What Matters

Galatian Liberty • Galatians 6:14-18 • September 18, 2022 • English Service 10:00 AM

 

Sermon Introduction

Paul questioned the motive of the false teacher. They taught a distorted gospel because they wanted to avoid persecution. Paul also revealed their hypocrisy about requiring others to become circumcised, but they do not obey the law. Their purpose was to boast about gaining proselytes. However, Paul would explain that proper boasting is about boasting on the cross of the Lord Jesus Christ. He focused the Galatians on what truly matters: the new creation in Christ. He would then close his letter asking the Galatians not to cause him trouble anymore.

Dr. Ed Pilapil Jr.
Senior Pastor

 
 
 
 

Galatians 6:14-18 ESV

14 But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. 15 For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. 16 And as for all who walk by this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God. 17 From now on let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus. 18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers. Amen.

Notes

Paul questioned the motive of the false teacher. They taught a distorted gospel because they wanted to avoid persecution. Paul also revealed their hypocrisy about requiring others to become circumcised, but they do not obey the law. Their purpose was to boast about gaining proselytes. However, Paul would explain that proper boasting is about boasting on the cross of the Lord Jesus Christ. He focused the Galatians on what truly matters: the new creation in Christ. He would then close his letter asking the Galatians not to cause him trouble anymore.

  1. Right boasting

    Paul wrote that, unlike the false teachers who would boast in the circumcision of the Gentiles, he would only boast on the cross of Christ. Paul could boast about many things as a Jew, but such worldly boasting is dead to him (6:14).

    14 But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by

    which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.

  2. What matters

    Paul explained his position that when it comes to justification and righteousness, circumcision or uncircumcision does not matter. What matters is a new creation in Christ, which the Spirit brings about through faith (6:15-16).

    15 For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. 16 And as for all who walk by this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God.

  3. Final words

    Paul wanted the Galatians to stop giving him trouble. Trouble in the letter’s context meant believing in a distorted gospel and believing the lies about him. He proved his sincerity by describing the marks on his body (6:17-18).

    17 From now on let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus. 18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers. Amen.


Application

  1. Boast in Christ

    We should boast only about Christ and what He did on the cross, which was to die for our sins. And we should avoid boasting about ourselves, our good works, our morality, our ministry, and our accomplishments.

  2. Focus on what matters

    We should focus on what matters. What matters is the new creation in Christ, brought about by believing in the gospel through the Spirit. That is, of course, if the gospel is the gospel without distortions.

  3. Don’t cause trouble

    Let us not believe in a distorted gospel because it will cause problems for faithful shepherds. They are deeply concerned about what we believe. Instead, let us remain supportive of all faithful preachers and teachers of the gospel.


Reflection & Discussion

  1. What does Paul mean when he wrote that circumcision or uncircumcision
    does not count for anything?

  2. What “troubles” was Paul referring to? How do we apply this today?

  3. How may we boast in Christ alone?