Glory In The Cross (Galatians 6:11-18, Psalm 22:9-24)
Rev. William L. Barron, October 30, 2022Part of the Morning Worship at North Greenville Church series, preached at a Sunday Morning service
This is Reformation Sunday, and the Five Solas are well represented in this epistle to the Galatians: Sola Fide – by faith alone, Sola Scriptura: by Scripture alone, Solus Christus: through Christ alone, Sola Gratia: by grace alone, Soli Deo Gloria: glory to God alone. Today, we focus on the glory of God, the fifth Sola. Paul points out that he is writing this letter in his own hand. This could be connected with his "thorn in the flesh" referenced in 1 Corinthians. It could be he is writing in large letters, or in all capital letters. Maybe he is writing in a way that implies emphasis because the church's proclamation of the gospel was so flawed. We are tempted to add something to an already good thing. These were the works of the Law added to the gospel by the Judaizers, who did not adhere to the ruling of the Jerusalem Council. The first purpose of the Law was to convince us of the need for the Savior. The second purpose was to restrain evil. The third purpose is to teach the redeemed how to live. We all violate the laws of God, even the Judaizers. Boasting is something you glory in. Paul says they boast in the wrong thing. Paul says he boasts only in the Cross of Christ. Our salvation is all of God. Paul boasts only of his weakness. The cross itself is an image of horrible death to the Jews. To us, the cross represents the death of death, the payment, atonement that brings us to God. Paul points out that the world has been crucified to us. The world would lead us away from God. We need to see that the world no longer has control over us. In the time of the early church, the Jews were the leading persecutors. Paul stood firm for the true Gospel; we must also.
| Earlier: | Same day: | Later: |
|---|---|---|
| « Fulfill The Law Of Christ | None | God's Face Before Us » |
Galatians 6:11–18 (Listen)
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)
Psalm 22:9–24 (Listen)
9 Yet you are he who took me from the womb;
you made me trust you at my mother’s breasts.
10 On you was I cast from my birth,
and from my mother’s womb you have been my God.
11 Be not far from me,
for trouble is near,
and there is none to help.
12 Many bulls encompass me;
strong bulls of Bashan surround me;
13 they open wide their mouths at me,
like a ravening and roaring lion.
14 I am poured out like water,
and all my bones are out of joint;
my heart is like wax;
it is melted within my breast;
15 my strength is dried up like a potsherd,
and my tongue sticks to my jaws;
you lay me in the dust of death.
16 For dogs encompass me;
a company of evildoers encircles me;
they have pierced my hands and feet—
17 I can count all my bones—
they stare and gloat over me;
18 they divide my garments among them,
and for my clothing they cast lots.
19 But you, O LORD, do not be far off!
O you my help, come quickly to my aid!
20 Deliver my soul from the sword,
my precious life from the power of the dog!
21 Save me from the mouth of the lion!
You have rescued me from the horns of the wild oxen!
22 I will tell of your name to my brothers;
in the midst of the congregation I will praise you:
23 You who fear the LORD, praise him!
All you offspring of Jacob, glorify him,
and stand in awe of him, all you offspring of Israel!
24 For he has not despised or abhorred
the affliction of the afflicted,
and he has not hidden his face from him,
but has heard, when he cried to him.
(ESV)