARD APPEARANCE.

Galatians 6:15 ESV

15 For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation.

Matthew 23:27 ESV

27 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people’s bones and all uncleanness.

3-SALUTATIONS.

A-YOU ARE THE NEW ISRAEL.

Galatians 6:16 ESV

16 And as for all who walk by this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God.

GALATIANS 6:

B-GRACE TO YOUR SPIRIT.

Galatians 6:17–18 ESV

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.

Romans 11:6 ESV

6 But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace.