3 ways we are to exalt the cross of Christ
I. Turn Away From Worldly Performance and Protection
A. By embracing the shame associated with Jesus Christ
Galatians 6:12 - Those who desire to make a good showing in the flesh try to compel you to be circumcised, simply so that they will not be persecuted for the cross of Christ.
B. By seeing the temptation to boast in numbers
Galatians 6:13 - For those who are circumcised do not even keep the Law themselves, but they desire to have you circumcised so that they may boast in your flesh.
C. By admitting hypocrisy and seeking genuine growth
Galatians 6:13 - For those who are circumcised do not even keep the Law themselves…
Luke 16:14-15 - Now the Pharisees, who were lovers of money, were listening to all these things and were scoffing at Him. And He said to them, “You are those who justify yourselves in the sight of men, but God knows your hearts; for that which is highly esteemed among men is detestable in the sight of God.”
II. Cherish the Cross-Work of Christ
A. Commit to a cross-centered, Christ-focused life
Galatians 6:14 - But may it never be that I would boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ…
1 Corinthians 1:30-31 - But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption, so that, just as it is written, “Let him who boasts, boast in the Lord.”
B. Embrace being crucified to the world and the world being crucified to you
Galatians 6:14 - …through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.
Philippians 3:18-19 - For many walk, of whom I often told you, and now tell you even weeping, that they are enemies of the cross of Christ, whose end is destruction, whose god is their appetite, and whose glory is in their shame, who set their minds on earthly things.
III. Walk as a New Creation
A. Recognize the myriads of distractions in the world
Galatians 6:15 - For neither is circumcision anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation.
2 Corinthians 5:17 - Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.
B. Trust the blessing of peace and mercy tied to the genuine gospel
Galatians 6:16 - And those who will walk by this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God.
C. Allow the grace of God to motivate you to endure suffering
Galatians 6:17-18 - From now on let no one cause trouble for me, for I bear on my body the brand-marks of Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brethren. Amen.
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