Unshackled #13
It’s About the Cross
Galatians 6:11-18 (NKJV)
Paul’s Statement (v. 11)
Galatians 6:11 See with what large letters I have written to you with my own hand!
The Judaizers – It’s About Me (v. 12-13)
Galatians 6:12-13 As many as desire to make a good showing in the flesh, these would compel you to be circumcised, only that they may not suffer persecution for the cross of Christ. 13 For not even those who are circumcised keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may boast in your flesh.
Pride – “As many as desire to make a good showing in the flesh …” (v. 12)
Matthew 6:1 “Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by
them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven.
Cowards – “… these would compel you to be circumcised, only that they may not suffer
persecution for the cross of Christ.” (v. 12)
I Corinthians 1:23 but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness,
Hypocrites – “For not even those who are circumcised keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may boast in your flesh.” (v. 13)
Matthew 23:1-4 Then Jesus spoke to the multitudes and to His disciples, 2 saying: “The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. 3 Therefore whatever they tell you to observe, that observe and do, but do not do according to their works; for they say, and do not do. 4 For they bind heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.
Paul – It’s About the Cross (v. 14-16)
Galatians 6:14-16 But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. 15 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but a new creation.
16 And as many as walk according to this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the
Israel of God.
The cross has the power to free us from the bondage of the world – “But God forbid that I
should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified
to me, and I to the world.” (v. 14)
Galatians 2:20-21 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. 21 I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain.”
The cross has the power to bring us salvation –
“For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor
uncircumcision avails anything, but a new creation.
16 And as many as walk according to this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the
Israel of God.” (v 15-16)
II Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
Closing Words (v. 17-18)
Galatians 6:17-18 From now on let no one trouble me, for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus. 18 Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
Acts 14:19 Then Jews from Antioch and Iconium came there; and having persuaded the multitudes, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing him to be dead.
Galatians 1:3 Grace to you and peace from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ,
Galatians 1:6-7
I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, 7 which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ.
