14 But may it never be that I would boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.
(Galatians 6:14 – NASB95)
Those words, written by the Apostle Paul, are in sharp contrast to what he said in verses Galatians 6:12-13 about the Legalists (Judaizers). They trusted in their human effort, good works, law-keeping, to obtain righteousness. But Paul trusted only in Jesus and His finished work on the cross. Look at the table below to see the contrast between the Legalists and Paul.
| Legalists (Judaizers) | Apostle Paul |
| Conceit / Pride – v. 12
“make a good showing in the flesh” (cp. Mt. 6:1, 2, 5, 16; Lk. 16:14-15; 18:9-14) |
Conformity to Christ’s Sufferings (humility) – v. 17
“From now on let no one cause trouble for me, for I bear on my body the brand-marks of Jesus.” |
| Comfort / Cowardice – v. 12
“simply so that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ.” |
Comforted by the New Covenant – v. 16
“And those who will walk by this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God.” |
| Con / Hypocrisy – v. 13
“For those who are circumcised do not even keep the Law themselves” (cp. Mt. 23:2-4) |
Consistent Inside & Out – v. 14b-15
“…through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For neither is circumcision anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation.” |
| Crowing / Boasting – v. 13
“…they desire to have you circumcised so that they may boast in your flesh”
|
Crowing / Boasting in the Cross – v. 14a
“But may it never be that I would boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ” (cp. Eph. 2:8-9) |
Religious people believe they can earn eternal life through their good works. They were self-righteous hypocrites who were living for themselves. Paul believed he was a sinner and desperately in need of the forgiveness and righteousness that only Jesus could provide through the cross. As a result, he dedicated his life to love Jesus, tell people about Him, and call them to turn from sin, trust in Jesus alone, and receive God’s free gift of forgiveness, righteousness, and eternal life.
We have the same opportunity this weekend with our 7pm Good Friday communion service and our 8am & 10am Resurrection Sunday worship services. Please join me in praying that people will join us in person (or on Livestream) and hear the glorious gospel of Jesus through the songs, drama, testimony, and preached Word. Tonight, we will focus on the CROSS. Sunday we will focus on the RESURRECTION. Ask the Lord to open the eyes of sinners and grant them repentance and faith. And pray also that believers would become more dedicated to following Jesus, walking in holiness, and boldly proclaiming the gospel of Jesus to all that we meet.
When I survey the wondrous cross,
On which the Prince of glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss,
And pour contempt on all my pride.
Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,
Save in the death of Christ my God!
All the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them to His blood.
See from His head, His hands, His feet,
Sorrow and love flow mingled down!
Did e’er such love and sorrow meet,
Or thorns compose so rich a crown?
Were the whole realm of nature mine,
That were a present far too small;
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my all.