Galatians 6:11-18 A Grace-filled, Cross-Centered Gospel Goodbye, Pam Larson (4-24-2020)

A Grace-filled, Cross-Centered Gospel Goodbye

CONTEXT: 

Paul’s grace-filled greeting (Gal 1:1-5) introduced us to the gospel that is from God and for God’s glory.

• Paul defended his authority and the one true gospel in chapters 1-2.
• He explained the gospel of grace and the glorious freedom it brings in chapters 3-4.
• And in chapters 5-6, he applied the gospel by commanding us to love and serve one another in everyday life.

Paul ends this letter (Gal 6:18) with “ … the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers.” 

STRUCTURE:

The cross is the center of this passage, and it has been a central theme in Galatians. 

• V12-13 The cross and circumcision (notice circumcision 3x in v12-13)
• V14 The cross- our only boast
• V15 A new creation not circumcision (notice circumcision 2x in v15)

OUTLINE:

1- The Cross Exposes Our Motives

• The Motives of the Judaizers (6:12-13) SELF-boasting
  • Their pride
  • Their persecution-avoiding
  • Their Pharisaical actions
• The Motives of Paul (6:14-17) CROSS-boasting
  • The power of the cross 
  • The purpose of the cross
  • The Person of the cross 

2- The Cross Defines Our New Life