The Cross In Life (Galatians 6:1-18)
Rev. Charles B. Evans, May 27, 2018Part of the Morning Worship at North Greenville Church series, preached at a Sunday Morning service
William Holman Hunt painted a series of paintings depicting events in the earthly life of Jesus Christ. Among these is The Shadow Of Death, showing Christ in His apprentice years in His father's shop stretching in the sunlight, with a shadow of the cross being cast on the wall. Another shows the youthful Christ running, with the sun casting a shadow of the cross. These are fanciful. What place does Christ and the cross play in our lives? Are they vital, positive? They should be foundational and operative in every detail. They should direct and control every purpose, thought, word and deed. Romans 6: our old self was crucified with Him. Gal. 2: Christ lives in me. 2 Corinthians: we take captive of every thought to make it obedient to the Lord. This is a daily effort. Spiritual life is a glory to God. What is the measure of our spiritual life? Are we too comfortable and smug in the face of these questions? What is the remedy? Growth and depth come from greater surrender to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Reading, studying, meditating, obeying the Word. Earnest seeking after God and delight in God's service. When the cross is obscure in our lives, we are susceptible to Satan's attacks.
| Earlier: | Same day: | Later: |
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| « "Who Is The Lord, That I Should Obey?" | None | The Impossible Call » |
Galatians 6 (Listen)
6:1 Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. 2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. 3 For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4 But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor. 5 For each will have to bear his own load.
6 Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches. 7 Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. 8 For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. 9 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. 10 So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.
11 See with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand. 12 It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh who would force you to be circumcised, and only in order that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. 13 For even those who are circumcised do not themselves keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may boast in your flesh. 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.
(ESV)