Galatians 6:14-16

TEXT 6:14-16

(14) But far be it from me to glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world hath been crucified unto me, and I unto the world. (15) For neither is circumcision anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. (16) And as many as shall walk by this rule, peace be upon them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.

PARAPHRASE 6:14-16

14 But let it never happen to me to boast, except in salvation through the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world is crucified to meis rendered incapable, either of alluring me by its pleasure, or of terrifying me by its frownsand I am crucified to the world: I am rendered incapable of its sinful practices, and sinful pleasures.
15 boast in the cross of Christ, as the only foundation of my hope of salvation, and as the great principle of my sanctification: Because, under the gospel, neither circumcision nor uncircumcision is of any avail towards our acceptance with God, but the being a new creature.
16 Now as many of the believing Gentiles as walk by this rule, seeking acceptance with God, not by circumcision, but by becoming new creatures, may peace be their portion in this life, and pardon at the day of judgment. The same blessing I wish on the believing Jews.

COMMENT 6:14

But far be it from me to

1.

Paul had much right to glory.

a.

Glory in his noble fleshly birth. Philippians 3:4-5; 2 Corinthians 11:18

b.

Glory in his religious attainments. Philippians 3:4-5

c.

Glory in his zeal. Philippians 3:6

1)

Few men travelled farther to preach.

2)

Few had had more converts.

3)

Few had established more churches.

d.

Cf. Romans 15:17, 1 Corinthians 9:16, 2 Corinthians 5:12, 2 Corinthians 12:1-9.

2.

God deserves all the glory when His children accomplish something worthwhile.

a.

A Christian can do great things for God if he does not worry about who gets the credit.

b.

God gives the increase to seed sown faithfully.

3.

Evidently some gloried in their wicked ways among the Galatians, even against the cross.

save in the cross of our Lord

1.

Glory in the salvation that is found in the cross, not circumcision.

2.

We can rejoice that we are permitted to suffer for it.

a.

Blessed are ye. Matthew 5:11-12

b.

We also rejoice in our tribulations. Romans 5:3

through which the world hath been crucified unto me

1.

The world is dead to Paulno lifeno attraction.

2.

He could condemn the world.

3.

Monks in monasteries believed that they were crucifying the world unto themselves, but the monasteries became dens of iniquity.

and I unto the world

1.

The world condemns him.

2.

Paul could say I detest the worldbut it detests us.

3.

We despise the worldbut it despises us also.

COMMENT 6:15

but a new creature

1.

New birth is the important thing.

2.

The new man counts; circumcision is not in it.

3.

Some characteristics of the new creation are:

a.

A new spirit.

b.

A new will.

c.

A new attitude.

4.

Cf. Colossians 3:10; Galatians 3:27

COMMENT 6:16

As many as shall walk by this rule

1.

This rulerefers to the teaching concerning the new creation.

2.

Man is saved by the cross of Jesusnot circumcision.

peace be upon them, and mercy

1.

Such people as abide by this, enjoy the peace, favor, and forgiveness of God.

2.

These are fruit of the Spirit and Paul desires these for them.

upon the Israel of God

1.

The true Christians are the Israel of Godas distinguished from the Israel according to the flesh.

a.

Romans 2:29

b.

Romans 4:12

2.

Obedience to Christ made them a part of the true Israel. Cf. Philippians 3:3; Colossians 2:11; Romans 3:29-30

WORD STUDY 6:16

Walk by this rule could be expressed literally as get in line with this measuring rod (canonKAH non).

When the early church was guided to affirm the genuineness and inspiration of the books of the New Testament, the 27 books which measured up became known as the Canon. The Christian must likewise measure up to the standard God has set for him, specifically, that he must become a new creature (Galatians 6:15).

STUDY QUESTIONS 6:14-16

1008.

What does Paul mean by far be it from me?

1009.

Define glory.

1010.

In what realm did Paul feel that he could glory?

1011.

How could one glory in the cross?

1012.

Should we glory in the privilege of salvation?

1013.

Would this exalt us or humble us?

1014.

Paul has taught the crucifixion of himself, Does he mean that the world is crucified too?

1015.

Does he mean that the world is dead as far as attractiveness to him is concerned?

1016.

What does he mean, I unto the world?

1017.

Does the world in its pleasure want the Christian dead to it?

1018.

Through what was the world crucified unto Paul?

1019.

Is Galatians 6:15 like a previous verse?

1020.

Who makes ritual of no consequence?

1021.

What does it mean to be in Christ?

1022.

How do we become new creatures?

1023.

Is circumcision in this process, according to Paul in this verse?

1024.

What really counts?

1025.

What rule is referred to here?

1026.

How inclusive is as many?

1027.

Is Paul pronouncing peace or teaching that new creatures will have it?

1028.

Define mercy.

1029.

Whose mercy are they to havePaul's or God'S?

1030.

Who are the Israel of God?

1031.

Does this mean fleshly Israel or spiritual Israel?

1032.

Are you then an Israelite?