But Paul's absolute zero intolerance to circumcision tells us something. Why was he so vehement about this? Because God does not want us to ever doubt that believing in Christ, simply by receiving Christ by faith is sufficient. • v. 11, — he wants them to know whatever was in this epistle, he wrote it (no forgery). • vv. 12-13, These Jewish so called "believers" wanted the Gentiles to be circumcised so they could take credit for adding them to their perspective. • v. 14, Paul's reaction to this was to boast in the cross of Jesus the Messiah. What does it mean to boast in the cross? It is not about bragging or some carnal display! It is about glorying in, trusting in, depending on, cherishing, delighting in, etc. •vv. 14, 15 — to say that neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything doesn't mean he thinks circumcision is OK rather, what really matters is that we become new, changed, born again, a new creature in Christ Jesus. Only Christ can bring this about. •v. 16, if we walk by this, becoming a new creation, boasting in the cross, believing in the Lord, we will have peace. •v. 17, so convinced was Paul by the glory of the cross, he has on his body the marks of following him, namely, being beaten and persecuted. What a person is willing to suffer for reveals how seriously he takes it. 1. You won't boast in the cross of Jesus Christ •If you are pleased with yourself •If you are drawn to other people's praises •If the world, the things of this world easily draw out your affections 2. You will boast in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ -You are aware of your sins and realize only what Jesus did on the cross could deliver you from the coming |