Free Bible Commentary
“Galatians 6:14-16”
Categories: Galatians“But may it never be that I would boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For neither is circumcision anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. And those who will walk by this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God.”
---End of Scripture verses---
The false teachers wanted the Gentile Christians to be circumcised so that they could boast in their flesh (verse 15), but Paul would only boast “in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ” (verse 14). If anyone had reason to boast in the flesh, it would have been Paul. He pointed out as much in his letter to the Philippians, but he realized that all of those vain fleshly birthrights and achievements were eternally inconsequential and paled in comparison to the excellence of knowing Christ Jesus.
“Although I myself might have confidence even in the flesh. If anyone else has a mind to put confidence in the flesh, I far more: circumcised the eighth day, of the nation of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the Law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to the righteousness which is in the Law, found blameless. But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ.” (Philippians 3:4-7)
Think of all the things that people put so much confidence in and brag about: how much money they make, how many promotions they have received, what college they attended, the number of degrees they’ve earned, the wins of their favorite sports teams, how smart their children are, and the list goes on and on. While some of these things are noteworthy and commendable, they will only have positive bearing on life this side of the grave. Only “the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ” has lasting significance and provides eternal security.
Through Christ Jesus and what He did for each of us on Calvary’ cross, we should willingly allow the lusts and desires of the world to be crucified to us, and we should be crucified to them. “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me” (2:20). “Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. Let us not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one another.” (Galatians 5:24-26)
If we have truly become “a new creation” in Christ (verse 15), then we should make every effort to “put off” the old person of sin with his evil practices (Colossians 3:8-9); and “as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you.” (Colossians 3:12-13)
Please read Galatians 6:17-18 for tomorrow.
Have a blessed day!
-Louie Taylor
