Boasting in the Cross

Lesson 14 for December 30, 2011

THE EVANGELIC IN GALATAS

INTRODUCTION

In the light of Paul's statement about having been "crucified to the world" (Gal. 6:14), How should Christians relate to the problems of the environment, racism, abortion, etc. , if they have died to the world?

INTRODUCTION

What did Paul say when you say "I write with large letters"?

• According to the SAR "boast" is indulging "excessive and presumptuously" with or without the foundation.

• How are we to understand Paul when he mentions that he "boasts in the Cross" Gal 6:14 NIV

INTRODUCTION

Approaching the problem:

•What does it mean to “boast in the cross”?

INTRODUCTION

Learning expectations:

Explains the principles of the Gospel and the dangers of egocentrism and decides to walk with God with reverence

I. Know: The fundamental principles

II. Feel: Spiritual danger

III. Do: Walk the path of God

Outline

a. Centrality of the Cross

I. FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES

•What does it mean for Paul to boast in the Cross?

•“But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.” Gal 6:14

The cross of Christ changes everything for the believer.

It Challenges Us to measure ourselves also to ourselves and how we relate to the world.

The behaviour of Paul was as if the world had ceased to exist.

The center of his act was the cross.

a. Centrality of the Cross

I. FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES

b. Justification by faith

•According to Paul How does one become a new creature?

•"Because, in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor circumcision means anything, but the new creature" Gal 6:15

I. FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES

To become a "new creation" is a divine process.

Jesus called it the "new birth" (John 3:5 ).

God takes a spiritually dead person and encourages spiritual life in it.

Paul calls it justification by faith.

b. Justification by faith

I. FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES

a. Earthly egocentrism•What are some of the reasons that the Judeans forced the Galatians to be circumcised?

•“As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ.” Galatians 6:12

II. SPIRITUAL DANGER

Paul said that these people were like actors who sought the approval of the audience.

Their desire was to avoid the persecution: physical abuse, or the exclusion and harassment

a. Earthly egocentrism

II. SPIRITUAL DANGER

a. Established Rule

•What rule does Paul refer to in Gal 6:16?

•"To all those who walk according to this rule, peace and mercy be on them, and the Israel of God" Gal 6:16

III. WALKING WITH GOD

When one speaks of the canon of the New Testament, it refers to the 27 books that are accepted as having authority to define the belief and the practice of the church.

In this sense "the rule" expressed by Paul is the Word of God

a. Established Rule

III. WALKING WITH GOD

Reflection

•What does it mean, boast in the Cross?

Sincere believers will not boast about their achievements, but only about the sacrifice that Christ Jesus made for us.

CONCLUSION

•Explains the meaning of the fundamental principles of the gospel

CONCLUSION

• What have we learned today?

• Paul concludes his letter to the Galatians with a strong personal appeal.

• Rejects any external loyalty to the Jewish customs.

• Clings only to the cross as the reason for his life and service no matter the cost.

• For that will we serve the learned?

CONCLUSION

Starting this new year, many will make resolutions to change.

Think of some aspect of your spiritual life where egocentrism is affecting you and focus your life on the cross of Christ.

With prayer each day call for divine help and be a winner.