See what large letters I use as I write to you with my own hand! Those who want to impress people by means of the flesh are trying to compel you to be circumcised. The only reason they do this is to avoid being persecuted for the cross of Christ. Not even those who are circumcised keep the law, yet they want you to be circumcised that they may boast about your circumcision in the flesh. May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is the new creation. Peace and mercy to all who follow this rule—to the Israel of God.
-Galatians 6:11-16

Envision the cross at the centre

  • vs. 14 "May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ"
  • The one thing that is centrally important for Paul is the Good News. This shapes the rest of his vision at the end of the letter to the Galatians.

Envision victory through the cross

  • vs. 14 "May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world."
  • When you put the cross at the centre, your relationship with the world completely changes.
  • In God's eyes, you are worthy of His love, the death of Christ on the cross.

Envision a radical new community through the cross

  • vs. 14-15 "...through [the cross] the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is the new creation"
  • Defining a community by faith on the cross is radical, because if God welcomes people who have faith in the cross-- slave or free, male or female, Jew or Gentile -- then this community is not defined by social class, gender, or denomination. It is a community that is radically welcoming, because salvation is for all who believe. It is also a community that is resilient, because it is not centred around one particular point of doctrine or church practice, but the Good News of Jesus Christ.

 

Discussion Questions for Small Groups
  1. How is having a vivid and compelling vision different from simply “going through the motions”? Who are some people you would consider “visionaries” today?
  2. In Galatians 6:14, Paul says, “May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Do you think the cross really belongs at the centre of the Christian life? Why or why not?
  3. In the sermon, John explained that a cross-centred community might be more inclusive and resilient to the intellectual challenges facing the church in the 21st century. How does a focus on the cross create inclusivity and resilience? Do you think such a community is needed today?

 

Missed this Sunday's sermon? Watch it here!

 

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