The Cross: Where Liberty Begins – P1 – Liberated by Faith – Pt 13 – Dr. Charles Stanley
The Cross: Where Liberty Begins – P1 – Liberated by Faith – Pt 13 – Dr. Charles Stanley
Let’s explore Galatians 6, beginning with verse 11, as Charles Stanley presents the message, “The Cross: Where Liberty Begins.”
Paul writes:
“You see how large a letter I have written to you with my own hand. As many as desire to make a fair show in the flesh, they compel you to be circumcised—only so that they may avoid persecution for the cross of Christ. For not even those who are circumcised keep the law themselves, but they desire to have you circumcised so they may boast in your flesh. But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For in Christ Jesus, neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything but becoming a new creation. Peace and mercy be upon all who walk by this rule, and upon the Israel of God. From now on, let no one trouble me, for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus. Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.”
Paul, writing to the Galatians, directly addresses the confusion caused by Judaizers—those who insisted salvation required faith in Christ and adherence to the law, including circumcision. These false teachers sought to impose legalistic practices, thereby undermining the liberty found in Christ.
In verse 11, Paul mentions writing in large letters. This could refer to the physical size of the letters, likely due to an eye condition, which is why Paul typically dictated his letters to a scribe (Romans 16:22). However, in this case, Paul wrote the letter himself, emphasizing the urgency and personal nature of his message.
The Judaizers aimed to “make a fair show in the flesh” (v. 12). Their focus wasn’t on spiritual growth but on outward appearances. They sought to avoid persecution by aligning with Jewish customs, prioritizing human approval over divine truth. Paul condemns their motives, stating that their goal was not the spiritual well-being of believers but their own glory.
In contrast, Paul declares: “God forbid that I should glory except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ” (v. 14). The cross, a symbol of suffering and sacrifice, is the foundation of Christian liberty. Through it, believers are no longer enslaved to the world or its systems.
Paul underscores that in Christ, neither circumcision nor uncircumcision holds value. What matters is becoming a new creation, transformed by the grace of God (v. 15). To those who live by this principle, Paul offers a blessing of peace and mercy, extending it to the “Israel of God”—those who are spiritually renewed in Christ.
Finally, Paul closes with a powerful statement: “From now on, let no one trouble me, for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus” (v. 17). These marks symbolize his sufferings for Christ, evidence of his unwavering commitment to the gospel.
Key Takeaways:
- The Cross Brings True Freedom: Salvation is by grace through faith in Christ alone, not through legalistic rituals or works.
- Beware of False Teachers: They often seek personal gain and rely on outward displays rather than inward transformation.
- New Creation in Christ: True faith transforms us, making external rituals secondary to spiritual renewal.
- Boldness for the Gospel: Like Paul, we are called to stand firm in our faith, regardless of persecution or opposition.
May we embrace the liberty found in the cross, living as new creations in Christ and glorifying Him alone.
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