Boast in the Cross

Gal. 6:14

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.

 

 

Paul ends this letter to the Galatians with several final instructions. He begins with a fellow believer who is caught in sin, mature believers are to restore him in a spirit of gentleness all the while keeping watch lest they fall into temptation too. Bear one another's burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ. This concern and love is what should characterize interpersonal relationships within the body, rebuking only out of love not out of a sense of spiritual pride.

 

Next he develops a vital principle that is not clearly understood. What if someone has asked Jesus to be his Savior and has publicly declared it, but there is no corresponding transformation of the heart and life. Paul's response is hard but true.  Do not be deceived God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. If believers are sowing to the flesh, then they will reap corruption. But the one who sows to the Spirit will reap eternal life. Christianity is not a head knowledge, but is a life style. Believers are changed from the inside out, every area of their life reflecting Jesus. So let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. Hang on, don't defect, stay true for in God's own time all will be made right. As believers have opportunity, they need to do good to everyone, especially to believers.

 

Paul closes with a reference to circumcision, an idea developed earlier in the book. He urges them not to listen to those who would add to the faith to avoid persecution. Their goal is not for the believer's welfare but an opportunity to boast in their own flesh. 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. Neither circumcision or uncircumcision count for anything, but the crucial issue is the new creation, the transformed life, and boasting only in the cross.

 

These three important issues are still vital for today. Believers often rebuke other believers out of their own spiritual pride or biases. It has nothing to do with bearing burdens and fulfilling the law of Christ, but it actually makes the burden heavier for the one struggling. Of course, these people wouldn't notice that because they are too puffed up in their own spiritual pride, much like the Pharisees were. Secondly, the idea of living for the flesh is monumental today. Many believers blend into the world so well that they are not recognizable as a believers. Their lives are filled with the same pursuits and pleasures, but all the while, they think they are fine in God's eyes. Perhaps they think that they are living the best of both worlds, the spiritual and the fleshly. How sad! Finally he dealt with the issue of adding to the faith. Even though circumcision is not an issue today, there are many people who add to the faith and use their faith as an opportunity to boast in their own flesh, their own works. My only boasting point must be the cross of Jesus Christ. My life must be built only on grace, and out of this grace, I can bear the burdens of my fellow believers, live for the Lord, and do it all energized by His grace!

 

Father,

Grow me in these three areas. When my flesh rears its ugly head, prick my heart so that I might confess, repent, and live in Your grace.

In Jesus name,

Amen