Paul Glories in The Cross

Galatians 6:11–18
» View this passage in NIV (Bible Gateway)

In closing  out his letter to the Galatians Paul pats the believers on the head and tells them he knows they meant well but instead restates the issues and gives strong reproof. In this passage Paul presents three “marked men; “the legalist (vv. 12-13), the Lord Jesus Christ (vv. 14-16), and the Apostle Paul himself (vv. 17-18). His concluding thoughts focused on three issues.

1. Outward verses inward religion (vv. 11-13).
   1. Braggers  (v. 12a) - wanted more followers so they could brag about them.
   2. Compromisers (v. 12b) - Practiced circumcision so they would escape persecution.
   3. Persuaders (v. 12) - the word constrain presents the idea of strong persuasion.
   4. Hypocrites (v. 13) - they wanted the Galatians to keep part of the law while they failed to obey another part of the law.
2. Human verses divine emphases (vv. 14-15). Only at the cross is all man made equal. Paul says “But God forbid that I should glory save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
3. Temporal verses Eternal Life (v. 16). The point is that without the cross of Christ there is no eternal life. It is so easy to boast in our own achievements rather than to give God the glory.

In closing Paul makes an unusual appeal before giving a benediction.

1. Let no man cause me trouble (v. 17a).
2. I desire to be respected (v. 17b).
3. The final benediction (v. 18).

Application

I need to be conscious of some one who needs to hear the message of Galatians? Then I need to pray about what would be the most effective way for me to share with this person?