WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:05.020 Well, later this afternoon, there is a bit of a competition. 00:00:06.200 --> 00:00:09.939 The Green Bay Packers will square off against the San Francisco 49ers. 00:00:10.740 --> 00:00:17.519 And if the Green Bay Packers should win, the state of Wisconsin will be boasting. 00:00:19.760 --> 00:00:26.560 Yes, the NFC title is on the line and rights to the Super Bowl. 00:00:26.559 --> 00:00:38.960 So if the Packers should win, Packer fans everywhere will have boasting rights to boast in their team, 00:00:39.100 --> 00:00:48.200 to boast that Aaron Rodgers is not a wash-up, to boast in their new coach, to boast in the win, 00:00:48.340 --> 00:00:52.519 to boast in the program, to boast. 00:00:54.480 --> 00:00:56.079 Here's what you need about boasting. 00:00:56.560 --> 00:01:00.780 When you boast in something, you're putting your present trust in that. 00:01:01.940 --> 00:01:06.280 When you boast in something, you're putting your future hope in that. 00:01:06.920 --> 00:01:10.740 When you boast in something, it's what defines you. 00:01:11.400 --> 00:01:14.900 When you boast in something, it's that in which you celebrate. 00:01:14.900 --> 00:01:20.859 What I'm getting at is your ultimate boast. 00:01:22.859 --> 00:01:25.420 Now, we've reached the end of the book of Galatians. 00:01:25.420 --> 00:01:31.820 And this is not the last sermon, though it's the last section I'll be expositing. 00:01:32.280 --> 00:01:36.640 We've got one more sermon next week, which is going to be a retro view of the book of Galatians. 00:01:36.900 --> 00:01:39.359 It's kind of like what we walk away with. 00:01:39.359 --> 00:01:46.439 But all throughout the book of Galatians, it's been about the one true gospel of Jesus Christ. 00:01:46.579 --> 00:01:56.620 And how the cross of Christ alone frees us from slavery to the flesh to live by the Spirit for the glory of God. 00:01:56.620 --> 00:02:02.079 So this morning's passage, which just read, Galatians 6, 11 through 18. 00:02:02.300 --> 00:02:06.359 What you need to understand here is that Paul is drawing this letter to a conclusion. 00:02:07.359 --> 00:02:09.840 And it culminates in a comparison. 00:02:10.780 --> 00:02:12.640 A comparison of boasts. 00:02:13.680 --> 00:02:14.719 Boasting in the flesh. 00:02:15.480 --> 00:02:16.640 Boasting in the cross. 00:02:16.639 --> 00:02:29.079 And this comparison between boasting is intended to call all of us to boast not in the flesh, but in the cross of Jesus Christ alone. 00:02:29.399 --> 00:02:32.059 So I can summarize this passage in seven words. 00:02:33.659 --> 00:02:39.199 We must boast in the cross alone. 00:02:40.399 --> 00:02:43.219 We must boast in the cross alone. 00:02:43.219 --> 00:02:47.159 And here's how we're going to move forward in walking through this passage. 00:02:47.359 --> 00:02:49.680 I want to answer a general question first. 00:02:49.939 --> 00:02:52.939 What is this boasting that the Apostle Paul is talking about? 00:02:53.819 --> 00:02:58.780 And then I want to help us understand what is this boasting in the flesh that he's talking about? 00:02:59.400 --> 00:03:05.939 And then I want to land us in what is this boasting in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ? 00:03:06.500 --> 00:03:10.979 And why we must boast in the cross alone. 00:03:10.979 --> 00:03:15.159 So what does Paul mean by boasting? 00:03:15.840 --> 00:03:16.879 Well, let me frame it for you. 00:03:17.039 --> 00:03:26.239 Because the verses 13 and 14 in which he actually talks about boasting, that's framed by what he says in verse 11 and verse 17. 00:03:26.699 --> 00:03:31.879 So let me help you show you where this boasting stuff comes in the context stuff. 00:03:32.839 --> 00:03:38.120 Notice in verse 11, Paul says, see with what large letters I'm writing to you with my own hand. 00:03:38.120 --> 00:03:41.740 There's some speculation on what these large letters are. 00:03:41.860 --> 00:03:45.340 Maybe it's because Paul, his eyesight wasn't the best. 00:03:46.000 --> 00:03:48.360 Maybe the ailment of Galatians 4.13. 00:03:48.759 --> 00:03:55.879 It could be the equivalent of us writing an email and putting something in bold italicized print to emphasize something. 00:03:55.879 --> 00:04:02.039 What the big clue is when he says, I write to you these things with my own hand. 00:04:03.240 --> 00:04:05.219 You know, each of us has our own handwriting. 00:04:05.359 --> 00:04:06.859 It's like our own fingerprint, right? 00:04:06.960 --> 00:04:08.199 It's unique to us. 00:04:09.180 --> 00:04:12.939 And so what Paul is saying here is saying, hey, this is me that's writing you. 00:04:13.500 --> 00:04:14.519 This letter's from me. 00:04:15.419 --> 00:04:18.259 The apostle Paul, the one called by God. 00:04:18.639 --> 00:04:19.819 Galatians 1 and 2. 00:04:19.819 --> 00:04:26.579 The apostle to the Gentiles, given the authority from the risen Christ. 00:04:27.259 --> 00:04:31.240 So it's an authenticator of who's writing this letter. 00:04:33.620 --> 00:04:36.939 And then in 6.17, we read this. 00:04:38.100 --> 00:04:40.199 From now on, let no one cause me trouble. 00:04:40.920 --> 00:04:42.779 He's writing this letter. 00:04:42.920 --> 00:04:45.819 It's going to be distributed to the churches in Galatia. 00:04:45.819 --> 00:04:50.000 And in these churches, this letter would have been read publicly. 00:04:50.459 --> 00:04:55.920 And so all those people who are giving him trouble, and what I mean by that is they're teaching a different gospel. 00:04:56.659 --> 00:05:02.120 They're saying that you can believe in Jesus just as long as if you're a guy, you're circumcised, 00:05:02.259 --> 00:05:08.680 and make sure you're observing the Jewish kosher dietary laws, making sure you're hitting all the Jewish holidays. 00:05:09.039 --> 00:05:13.420 So if you believe in Jesus and do all that stuff, you do those works, you're good with God. 00:05:13.420 --> 00:05:15.740 It's adding to the gospel. 00:05:16.300 --> 00:05:17.920 And it's not the gospel. 00:05:18.439 --> 00:05:23.759 And so Paul knows that, so he's writing this letter, and he's aiming at those people at this point. 00:05:23.819 --> 00:05:26.580 He says, from now on, let no one cause me trouble. 00:05:28.200 --> 00:05:30.600 It's like a cease and desist letter. 00:05:31.759 --> 00:05:32.379 Stop it. 00:05:34.500 --> 00:05:35.660 And then he gives the reason. 00:05:35.780 --> 00:05:37.860 For I bear on my body the marks of Jesus. 00:05:39.080 --> 00:05:41.980 Literally, the stigmata of Jesus. 00:05:41.980 --> 00:05:51.259 Those who boasted in the flesh, they did so to avoid persecution. 00:05:51.680 --> 00:05:52.379 Verse 12. 00:05:53.520 --> 00:05:59.300 Paul boasted in the cross alone, and he suffered for it. 00:06:00.180 --> 00:06:04.220 You know, these marks are actually referenced to scars. 00:06:04.220 --> 00:06:04.440 Scars. 00:06:06.700 --> 00:06:16.960 If you look at 2 Corinthians 11, you get a sense of what Paul suffered for proclaiming the cross of Jesus Christ alone. 00:06:18.540 --> 00:06:20.160 Scars tell stories. 00:06:21.100 --> 00:06:22.640 I've got scars on my body. 00:06:22.720 --> 00:06:26.040 When someone asks me about them, I'm like, oh yeah, I've got a story behind that one. 00:06:26.040 --> 00:06:32.680 The scars on Paul's body are the marks of Jesus. 00:06:33.740 --> 00:06:40.280 The cost he endured to proclaim the cross of Christ alone. 00:06:40.279 --> 00:06:45.199 It's another way of authenticating his ministry. 00:06:46.359 --> 00:06:48.779 Of legitimizing his apostleship. 00:06:48.779 --> 00:06:58.779 So in between these authenticating comments of the apostle Paul at the end of the book of Galatians, 00:06:59.019 --> 00:07:02.479 he then starts talking about boasting. 00:07:03.639 --> 00:07:05.939 A contrast of boasting. 00:07:05.939 --> 00:07:10.500 I tend to think about this as this. 00:07:10.699 --> 00:07:11.839 Paul's wrapping up the book. 00:07:12.779 --> 00:07:21.100 It's kind of like Joshua 24, where Joshua says, okay, Israel, the old Israel, Israel, choose this day whom you're going to serve. 00:07:21.360 --> 00:07:23.540 Either the gods of the land or Yahweh. 00:07:25.480 --> 00:07:27.399 As for me and my house, we'll serve the Lord. 00:07:27.399 --> 00:07:32.859 Paul is saying, choose this day whom you will boast. 00:07:33.719 --> 00:07:34.919 You're going to boast in the flesh. 00:07:35.000 --> 00:07:36.599 You're going to boast in the cross of Christ. 00:07:36.979 --> 00:07:42.959 And Paul says, as for me and God's new people, the Israel of God, we will boast in the cross. 00:07:45.120 --> 00:07:46.839 So what does Paul mean by boasting? 00:07:47.959 --> 00:07:52.560 Well, on the most basic sense, boasting is a kind of speaking about something, right? 00:07:53.599 --> 00:07:56.219 But it's a particular kind of speaking about something. 00:07:57.399 --> 00:08:03.779 Boasting is verbally expressing your confidence in someone or something's ability to win. 00:08:05.359 --> 00:08:06.739 Or to be the best. 00:08:07.639 --> 00:08:10.299 Or to do what nothing or no one else can do. 00:08:11.279 --> 00:08:12.939 My team's the best. 00:08:13.919 --> 00:08:14.739 It's kind of boasting. 00:08:15.739 --> 00:08:17.339 My neighborhood's the best. 00:08:18.159 --> 00:08:19.439 My school's the best. 00:08:20.539 --> 00:08:22.319 My political party's the best. 00:08:23.620 --> 00:08:25.060 My race is the best. 00:08:25.199 --> 00:08:26.379 My gender's the best. 00:08:27.399 --> 00:08:30.120 My religious practices are the best. 00:08:33.240 --> 00:08:36.480 Boasting is a complex thing. 00:08:37.220 --> 00:08:37.980 Here's why. 00:08:38.879 --> 00:08:45.559 When you boast in something, you're actually putting your present trust in that something. 00:08:46.399 --> 00:08:48.639 It's the governing reality of your life. 00:08:48.639 --> 00:08:53.259 As far as that thing goes, so goes your happiness. 00:08:54.799 --> 00:08:59.259 But your boasting is not simply just your present trusting in something. 00:08:59.819 --> 00:09:02.620 Your boasting is always a future trusting. 00:09:02.819 --> 00:09:04.279 A future faith. 00:09:04.519 --> 00:09:06.100 It's what we call hope. 00:09:06.100 --> 00:09:13.180 You're boasting in something with a hope that it's going to deliver down the line. 00:09:13.179 --> 00:09:22.759 Have you heard people say, I have no problems with science. 00:09:22.859 --> 00:09:26.079 I believe God has used science for great good in humanity. 00:09:26.259 --> 00:09:30.599 But when people say things like, hey, science will eventually figure everything out. 00:09:30.600 --> 00:09:37.560 People are actually putting their hope in human reason and ingenuity. 00:09:37.559 --> 00:09:42.799 It's future faith. 00:09:42.799 --> 00:09:50.899 And it's not just boasting as a future faith, a hope. 00:09:50.899 --> 00:09:55.079 When you boast in something, it defines you. 00:09:57.240 --> 00:10:02.679 Okay, if you are rooting for the Packers tonight, you're like, go Pack, go! 00:10:04.439 --> 00:10:06.319 You are a Packers fan! 00:10:07.399 --> 00:10:08.779 It defines you! 00:10:10.779 --> 00:10:12.579 What you boast in defines you. 00:10:12.659 --> 00:10:13.620 It shapes your identity. 00:10:13.779 --> 00:10:15.000 It's how you think about yourself. 00:10:15.000 --> 00:10:23.419 When you are driving in your car and you're looking at bumper stickers, maybe you should think of them more as boasting stickers. 00:10:24.919 --> 00:10:29.360 It's what people are putting their trust in, their hope in, their identity in. 00:10:30.620 --> 00:10:32.639 It's what they even celebrate. 00:10:34.580 --> 00:10:42.519 So boasting is present trust, future hope, who you are, identity, and it's what you celebrate. 00:10:42.519 --> 00:10:45.360 It's what you want to yell about. 00:10:45.559 --> 00:10:47.340 It's what you get worked up over. 00:10:50.159 --> 00:10:51.500 It's what you sing about. 00:10:53.860 --> 00:10:57.139 It's what you've got to tell other people about. 00:10:59.919 --> 00:11:02.840 Do you remember Jesus' words in Matthew 12? 00:11:02.980 --> 00:11:10.019 Jesus is explaining to his disciples how to discern the difference between an evil person and a good person. 00:11:10.019 --> 00:11:14.340 Jesus uses a tree illustration. 00:11:14.759 --> 00:11:19.460 A tree is known by its fruit, either good fruit or evil fruit. 00:11:19.939 --> 00:11:25.019 And Jesus says, out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks. 00:11:27.179 --> 00:11:35.659 Words are fruit of a heart at its root in what you trust. 00:11:35.659 --> 00:11:40.559 Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth boasts. 00:11:41.819 --> 00:11:46.179 What you trust in, what you hope in, what defines you, what you celebrate. 00:11:46.939 --> 00:11:51.039 That's what Paul is getting at with this word boasting. 00:11:52.399 --> 00:11:53.679 It's big. 00:11:53.980 --> 00:11:54.879 It's complex. 00:11:55.419 --> 00:11:56.559 It's not just words. 00:11:56.899 --> 00:11:58.000 It's worship. 00:12:01.000 --> 00:12:02.720 You boast in what you worship. 00:12:02.720 --> 00:12:08.639 So, when it comes to boasting, we've got to be asking the right question. 00:12:11.460 --> 00:12:15.519 To boast or not to boast is not the right question. 00:12:16.700 --> 00:12:18.740 Because everybody is boasting in something. 00:12:19.139 --> 00:12:20.480 Everyone is trusting in something. 00:12:20.639 --> 00:12:21.860 Everyone is hoping in something. 00:12:22.340 --> 00:12:25.680 Everyone is being defined by the words of something. 00:12:25.899 --> 00:12:27.840 Everyone wants to celebrate something. 00:12:27.840 --> 00:12:31.660 We're all boasters because we're all worshipers. 00:12:33.100 --> 00:12:35.820 So, the question is not whether you should boast or not. 00:12:36.019 --> 00:12:39.700 The question is, what are you presently boasting in? 00:12:41.139 --> 00:12:42.460 And is it worth it? 00:12:42.460 --> 00:12:55.259 And what we're going to see in this passage is that Paul says all of humanity basically has two options to boast in. 00:12:56.120 --> 00:13:02.960 You're either going to boast in the flesh or you're going to boast in the cross. 00:13:02.960 --> 00:13:06.100 What is your ultimate boast? 00:13:06.200 --> 00:13:07.280 It's not an either or. 00:13:08.120 --> 00:13:09.120 It's not a both and. 00:13:09.259 --> 00:13:10.440 It is an either or. 00:13:11.040 --> 00:13:12.860 We must boast in the cross alone. 00:13:13.000 --> 00:13:16.900 So, what is this boasting in the flesh then? 00:13:18.100 --> 00:13:20.700 Well, that's where 12 verses 12 and 13 helps. 00:13:21.780 --> 00:13:30.600 And as I unpack this, I want to help you see the motive and the method and the manner of this boasting. 00:13:30.600 --> 00:13:34.139 But before we get there, I just want to remind you what Paul means by the flesh. 00:13:34.519 --> 00:13:38.500 Because in the book of Galatians, he uses that word flesh in at least two ways. 00:13:39.600 --> 00:13:43.300 Remember in Galatians 5, 16 and 17, Matt preached this a few weeks ago. 00:13:43.960 --> 00:13:55.180 What the flesh is there is this internal self-oriented power that seeks to express itself in desires like strife. 00:13:55.179 --> 00:14:01.000 In envy, jealousy, fits of rage. 00:14:01.399 --> 00:14:06.679 We see all the works of the flesh spelled out in verses 19 through 21 of chapter 5. 00:14:07.399 --> 00:14:12.899 And basically, if there's a banner that you raise over the flesh, it would be this. 00:14:12.959 --> 00:14:14.099 It's not love your neighbor. 00:14:14.519 --> 00:14:15.899 It's use your neighbor. 00:14:16.859 --> 00:14:18.579 Use your neighbor for selfish gain. 00:14:18.580 --> 00:14:30.340 The flesh is in opposition to the Holy Spirit who's seeking to work in us to love our neighbor unto loving God. 00:14:31.340 --> 00:14:39.580 So, the first use of flesh is this internal power that is self-oriented that is seeking to use our neighbors. 00:14:39.580 --> 00:14:42.480 But then there's the second use. 00:14:42.540 --> 00:14:45.340 And the second use of the word flesh shows up in our passage. 00:14:45.940 --> 00:14:48.820 Galatians chapter 6, verses 12 and 14. 00:14:49.560 --> 00:14:54.720 We read, it is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh who would force you to be circumcised. 00:14:55.020 --> 00:14:59.420 Verse 14, but far be it for me to boast except in the cross of Jesus Christ. 00:15:00.740 --> 00:15:02.100 I just got lost there. 00:15:02.100 --> 00:15:10.680 In verse 13, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may boast in your flesh. 00:15:13.159 --> 00:15:17.340 In this passage, flesh is tied to circumcision. 00:15:18.399 --> 00:15:23.420 It's literally referencing the foreskin of a male's sexual organ. 00:15:23.419 --> 00:15:36.259 In Galatians, the false preachers were saying, teaching that in order to be saved, male Gentiles who believed in Jesus needed to have their foreskins removed. 00:15:37.819 --> 00:15:40.740 They needed to become Jews before they could become Christians. 00:15:42.319 --> 00:15:49.779 And regardless if you were a man or woman, you needed to observe Jewish dietary laws and the Jewish holy day calendar. 00:15:49.779 --> 00:16:04.139 And it also sounds like these false teachers were downplaying the cross of Christ and emphasizing obedience to circumcision and eating kosher and observing a calendar so that they wouldn't be persecuted for the cross. 00:16:06.819 --> 00:16:08.279 Here's what I want to help you to see. 00:16:08.279 --> 00:16:22.639 This emphasis on the external flesh of circumcision is just an outworking of that internal power of the flesh within. 00:16:25.079 --> 00:16:26.480 They go hand in hand. 00:16:27.819 --> 00:16:31.759 And that's where we see it played out in motive, method, and manner. 00:16:32.620 --> 00:16:36.199 This boasting in the flesh, what motivates that? 00:16:36.319 --> 00:16:37.899 Well, we see it in verse 12. 00:16:38.279 --> 00:16:44.939 It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh who would force you to be circumcised. 00:16:45.279 --> 00:16:46.159 A good showing. 00:16:47.379 --> 00:16:49.919 Who do you think they want to make a good showing to? 00:16:54.179 --> 00:16:55.980 They want to be man pleasers. 00:16:56.639 --> 00:17:01.980 They want to impress those who are observing of Jewish descent. 00:17:03.059 --> 00:17:05.799 And they want to impress those people. 00:17:05.799 --> 00:17:11.879 It's the very thing that Paul himself was accused of in chapter 1, verse 10, ironically. 00:17:14.500 --> 00:17:21.700 Those who are boasting in the flesh were seeking to impress others, not God. 00:17:22.079 --> 00:17:23.299 That's the good showing. 00:17:23.299 --> 00:17:31.279 The motive of these boasters in the flesh was to impress man. 00:17:31.279 --> 00:17:38.680 When people's opinion is more important than God's opinion. 00:17:40.279 --> 00:17:42.700 But not just motives of the flesh. 00:17:42.799 --> 00:17:44.819 We see method in verse 12. 00:17:45.579 --> 00:17:50.940 It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh that would force you to be circumcised. 00:17:50.940 --> 00:17:51.940 Force. 00:17:55.940 --> 00:18:00.039 If you flip back to Galatians chapter 2. 00:18:01.820 --> 00:18:03.620 In verses 2 and 3 we read this. 00:18:03.860 --> 00:18:08.759 I went up because of a revelation and set before them, though privately before those who seemed influential, 00:18:08.980 --> 00:18:13.759 the gospel that I proclaim among the Gentiles in order to make sure I was not running or had run in vain. 00:18:13.759 --> 00:18:20.259 Verse 3, but even Titus, who was with me, was not forced to be circumcised, though he was a Greek. 00:18:21.460 --> 00:18:23.680 Look at chapter 2, verse 14. 00:18:24.019 --> 00:18:27.259 But when I saw that their conduct was not in step with the truth of the gospel, 00:18:27.420 --> 00:18:30.279 I said to Cephas, Peter, before them all, 00:18:30.640 --> 00:18:33.619 If you, though a Jew, live like a Gentile and not like a Jew, 00:18:33.900 --> 00:18:36.879 how can you force the Gentiles to live like Jews? 00:18:36.880 --> 00:18:43.400 One of the classic symptoms of the flesh is human manipulation. 00:18:43.940 --> 00:18:45.840 Human forcing things to happen. 00:18:50.800 --> 00:18:53.120 It's not loving your neighbor. 00:18:54.300 --> 00:19:00.400 It's using your neighbor in order to impress other people. 00:19:02.540 --> 00:19:06.220 This motives and method, they go hand in hand, it turns out. 00:19:06.880 --> 00:19:13.900 This method is kind of summarized, might makes right. 00:19:16.560 --> 00:19:18.300 Verse 13, we see the manner. 00:19:21.080 --> 00:19:22.220 We read this. 00:19:25.520 --> 00:19:29.040 For even those who are circumcised do not themselves keep the law, 00:19:29.540 --> 00:19:32.360 but they desire to have you circumcised that they may boast in your flesh. 00:19:32.359 --> 00:19:37.179 For even those who are circumcised, speaking of those who are the false teachers, 00:19:37.319 --> 00:19:39.039 who have bought into this false teaching, 00:19:39.699 --> 00:19:42.359 they do not themselves keep the law. 00:19:43.379 --> 00:19:44.219 Do you see what Paul is saying? 00:19:45.719 --> 00:19:46.659 They're hypocrites. 00:19:48.779 --> 00:19:50.199 They're not in it for God. 00:19:50.579 --> 00:19:51.619 They're in it for themselves. 00:19:52.359 --> 00:19:53.779 They're forcing things to happen. 00:19:53.779 --> 00:19:59.460 And they themselves are not seeking to keep the law. 00:20:00.500 --> 00:20:04.700 And what we read earlier is to love your neighbor as yourself. 00:20:06.960 --> 00:20:09.599 They're saying, hey, do as I say, not as I do. 00:20:11.079 --> 00:20:16.180 Let's just make people look like they belong to us. 00:20:16.180 --> 00:20:24.640 So these people who are boasting in the flesh, literally the foreskins, 00:20:24.980 --> 00:20:27.420 were operating out of the flesh. 00:20:28.080 --> 00:20:33.259 They were seeking to impress man by using methods of force 00:20:33.259 --> 00:20:37.940 that were kind of done out of hypocrisy. 00:20:37.940 --> 00:20:44.080 Their boasting in the flesh is a trusting in the flesh, 00:20:44.180 --> 00:20:47.980 a hoping in the flesh, a being defined by the flesh, 00:20:48.360 --> 00:20:50.279 a celebration of the flesh. 00:20:50.380 --> 00:20:52.420 And so let me just ask you this question. 00:20:54.980 --> 00:20:56.660 What does circumcision accomplish? 00:20:59.720 --> 00:21:01.240 In God's economy of things. 00:21:01.240 --> 00:21:07.920 What does eating kosher accomplish in God's economy of things? 00:21:08.700 --> 00:21:13.480 What does observing the right Jewish holidays accomplish in God's economy? 00:21:13.579 --> 00:21:14.759 Do they save? 00:21:16.099 --> 00:21:17.160 No, they do not. 00:21:18.640 --> 00:21:22.759 No, none of these has any saving merit in God's eyes. 00:21:23.180 --> 00:21:27.920 So boasting in the flesh are just these outworkings of the flesh. 00:21:27.920 --> 00:21:33.440 And it's not by might, not by power, but by my spirit, says the Lord. 00:21:36.000 --> 00:21:38.940 And boasting in the flesh continues today. 00:21:39.080 --> 00:21:43.060 It's not a first century Jewish religious context kind of a thing. 00:21:45.060 --> 00:21:47.600 Motives to seek approval of people, 00:21:48.320 --> 00:21:50.560 methods of manipulation and force, 00:21:50.860 --> 00:21:52.820 manner of hypocrisy. 00:21:53.019 --> 00:21:55.759 We see it played out on the political scene in our country. 00:21:55.759 --> 00:21:58.119 We see it played out with social issues. 00:21:58.240 --> 00:22:00.859 We say it played out in educational frameworks. 00:22:01.099 --> 00:22:03.299 We even say it played out in our parenting. 00:22:07.420 --> 00:22:09.900 We're more concerned with what people think about us 00:22:09.900 --> 00:22:12.640 than doing things for the praise of God. 00:22:16.519 --> 00:22:18.480 It's like requiring foreskins, 00:22:18.720 --> 00:22:20.500 or requiring to eat kosher, 00:22:20.700 --> 00:22:22.500 or observing Jewish holy days. 00:22:22.500 --> 00:22:25.660 None of these things can save anyone. 00:22:27.539 --> 00:22:29.619 None of them gets you right with a hold of God. 00:22:31.720 --> 00:22:35.599 Do you know what all this boasting in the flesh has in common? 00:22:37.079 --> 00:22:38.319 It's man-centered. 00:22:40.259 --> 00:22:42.339 It's trusting in human agency. 00:22:44.019 --> 00:22:45.039 Trusting in man. 00:22:45.140 --> 00:22:45.579 Not God. 00:22:45.900 --> 00:22:46.660 Hoping in man. 00:22:46.759 --> 00:22:47.279 Not God. 00:22:47.279 --> 00:22:50.779 Being defined by what man says. 00:22:50.859 --> 00:22:52.019 Not what God says. 00:22:52.539 --> 00:22:54.099 It's celebrating man. 00:22:54.899 --> 00:22:56.839 Apart from celebrating God. 00:22:58.259 --> 00:22:59.720 Boasting in the flesh 00:22:59.720 --> 00:23:03.319 reflects a man-centered approach to life. 00:23:03.839 --> 00:23:05.619 It's worldliness. 00:23:08.019 --> 00:23:09.920 A form of godliness, 00:23:10.180 --> 00:23:11.680 but denying its power. 00:23:11.680 --> 00:23:14.740 That's why boasting in the flesh 00:23:14.740 --> 00:23:17.600 is completely incompatible 00:23:17.600 --> 00:23:20.120 with boasting in the cross. 00:23:20.900 --> 00:23:22.360 It's not both and. 00:23:23.000 --> 00:23:25.320 It is either or. 00:23:25.640 --> 00:23:28.440 Who you ultimately trust. 00:23:29.400 --> 00:23:31.580 We must not be boasting in the flesh, 00:23:31.720 --> 00:23:32.480 brothers and sisters. 00:23:32.480 --> 00:23:36.680 We must boast in the cross alone. 00:23:37.299 --> 00:23:38.400 And it's to that end 00:23:38.400 --> 00:23:39.620 I want to aim us 00:23:39.620 --> 00:23:41.519 and start wrapping up this sermon 00:23:41.519 --> 00:23:43.160 in verses 14 through 16. 00:23:44.500 --> 00:23:45.680 In this passage, 00:23:45.940 --> 00:23:47.920 in these verses, 00:23:48.860 --> 00:23:50.819 Paul essentially gives us 00:23:50.819 --> 00:23:52.900 three reasons why 00:23:52.900 --> 00:23:54.440 we must boast 00:23:54.440 --> 00:23:57.740 in the cross of Jesus Christ alone. 00:23:57.740 --> 00:24:01.140 I want to help you understand 00:24:01.140 --> 00:24:03.000 what it means 00:24:03.000 --> 00:24:04.240 to boast in the cross. 00:24:04.900 --> 00:24:06.819 Why we boast in the cross. 00:24:07.319 --> 00:24:08.440 And we boast in the cross 00:24:08.440 --> 00:24:09.660 because of what the cross 00:24:09.660 --> 00:24:10.680 has accomplished. 00:24:14.299 --> 00:24:14.779 Now, 00:24:15.160 --> 00:24:16.039 before I get there, 00:24:16.240 --> 00:24:16.880 I just want to help you 00:24:16.880 --> 00:24:17.559 understand something. 00:24:19.620 --> 00:24:20.680 We don't realize 00:24:20.680 --> 00:24:21.940 how crazy that sounds. 00:24:23.400 --> 00:24:24.200 In verse 14, 00:24:24.599 --> 00:24:24.960 Paul says, 00:24:25.039 --> 00:24:26.019 but far be it for me 00:24:26.019 --> 00:24:26.900 to boast except 00:24:26.900 --> 00:24:27.620 in the cross 00:24:27.620 --> 00:24:28.880 of our Lord Jesus Christ. 00:24:29.920 --> 00:24:30.900 We're so used 00:24:30.900 --> 00:24:32.660 to hearing cross talk. 00:24:33.000 --> 00:24:33.740 We forget 00:24:33.740 --> 00:24:35.420 how scandalous it is. 00:24:35.759 --> 00:24:36.400 And so let me try 00:24:36.400 --> 00:24:37.040 to help you 00:24:37.040 --> 00:24:38.540 kind of get a sense 00:24:38.540 --> 00:24:39.580 of how scandalous 00:24:39.580 --> 00:24:40.140 this sounds 00:24:40.140 --> 00:24:41.000 in the first century. 00:24:42.680 --> 00:24:43.820 In the first century, 00:24:43.940 --> 00:24:45.560 a cross was the instrument 00:24:45.560 --> 00:24:47.500 of Roman capital punishment. 00:24:49.300 --> 00:24:50.680 So in the modern era, 00:24:50.780 --> 00:24:51.140 it would have been 00:24:51.140 --> 00:24:51.600 the equivalent 00:24:51.600 --> 00:24:52.880 of a firing squad 00:24:52.880 --> 00:24:54.740 or the hangman's noose 00:24:54.740 --> 00:24:56.759 or the electric 00:24:56.759 --> 00:24:57.319 chair. 00:24:58.099 --> 00:24:59.119 All different forms 00:24:59.119 --> 00:25:00.019 of capital punishment. 00:25:00.680 --> 00:25:00.859 So, 00:25:01.259 --> 00:25:02.379 could you imagine 00:25:02.379 --> 00:25:04.759 someone coming up 00:25:04.759 --> 00:25:05.140 to you 00:25:05.140 --> 00:25:06.400 wearing a silver chain 00:25:06.400 --> 00:25:07.920 with an electric chair 00:25:07.920 --> 00:25:09.640 pendant around their neck 00:25:09.640 --> 00:25:11.640 saying, 00:25:12.640 --> 00:25:12.940 man, 00:25:13.019 --> 00:25:13.700 I got to tell you 00:25:13.700 --> 00:25:14.539 about this guy 00:25:14.539 --> 00:25:15.359 that died 00:25:15.359 --> 00:25:16.700 in the electric chair 00:25:16.700 --> 00:25:17.240 for me. 00:25:17.240 --> 00:25:21.319 Have you heard the song 00:25:21.319 --> 00:25:21.900 When I Survey? 00:25:21.900 --> 00:25:23.940 When I Survey 00:25:23.940 --> 00:25:24.660 the Wondrous Cross? 00:25:25.660 --> 00:25:26.900 When I Survey 00:25:26.900 --> 00:25:28.720 the Electric Chair. 00:25:29.440 --> 00:25:30.360 See how crazy 00:25:30.360 --> 00:25:30.940 that sounds? 00:25:31.900 --> 00:25:32.480 How scandalous 00:25:32.480 --> 00:25:32.960 that is? 00:25:34.340 --> 00:25:35.140 It's like Paul saying, 00:25:35.240 --> 00:25:35.780 but far be it 00:25:35.780 --> 00:25:36.920 for me to boast 00:25:36.920 --> 00:25:38.320 except in the electric chair 00:25:38.320 --> 00:25:39.600 of our Lord Jesus Christ. 00:25:41.180 --> 00:25:42.360 The cross, 00:25:43.000 --> 00:25:44.340 like the electric chair, 00:25:44.460 --> 00:25:45.740 was a shameful 00:25:45.740 --> 00:25:46.840 way to die. 00:25:47.840 --> 00:25:48.560 Cursed is anyone 00:25:48.559 --> 00:25:49.419 who's hanged on a tree. 00:25:51.859 --> 00:25:53.139 But we must boast 00:25:53.139 --> 00:25:53.859 in the cross 00:25:53.859 --> 00:25:56.519 because of the one 00:25:56.519 --> 00:25:57.839 who died on the cross. 00:25:59.279 --> 00:25:59.940 Did you see 00:25:59.940 --> 00:26:01.299 the pile up of titles? 00:26:02.019 --> 00:26:02.679 But far be it 00:26:02.679 --> 00:26:03.240 for me to boast 00:26:03.240 --> 00:26:04.679 except in the cross 00:26:04.679 --> 00:26:06.659 of our Lord Jesus 00:26:06.659 --> 00:26:07.980 the Christ. 00:26:09.980 --> 00:26:11.139 God in the flesh. 00:26:11.140 --> 00:26:16.640 He died on the cross 00:26:16.640 --> 00:26:18.980 bearing God's curse 00:26:18.980 --> 00:26:21.340 for our sinfulness. 00:26:23.100 --> 00:26:24.620 All of our living 00:26:24.620 --> 00:26:26.180 out of our flesh 00:26:26.180 --> 00:26:27.340 opposed to God. 00:26:28.480 --> 00:26:29.980 He died for it all. 00:26:31.660 --> 00:26:32.780 His death and resurrection 00:26:32.780 --> 00:26:35.600 accomplished what no human 00:26:35.600 --> 00:26:37.160 or group of humans 00:26:37.160 --> 00:26:39.259 could ever do. 00:26:39.259 --> 00:26:42.039 And that's why 00:26:42.039 --> 00:26:42.819 we boast in it. 00:26:43.220 --> 00:26:43.799 And that's why 00:26:43.799 --> 00:26:44.519 Paul gives us 00:26:44.519 --> 00:26:45.079 three reasons 00:26:45.079 --> 00:26:45.839 from this text 00:26:45.839 --> 00:26:46.879 of why we should be 00:26:46.879 --> 00:26:48.160 boasting in the cross alone. 00:26:48.400 --> 00:26:49.779 So let me help you 00:26:49.779 --> 00:26:50.519 see that. 00:26:51.599 --> 00:26:52.460 In verse 14 00:26:52.460 --> 00:26:53.879 we read this. 00:26:54.240 --> 00:26:54.740 But far be it 00:26:54.740 --> 00:26:55.660 for me to boast 00:26:55.660 --> 00:26:56.480 except in the cross 00:26:56.480 --> 00:26:58.079 of our Lord Jesus Christ 00:26:58.079 --> 00:26:59.160 by which the world 00:26:59.160 --> 00:26:59.740 has been crucified 00:26:59.740 --> 00:27:00.759 to me and I 00:27:00.759 --> 00:27:01.279 to the world. 00:27:01.599 --> 00:27:02.519 The first reason 00:27:02.519 --> 00:27:04.619 why we boast 00:27:04.619 --> 00:27:05.640 in the cross 00:27:05.640 --> 00:27:07.079 is that the world 00:27:07.079 --> 00:27:08.000 has been crucified 00:27:08.000 --> 00:27:08.740 to us 00:27:08.740 --> 00:27:09.259 and us 00:27:09.259 --> 00:27:10.019 to the world. 00:27:11.180 --> 00:27:11.680 Do you remember 00:27:11.680 --> 00:27:13.039 Galatians 2.20? 00:27:13.119 --> 00:27:13.859 It's one of my 00:27:13.859 --> 00:27:14.859 all-time favorite verses. 00:27:16.019 --> 00:27:16.519 Paul says, 00:27:16.640 --> 00:27:17.319 I've been crucified 00:27:17.319 --> 00:27:18.160 with Christ. 00:27:18.339 --> 00:27:19.319 It's no longer 00:27:19.319 --> 00:27:20.039 I who live 00:27:20.039 --> 00:27:20.680 but Christ 00:27:20.680 --> 00:27:21.559 who lives in me 00:27:21.559 --> 00:27:22.559 and the life 00:27:22.559 --> 00:27:23.059 I now live 00:27:23.059 --> 00:27:23.559 in the flesh. 00:27:23.700 --> 00:27:24.460 I live by faith 00:27:24.460 --> 00:27:25.319 in the Son of God 00:27:25.319 --> 00:27:26.559 who loved me 00:27:26.559 --> 00:27:27.480 and gave himself 00:27:27.480 --> 00:27:28.339 up for me. 00:27:28.619 --> 00:27:29.880 He died on the cross 00:27:29.880 --> 00:27:31.119 because he loved me 00:27:31.119 --> 00:27:31.920 and gave himself 00:27:31.920 --> 00:27:32.660 up for me. 00:27:33.140 --> 00:27:34.880 Paul fully believed. 00:27:34.980 --> 00:27:36.000 He was completely convinced 00:27:36.000 --> 00:27:38.119 convinced that he himself 00:27:38.119 --> 00:27:40.019 was co-crucified 00:27:40.019 --> 00:27:41.099 with Christ 00:27:41.099 --> 00:27:42.000 on the cross. 00:27:42.539 --> 00:27:43.400 That's what that's 00:27:43.400 --> 00:27:43.759 getting at. 00:27:44.740 --> 00:27:45.900 He was united 00:27:45.900 --> 00:27:46.720 with Christ 00:27:46.720 --> 00:27:49.740 in Christ's cross work. 00:27:50.960 --> 00:27:51.579 And the same 00:27:51.579 --> 00:27:52.200 is true 00:27:52.200 --> 00:27:53.059 with us 00:27:53.059 --> 00:27:54.440 who believe 00:27:54.440 --> 00:27:55.680 in Christ alone 00:27:55.680 --> 00:27:56.720 for our salvation. 00:27:57.059 --> 00:27:58.160 The very moment 00:27:58.160 --> 00:27:59.220 you first believed 00:27:59.220 --> 00:28:00.059 in what Christ 00:28:00.059 --> 00:28:01.059 had done for you, 00:28:01.539 --> 00:28:03.480 God united you 00:28:03.480 --> 00:28:04.380 to Christ 00:28:04.380 --> 00:28:07.079 in his death 00:28:07.079 --> 00:28:07.700 and resurrection. 00:28:08.360 --> 00:28:09.299 And one of the results 00:28:09.299 --> 00:28:10.339 we've already looked at 00:28:10.339 --> 00:28:11.220 in 524 00:28:11.220 --> 00:28:12.860 and those who belong 00:28:12.860 --> 00:28:13.819 to Christ Jesus 00:28:13.819 --> 00:28:14.480 have crucified 00:28:15.039 --> 00:28:15.759 the flesh 00:28:15.759 --> 00:28:16.660 with its passions 00:28:16.660 --> 00:28:18.420 and its desires. 00:28:19.339 --> 00:28:20.500 Now why am I telling you this? 00:28:20.559 --> 00:28:21.240 Because we're talking 00:28:21.240 --> 00:28:22.000 about the world, right? 00:28:23.000 --> 00:28:23.680 Here's why. 00:28:25.259 --> 00:28:26.079 The world 00:28:26.079 --> 00:28:27.140 in this context 00:28:27.140 --> 00:28:28.599 is describing 00:28:28.599 --> 00:28:29.140 a community 00:28:29.140 --> 00:28:30.079 of human beings. 00:28:30.079 --> 00:28:32.779 a community 00:28:32.779 --> 00:28:33.939 of human beings 00:28:33.939 --> 00:28:35.159 who have not 00:28:35.159 --> 00:28:35.879 been united 00:28:35.879 --> 00:28:36.519 to Christ. 00:28:37.819 --> 00:28:38.199 And because 00:28:38.199 --> 00:28:38.740 they haven't been 00:28:38.740 --> 00:28:39.659 united to Christ 00:28:39.659 --> 00:28:41.879 their passions 00:28:41.879 --> 00:28:43.359 and desires 00:28:43.359 --> 00:28:44.319 of their flesh 00:28:44.319 --> 00:28:45.339 has not been 00:28:45.339 --> 00:28:46.379 crucified either. 00:28:46.819 --> 00:28:47.879 So they are 00:28:47.879 --> 00:28:48.740 ruled 00:28:48.740 --> 00:28:49.960 by their passions 00:28:49.960 --> 00:28:50.579 and desires 00:28:50.579 --> 00:28:51.279 of their flesh. 00:28:53.279 --> 00:28:54.539 So the passions 00:28:54.539 --> 00:28:55.220 and desires 00:28:55.220 --> 00:28:56.119 of the flesh 00:28:56.119 --> 00:28:57.819 of every person 00:28:57.819 --> 00:28:58.679 of the world 00:28:58.680 --> 00:29:00.279 controls 00:29:00.279 --> 00:29:00.980 their being. 00:29:03.100 --> 00:29:04.140 And they boast 00:29:04.140 --> 00:29:04.820 in the flesh. 00:29:07.140 --> 00:29:08.279 The flesh 00:29:08.279 --> 00:29:09.279 the internal 00:29:09.279 --> 00:29:09.840 power 00:29:09.840 --> 00:29:10.880 of selfishness 00:29:10.880 --> 00:29:11.799 that exerts 00:29:11.799 --> 00:29:12.200 itself 00:29:12.200 --> 00:29:13.080 cannot 00:29:13.080 --> 00:29:14.759 put to death 00:29:14.759 --> 00:29:15.759 the flesh. 00:29:17.500 --> 00:29:18.400 So you need 00:29:18.400 --> 00:29:18.820 to think of 00:29:18.820 --> 00:29:19.220 the world 00:29:19.220 --> 00:29:20.440 as all of humanity 00:29:20.440 --> 00:29:21.279 being ruled 00:29:21.279 --> 00:29:22.019 by the passions 00:29:22.019 --> 00:29:22.519 and desires 00:29:22.519 --> 00:29:23.200 of the flesh. 00:29:23.600 --> 00:29:24.200 It's like 00:29:24.200 --> 00:29:25.200 Galatians 5 00:29:25.200 --> 00:29:26.380 19-21 00:29:26.380 --> 00:29:26.840 all those 00:29:26.840 --> 00:29:28.400 15 works 00:29:28.400 --> 00:29:29.060 of the flesh 00:29:29.060 --> 00:29:30.800 multiplied 00:29:30.800 --> 00:29:32.040 and spread out 00:29:32.040 --> 00:29:33.000 across billions 00:29:33.000 --> 00:29:33.680 of people 00:29:33.680 --> 00:29:34.840 on this planet 00:29:34.840 --> 00:29:36.880 transcending race 00:29:36.880 --> 00:29:38.420 transcending culture 00:29:38.420 --> 00:29:39.260 religion 00:29:39.260 --> 00:29:40.160 and gender. 00:29:40.660 --> 00:29:41.380 That's the world 00:29:41.380 --> 00:29:42.720 and it creates 00:29:42.720 --> 00:29:43.580 a current 00:29:43.580 --> 00:29:45.040 of ungodliness. 00:29:47.420 --> 00:29:48.400 The world 00:29:48.400 --> 00:29:48.960 exerts 00:29:48.960 --> 00:29:50.400 a fleshly 00:29:50.400 --> 00:29:51.260 influence 00:29:51.260 --> 00:29:52.660 not towards God 00:29:52.660 --> 00:29:53.060 but away 00:29:53.060 --> 00:29:53.520 from Him. 00:29:53.519 --> 00:29:57.500 the world 00:29:57.500 --> 00:29:58.700 way of doing 00:29:58.700 --> 00:29:59.059 things 00:29:59.059 --> 00:30:01.119 normalizes 00:30:01.119 --> 00:30:02.200 a use 00:30:02.200 --> 00:30:03.339 your neighbor 00:30:03.339 --> 00:30:04.079 approach 00:30:04.079 --> 00:30:04.720 to life. 00:30:05.920 --> 00:30:06.940 Only being 00:30:06.940 --> 00:30:07.700 united to 00:30:07.700 --> 00:30:08.779 Christ 00:30:08.779 --> 00:30:10.119 in His 00:30:10.119 --> 00:30:10.980 crucifixion 00:30:10.980 --> 00:30:11.920 will put 00:30:11.920 --> 00:30:12.460 to death 00:30:12.460 --> 00:30:13.700 the world's 00:30:13.700 --> 00:30:14.379 fleshly 00:30:14.379 --> 00:30:15.019 hold on you. 00:30:16.480 --> 00:30:17.519 I hope you're 00:30:17.519 --> 00:30:18.299 starting to understand 00:30:18.299 --> 00:30:18.960 that the cross 00:30:18.960 --> 00:30:19.539 of Christ 00:30:19.539 --> 00:30:21.559 has set us 00:30:21.559 --> 00:30:22.059 free 00:30:22.059 --> 00:30:23.460 from living 00:30:23.460 --> 00:30:25.319 for the world 00:30:25.319 --> 00:30:27.700 from 00:30:27.700 --> 00:30:28.779 worldliness 00:30:28.779 --> 00:30:30.960 a culture 00:30:30.960 --> 00:30:31.599 characterized 00:30:31.599 --> 00:30:32.059 by 00:30:32.059 --> 00:30:33.200 what we read 00:30:33.200 --> 00:30:34.139 in Galatians 5 00:30:34.139 --> 00:30:35.240 19-21 00:30:35.240 --> 00:30:37.259 the cross 00:30:37.259 --> 00:30:37.720 has 00:30:37.720 --> 00:30:39.319 freed us 00:30:39.319 --> 00:30:40.139 from the world's 00:30:40.139 --> 00:30:41.240 hold on us 00:30:41.240 --> 00:30:42.200 and our 00:30:42.200 --> 00:30:42.899 allure 00:30:42.899 --> 00:30:43.859 to the world. 00:30:45.679 --> 00:30:47.000 Now if you 00:30:47.000 --> 00:30:47.879 struggle with 00:30:47.879 --> 00:30:48.480 worldliness 00:30:48.480 --> 00:30:49.359 and I know 00:30:49.359 --> 00:30:49.819 I do 00:30:49.819 --> 00:30:51.039 you need 00:30:51.039 --> 00:30:51.679 to remember 00:30:51.679 --> 00:30:52.519 and believe 00:30:52.519 --> 00:30:53.379 in the 00:30:53.379 --> 00:30:53.879 finished 00:30:53.879 --> 00:30:54.659 work 00:30:54.659 --> 00:30:55.500 of Jesus 00:30:55.500 --> 00:30:56.079 Christ 00:30:56.079 --> 00:30:56.819 and that 00:30:56.819 --> 00:30:57.399 you 00:30:57.399 --> 00:30:58.259 have been 00:30:58.259 --> 00:30:59.279 co-crucified 00:30:59.279 --> 00:31:00.119 with Christ 00:31:00.119 --> 00:31:03.679 and when 00:31:03.679 --> 00:31:04.299 you do that 00:31:04.299 --> 00:31:05.179 you start 00:31:05.179 --> 00:31:05.759 to realize 00:31:05.759 --> 00:31:06.859 the world 00:31:06.859 --> 00:31:07.779 no longer 00:31:07.779 --> 00:31:08.959 owns you. 00:31:11.199 --> 00:31:12.359 Being crucified 00:31:12.359 --> 00:31:13.099 to the world 00:31:13.099 --> 00:31:13.899 does not mean 00:31:13.899 --> 00:31:14.819 removing ourselves 00:31:14.819 --> 00:31:15.459 from the world 00:31:15.459 --> 00:31:17.079 that's the whole 00:31:17.079 --> 00:31:17.740 point of Jesus 00:31:17.740 --> 00:31:18.439 praying for His 00:31:18.440 --> 00:31:19.740 disciples in John 17 00:31:19.740 --> 00:31:21.200 that God would not 00:31:21.200 --> 00:31:22.320 take them out of the world 00:31:22.320 --> 00:31:23.320 but He would 00:31:23.320 --> 00:31:24.420 set them apart 00:31:24.420 --> 00:31:25.160 in the world 00:31:25.160 --> 00:31:26.360 by sanctifying them 00:31:26.360 --> 00:31:27.660 with God's word 00:31:27.660 --> 00:31:28.380 the truth 00:31:28.380 --> 00:31:30.080 and so think about it 00:31:30.080 --> 00:31:30.400 this way 00:31:30.400 --> 00:31:31.620 here's what happened 00:31:31.620 --> 00:31:32.420 the cross 00:31:32.420 --> 00:31:33.279 called us out 00:31:33.279 --> 00:31:34.019 of the world 00:31:34.019 --> 00:31:35.080 so the cross 00:31:35.080 --> 00:31:35.900 has made it possible 00:31:35.900 --> 00:31:36.620 for us to be 00:31:36.620 --> 00:31:37.340 in the world 00:31:37.340 --> 00:31:38.559 but not of the world 00:31:38.559 --> 00:31:40.019 to proclaim to the world 00:31:40.019 --> 00:31:41.200 that Jesus is the Savior 00:31:41.200 --> 00:31:41.980 of the world 00:31:41.980 --> 00:31:46.980 that's the first reason 00:31:46.980 --> 00:31:47.319 why 00:31:47.319 --> 00:31:48.720 we boast 00:31:48.720 --> 00:31:49.279 in the cross 00:31:49.279 --> 00:31:51.680 why we trust 00:31:51.680 --> 00:31:52.160 in it 00:31:52.160 --> 00:31:52.819 why it 00:31:52.819 --> 00:31:55.000 it defines 00:31:55.000 --> 00:31:55.860 our hope 00:31:55.860 --> 00:31:57.039 it defines us 00:31:57.039 --> 00:31:57.960 we celebrate 00:31:57.960 --> 00:31:58.779 the cross 00:31:58.779 --> 00:32:00.420 because the cross 00:32:00.420 --> 00:32:01.220 has made it possible 00:32:01.220 --> 00:32:02.039 for us to be 00:32:02.039 --> 00:32:02.640 in the world 00:32:02.640 --> 00:32:03.559 but not of the world 00:32:03.559 --> 00:32:05.200 to proclaim 00:32:05.200 --> 00:32:06.079 Christ 00:32:06.079 --> 00:32:06.799 to the world 00:32:06.799 --> 00:32:08.779 only the cross 00:32:08.779 --> 00:32:09.360 can do that 00:32:09.359 --> 00:32:12.319 we must boast 00:32:12.319 --> 00:32:13.179 in the cross alone 00:32:13.179 --> 00:32:13.959 the second reason 00:32:13.959 --> 00:32:14.919 why we must boast 00:32:14.919 --> 00:32:15.939 in the cross alone 00:32:15.939 --> 00:32:17.619 you see in verse 15 00:32:17.619 --> 00:32:20.240 for neither circumcision 00:32:20.240 --> 00:32:21.119 counts for anything 00:32:21.119 --> 00:32:22.099 nor uncircumcision 00:32:22.099 --> 00:32:23.259 but a new creation 00:32:23.259 --> 00:32:25.439 it's only through the cross 00:32:25.439 --> 00:32:27.119 that we can be 00:32:27.119 --> 00:32:27.839 new creatures 00:32:27.839 --> 00:32:28.979 of a new creation 00:32:28.979 --> 00:32:31.959 Galatians 5 25 says 00:32:31.959 --> 00:32:33.379 if we live by the Spirit 00:32:33.379 --> 00:32:34.319 let us keep in step 00:32:34.319 --> 00:32:34.919 with the Spirit 00:32:34.919 --> 00:32:36.419 according to God's word 00:32:36.419 --> 00:32:37.479 when you believe 00:32:37.479 --> 00:32:38.000 in Jesus 00:32:38.000 --> 00:32:38.959 for the first time 00:32:38.960 --> 00:32:39.640 you 00:32:39.640 --> 00:32:41.840 are united to Christ 00:32:41.840 --> 00:32:42.299 in his death 00:32:42.299 --> 00:32:42.920 and resurrection 00:32:42.920 --> 00:32:44.100 and all of his 00:32:44.100 --> 00:32:45.220 resurrection power 00:32:45.220 --> 00:32:45.799 and life 00:32:45.799 --> 00:32:46.779 given it to you 00:32:46.779 --> 00:32:47.980 so you are considered 00:32:47.980 --> 00:32:48.620 in God's eyes 00:32:48.620 --> 00:32:49.640 a new creation 00:32:49.640 --> 00:32:50.620 the old is gone 00:32:50.620 --> 00:32:51.779 the new has come 00:32:51.779 --> 00:32:52.759 all of your sin 00:32:52.759 --> 00:32:53.380 paid for 00:32:53.380 --> 00:32:55.000 now you are right 00:32:55.000 --> 00:32:56.120 with God forever 00:32:56.120 --> 00:32:58.779 2 Corinthians 5 17 00:32:58.779 --> 00:32:59.360 says therefore 00:32:59.360 --> 00:33:00.740 if anyone is in Christ 00:33:00.740 --> 00:33:01.600 united to Christ 00:33:01.600 --> 00:33:02.600 belonging to Christ 00:33:02.600 --> 00:33:03.880 he's a new creation 00:33:03.880 --> 00:33:06.259 the old way 00:33:06.259 --> 00:33:07.299 use your neighbor 00:33:07.299 --> 00:33:08.120 is gone 00:33:08.119 --> 00:33:09.599 the new way 00:33:09.599 --> 00:33:10.579 love your neighbor 00:33:10.579 --> 00:33:11.879 for the glory of God 00:33:11.879 --> 00:33:12.879 has come 00:33:12.879 --> 00:33:15.159 in Christ 00:33:15.159 --> 00:33:17.500 the old flesh ruled 00:33:17.500 --> 00:33:18.459 Mike Salvati 00:33:18.459 --> 00:33:19.500 that boasts 00:33:19.500 --> 00:33:20.519 in the flesh 00:33:20.519 --> 00:33:22.139 has been crucified 00:33:22.139 --> 00:33:26.139 and the new creation 00:33:26.139 --> 00:33:27.099 Mike Salvati 00:33:27.099 --> 00:33:28.919 has come 00:33:28.919 --> 00:33:31.179 with a new heart 00:33:31.179 --> 00:33:32.179 a new boast 00:33:32.179 --> 00:33:33.000 new motives 00:33:33.000 --> 00:33:33.759 new method 00:33:33.759 --> 00:33:34.399 new manner 00:33:34.400 --> 00:33:35.420 the cross 00:33:35.420 --> 00:33:37.280 of Christ 00:33:37.280 --> 00:33:37.820 of Jesus 00:33:37.820 --> 00:33:39.259 it not only 00:33:39.259 --> 00:33:39.840 just makes 00:33:39.840 --> 00:33:41.200 individuals new 00:33:41.200 --> 00:33:42.840 at the cross 00:33:42.840 --> 00:33:44.060 a whole new 00:33:44.060 --> 00:33:45.580 creation began 00:33:45.579 --> 00:33:49.039 what God is doing 00:33:49.039 --> 00:33:49.839 now is this 00:33:49.839 --> 00:33:51.139 he is making 00:33:51.139 --> 00:33:51.980 new creatures 00:33:51.980 --> 00:33:52.960 out of old 00:33:52.960 --> 00:33:53.419 sinners 00:33:53.419 --> 00:33:54.519 on the old 00:33:54.519 --> 00:33:54.980 earth 00:33:54.980 --> 00:33:56.960 but what 00:33:56.960 --> 00:33:57.619 the cross 00:33:57.619 --> 00:33:58.579 inaugurated 00:33:58.579 --> 00:33:59.939 will one day 00:33:59.939 --> 00:34:01.119 come complete 00:34:01.119 --> 00:34:02.319 full 00:34:02.319 --> 00:34:03.460 culminate 00:34:03.460 --> 00:34:04.119 when Jesus 00:34:04.119 --> 00:34:05.099 comes back 00:34:05.099 --> 00:34:07.319 and he 00:34:07.319 --> 00:34:08.059 recreates 00:34:08.059 --> 00:34:08.639 everything 00:34:08.639 --> 00:34:11.659 behold 00:34:11.659 --> 00:34:14.359 Revelation 21 00:34:14.359 --> 00:34:14.759 5 00:34:14.759 --> 00:34:16.199 I am making 00:34:16.199 --> 00:34:17.719 all things 00:34:17.719 --> 00:34:18.319 new 00:34:18.319 --> 00:34:20.379 it's all 00:34:20.379 --> 00:34:20.900 by God's 00:34:20.900 --> 00:34:21.799 powerful grace 00:34:21.799 --> 00:34:23.119 circumcision 00:34:23.119 --> 00:34:24.119 doesn't do that 00:34:24.119 --> 00:34:28.719 so if you think 00:34:28.719 --> 00:34:29.239 that having your 00:34:29.239 --> 00:34:30.159 foreskin removed 00:34:30.159 --> 00:34:31.019 or eating right 00:34:31.019 --> 00:34:31.460 foods 00:34:31.460 --> 00:34:31.960 or observing 00:34:31.960 --> 00:34:32.940 the right days 00:34:32.940 --> 00:34:34.119 or doing the right 00:34:34.119 --> 00:34:35.000 Christian things 00:34:35.000 --> 00:34:36.019 don't yell at your 00:34:36.019 --> 00:34:36.559 kids 00:34:36.559 --> 00:34:38.360 don't swear 00:34:38.360 --> 00:34:39.400 read your Bible 00:34:39.400 --> 00:34:40.719 pray before meals 00:34:40.719 --> 00:34:41.599 give regularly 00:34:41.599 --> 00:34:42.400 if you think 00:34:42.400 --> 00:34:42.960 any of these 00:34:42.960 --> 00:34:43.500 works 00:34:43.500 --> 00:34:45.539 can make 00:34:45.539 --> 00:34:46.500 you new 00:34:46.500 --> 00:34:47.400 in God's 00:34:47.400 --> 00:34:47.900 eyes 00:34:47.900 --> 00:34:49.259 you are terribly 00:34:49.259 --> 00:34:49.820 mistaken 00:34:49.820 --> 00:34:52.039 it's only through 00:34:52.039 --> 00:34:52.559 the cross 00:34:52.559 --> 00:34:53.340 that does that 00:34:53.340 --> 00:34:56.519 gives you new 00:34:56.519 --> 00:34:56.960 life 00:34:56.960 --> 00:34:59.780 only the cross 00:34:59.780 --> 00:35:00.280 can make 00:35:00.280 --> 00:35:00.920 a dead 00:35:00.920 --> 00:35:01.340 sinner 00:35:01.340 --> 00:35:02.480 into a new 00:35:02.480 --> 00:35:03.400 living 00:35:03.400 --> 00:35:04.059 creature 00:35:04.059 --> 00:35:04.840 of the new 00:35:04.840 --> 00:35:05.460 creation 00:35:05.460 --> 00:35:06.300 that's the 00:35:06.300 --> 00:35:06.940 second reason 00:35:06.940 --> 00:35:07.720 why we boast 00:35:07.720 --> 00:35:08.320 in the cross 00:35:08.320 --> 00:35:09.159 the cross 00:35:09.159 --> 00:35:09.900 alone is the 00:35:09.900 --> 00:35:10.599 source of 00:35:10.599 --> 00:35:11.059 life 00:35:11.059 --> 00:35:13.740 the third 00:35:13.740 --> 00:35:14.159 reason 00:35:14.159 --> 00:35:15.539 why 00:35:15.539 --> 00:35:17.179 we must 00:35:17.179 --> 00:35:17.980 boast 00:35:17.980 --> 00:35:18.880 in the cross 00:35:18.880 --> 00:35:19.400 alone 00:35:19.400 --> 00:35:20.220 is an 00:35:20.220 --> 00:35:21.019 outworking 00:35:21.019 --> 00:35:22.119 of the new 00:35:22.119 --> 00:35:22.619 creation 00:35:22.619 --> 00:35:23.860 of what 00:35:23.860 --> 00:35:24.460 the cross 00:35:24.460 --> 00:35:25.340 has inaugurated 00:35:25.340 --> 00:35:28.820 we read it 00:35:28.820 --> 00:35:29.760 in verse 16 00:35:29.760 --> 00:35:30.300 and so 00:35:30.300 --> 00:35:31.119 for all who 00:35:31.119 --> 00:35:31.820 walk in this 00:35:31.820 --> 00:35:32.199 rule 00:35:32.199 --> 00:35:33.079 by this 00:35:33.079 --> 00:35:33.340 rule 00:35:33.340 --> 00:35:33.780 the new 00:35:33.780 --> 00:35:34.220 creation 00:35:34.220 --> 00:35:34.519 rule 00:35:34.519 --> 00:35:36.679 what's most 00:35:36.679 --> 00:35:37.099 important is 00:35:37.099 --> 00:35:37.340 the new 00:35:37.340 --> 00:35:37.880 creation 00:35:37.880 --> 00:35:39.500 for all who 00:35:39.500 --> 00:35:40.639 walk by 00:35:40.639 --> 00:35:41.500 this new 00:35:41.500 --> 00:35:42.119 creation 00:35:42.119 --> 00:35:42.679 mindset 00:35:42.679 --> 00:35:43.639 peace and 00:35:43.639 --> 00:35:44.259 mercy upon 00:35:44.259 --> 00:35:44.719 them and 00:35:44.719 --> 00:35:45.159 upon the 00:35:45.159 --> 00:35:45.639 Israel of 00:35:45.639 --> 00:35:45.960 God 00:35:45.960 --> 00:35:47.579 here's what 00:35:47.579 --> 00:35:48.039 Paul's saying 00:35:48.039 --> 00:35:49.460 if the world 00:35:49.460 --> 00:35:51.380 is the 00:35:51.380 --> 00:35:52.119 community of 00:35:52.119 --> 00:35:52.639 those ruled 00:35:52.639 --> 00:35:53.300 by the flesh 00:35:53.300 --> 00:35:53.860 who boast 00:35:53.860 --> 00:35:54.500 in the flesh 00:35:54.500 --> 00:35:56.340 then the 00:35:56.340 --> 00:35:57.079 Israel of 00:35:57.079 --> 00:35:57.440 God 00:35:57.440 --> 00:35:58.079 616 00:35:58.079 --> 00:35:59.380 is the 00:35:59.380 --> 00:35:59.719 new 00:35:59.719 --> 00:36:00.420 creation 00:36:00.420 --> 00:36:01.159 community 00:36:01.159 --> 00:36:02.199 of those 00:36:02.199 --> 00:36:03.219 co-crucified 00:36:03.219 --> 00:36:03.539 in the 00:36:03.539 --> 00:36:03.980 cross 00:36:03.980 --> 00:36:05.059 walking 00:36:05.059 --> 00:36:05.539 by the 00:36:05.539 --> 00:36:05.940 spirit 00:36:05.940 --> 00:36:07.059 who boast 00:36:07.059 --> 00:36:07.379 in the 00:36:07.379 --> 00:36:07.859 cross 00:36:07.859 --> 00:36:09.079 it's the 00:36:09.079 --> 00:36:09.539 church 00:36:09.539 --> 00:36:13.879 in verse 00:36:13.879 --> 00:36:14.319 16 00:36:14.319 --> 00:36:15.199 Paul calls 00:36:15.199 --> 00:36:15.859 the Israel 00:36:15.859 --> 00:36:16.379 of God 00:36:16.379 --> 00:36:17.819 all who 00:36:17.819 --> 00:36:18.559 walk 00:36:18.559 --> 00:36:19.659 by this 00:36:19.659 --> 00:36:20.299 rule 00:36:20.299 --> 00:36:21.960 for neither 00:36:21.960 --> 00:36:22.559 circumcision 00:36:22.559 --> 00:36:23.039 counts for 00:36:23.039 --> 00:36:23.779 anything nor 00:36:23.779 --> 00:36:24.779 uncircumcision 00:36:24.779 --> 00:36:25.379 but a new 00:36:25.379 --> 00:36:25.899 creation 00:36:25.900 --> 00:36:27.039 that's what 00:36:27.039 --> 00:36:28.300 matters most 00:36:28.300 --> 00:36:30.059 being a new 00:36:30.059 --> 00:36:30.480 creation 00:36:30.480 --> 00:36:32.980 it's only an 00:36:32.980 --> 00:36:33.599 act of God 00:36:33.599 --> 00:36:36.139 neither 00:36:36.139 --> 00:36:36.900 circumcision 00:36:36.900 --> 00:36:37.639 counts for 00:36:37.639 --> 00:36:38.280 anything or 00:36:38.280 --> 00:36:39.119 uncircumcision 00:36:39.119 --> 00:36:42.260 so those 00:36:42.260 --> 00:36:43.300 who are of 00:36:43.300 --> 00:36:44.300 the new 00:36:44.300 --> 00:36:44.840 creation 00:36:44.840 --> 00:36:47.180 are the 00:36:47.180 --> 00:36:47.740 Israel of 00:36:47.740 --> 00:36:48.059 God 00:36:48.059 --> 00:36:49.660 and that's 00:36:49.660 --> 00:36:50.220 been Paul's 00:36:50.220 --> 00:36:51.099 argument all 00:36:51.099 --> 00:36:51.740 throughout the 00:36:51.740 --> 00:36:52.099 book of 00:36:52.099 --> 00:36:52.740 Galatians 00:36:52.739 --> 00:36:55.359 those 00:36:55.359 --> 00:36:56.079 who put 00:36:56.079 --> 00:36:56.559 their 00:36:56.559 --> 00:36:57.759 faith in 00:36:57.759 --> 00:36:58.159 the finished 00:36:58.159 --> 00:36:58.559 work of 00:36:58.559 --> 00:36:58.879 Christ 00:36:58.879 --> 00:36:59.939 anyone 00:36:59.939 --> 00:37:00.919 who puts 00:37:00.919 --> 00:37:01.559 their faith 00:37:01.559 --> 00:37:01.979 in the 00:37:01.979 --> 00:37:02.239 finished 00:37:02.239 --> 00:37:02.639 work of 00:37:02.639 --> 00:37:03.059 Christ 00:37:03.059 --> 00:37:04.959 are justified 00:37:04.959 --> 00:37:07.059 those 00:37:07.059 --> 00:37:07.839 Jews and 00:37:07.839 --> 00:37:08.500 Gentiles who 00:37:08.500 --> 00:37:09.339 trust in 00:37:09.339 --> 00:37:09.739 the finished 00:37:09.739 --> 00:37:10.179 work of 00:37:10.179 --> 00:37:10.599 Christ 00:37:10.599 --> 00:37:12.539 they are 00:37:12.539 --> 00:37:13.379 the offspring 00:37:13.379 --> 00:37:14.279 of Abraham 00:37:14.279 --> 00:37:15.399 and recipients 00:37:15.399 --> 00:37:16.659 of God's 00:37:16.659 --> 00:37:17.159 promised 00:37:17.159 --> 00:37:18.139 blessing 00:37:18.139 --> 00:37:19.199 Galatians 00:37:19.199 --> 00:37:19.579 3 00:37:19.579 --> 00:37:20.759 pointing back 00:37:20.759 --> 00:37:21.259 to Genesis 00:37:21.259 --> 00:37:21.779 12 00:37:21.780 --> 00:37:23.560 they're the 00:37:23.560 --> 00:37:24.000 Israel of 00:37:24.000 --> 00:37:24.340 God 00:37:24.340 --> 00:37:25.620 those 00:37:25.620 --> 00:37:26.420 who trust 00:37:26.420 --> 00:37:27.640 in Christ's 00:37:27.640 --> 00:37:28.420 cross work 00:37:28.420 --> 00:37:28.980 alone 00:37:28.980 --> 00:37:29.940 they are the 00:37:29.940 --> 00:37:30.440 righteous who 00:37:30.440 --> 00:37:30.940 shall live by 00:37:30.940 --> 00:37:31.400 faith 00:37:31.400 --> 00:37:32.800 Hebrews 2 00:37:32.800 --> 00:37:33.260 quote in 00:37:33.260 --> 00:37:33.960 Galatians 3 00:37:33.960 --> 00:37:34.860 Habakkuk 2 00:37:34.860 --> 00:37:35.220 quote in 00:37:35.220 --> 00:37:35.760 Galatians 3 00:37:35.760 --> 00:37:36.680 those who 00:37:36.680 --> 00:37:37.280 trust in 00:37:37.280 --> 00:37:38.120 Christ's 00:37:38.120 --> 00:37:38.840 cross work 00:37:38.840 --> 00:37:39.340 alone 00:37:39.340 --> 00:37:40.080 are the 00:37:40.080 --> 00:37:41.000 true children 00:37:41.000 --> 00:37:42.080 of promise 00:37:42.080 --> 00:37:43.120 the citizens 00:37:43.120 --> 00:37:43.900 of the 00:37:43.900 --> 00:37:44.320 heavenly 00:37:44.320 --> 00:37:45.040 Jerusalem 00:37:45.040 --> 00:37:45.880 above 00:37:45.880 --> 00:37:46.860 Galatians 4 00:37:46.860 --> 00:37:48.480 they're the 00:37:48.480 --> 00:37:48.920 Israel of 00:37:48.920 --> 00:37:49.160 God 00:37:49.159 --> 00:37:50.159 God 00:37:50.159 --> 00:37:52.460 Paul's 00:37:52.460 --> 00:37:52.960 been arguing 00:37:52.960 --> 00:37:53.759 all throughout 00:37:53.759 --> 00:37:54.059 the book 00:37:54.059 --> 00:37:54.639 of Galatians 00:37:54.639 --> 00:37:55.699 that anyone 00:37:55.699 --> 00:37:56.899 who trusts 00:37:56.899 --> 00:37:58.000 in Christ's 00:37:58.000 --> 00:37:58.319 finished 00:37:58.319 --> 00:37:59.199 cross work 00:37:59.199 --> 00:38:01.139 they are part 00:38:01.139 --> 00:38:01.539 of the new 00:38:01.539 --> 00:38:02.079 creation 00:38:02.079 --> 00:38:03.779 they're new 00:38:03.779 --> 00:38:04.719 creatures of 00:38:04.719 --> 00:38:04.960 the new 00:38:04.960 --> 00:38:05.420 creation 00:38:05.420 --> 00:38:06.159 they are 00:38:06.159 --> 00:38:07.599 the new 00:38:07.599 --> 00:38:08.759 Israel of 00:38:08.759 --> 00:38:09.119 God 00:38:09.119 --> 00:38:10.279 the church 00:38:10.279 --> 00:38:11.279 it's not about 00:38:11.279 --> 00:38:11.759 ethnicity 00:38:11.759 --> 00:38:12.779 it's not about 00:38:12.779 --> 00:38:13.299 obedience 00:38:13.299 --> 00:38:14.039 it's not if 00:38:14.039 --> 00:38:14.739 you're male or 00:38:14.739 --> 00:38:15.039 female 00:38:15.039 --> 00:38:15.839 it's about 00:38:15.840 --> 00:38:16.700 whether or 00:38:16.700 --> 00:38:17.480 not you 00:38:17.480 --> 00:38:18.740 believe solely 00:38:18.740 --> 00:38:19.440 by faith 00:38:19.440 --> 00:38:19.700 in the 00:38:19.700 --> 00:38:20.160 finished work 00:38:20.160 --> 00:38:21.019 of Christ 00:38:21.019 --> 00:38:21.300 on the 00:38:21.300 --> 00:38:21.640 cross 00:38:21.640 --> 00:38:24.320 that's why 00:38:24.320 --> 00:38:24.900 in Galatians 00:38:24.900 --> 00:38:25.320 3 00:38:25.320 --> 00:38:26.220 28-29 00:38:26.220 --> 00:38:27.579 we read 00:38:27.579 --> 00:38:29.400 writing to 00:38:29.400 --> 00:38:29.820 both Jews 00:38:29.820 --> 00:38:30.420 and Gentiles 00:38:30.420 --> 00:38:30.980 there's neither 00:38:30.980 --> 00:38:31.380 Jew nor 00:38:31.380 --> 00:38:31.680 Greek 00:38:31.680 --> 00:38:33.160 there's neither 00:38:33.160 --> 00:38:33.680 slave nor 00:38:33.680 --> 00:38:33.940 free 00:38:33.940 --> 00:38:35.720 there's no 00:38:35.720 --> 00:38:36.760 male and 00:38:36.760 --> 00:38:37.140 female 00:38:37.140 --> 00:38:38.220 for you 00:38:38.220 --> 00:38:39.340 are all 00:38:39.340 --> 00:38:40.660 one 00:38:40.660 --> 00:38:41.900 in 00:38:41.900 --> 00:38:42.780 Christ 00:38:42.780 --> 00:38:43.640 Jesus 00:38:43.639 --> 00:38:44.920 and if 00:38:44.920 --> 00:38:45.219 you are 00:38:45.219 --> 00:38:46.039 Christ's 00:38:46.039 --> 00:38:46.559 then you 00:38:46.559 --> 00:38:46.739 are 00:38:46.739 --> 00:38:47.480 Abraham's 00:38:47.480 --> 00:38:47.980 offspring 00:38:47.980 --> 00:38:48.759 heirs 00:38:48.759 --> 00:38:49.339 according to 00:38:49.339 --> 00:38:49.859 the promise 00:38:49.859 --> 00:38:50.799 and here 00:38:50.799 --> 00:38:51.500 in Galatians 00:38:51.500 --> 00:38:52.299 he wraps 00:38:52.299 --> 00:38:52.779 it all up 00:38:52.779 --> 00:38:53.219 by saying 00:38:53.219 --> 00:38:53.859 you are 00:38:53.859 --> 00:38:54.139 the new 00:38:54.139 --> 00:38:54.639 Israel of 00:38:54.639 --> 00:38:54.900 God 00:38:54.900 --> 00:38:57.000 God's 00:38:57.000 --> 00:38:57.339 new 00:38:57.339 --> 00:38:58.500 treasured 00:38:58.500 --> 00:38:58.900 possession 00:38:58.900 --> 00:39:01.339 at the 00:39:01.339 --> 00:39:01.599 heart of 00:39:01.599 --> 00:39:02.079 the gospel 00:39:02.079 --> 00:39:02.599 is the 00:39:02.599 --> 00:39:02.900 cross 00:39:02.900 --> 00:39:03.259 of Jesus 00:39:03.259 --> 00:39:03.819 Christ 00:39:03.819 --> 00:39:05.019 it's 00:39:05.019 --> 00:39:05.460 only 00:39:05.460 --> 00:39:05.839 through 00:39:05.839 --> 00:39:06.099 the 00:39:06.099 --> 00:39:06.639 cross 00:39:06.639 --> 00:39:07.279 that 00:39:07.279 --> 00:39:07.940 God 00:39:07.940 --> 00:39:08.900 calls 00:39:08.900 --> 00:39:09.519 a people 00:39:09.519 --> 00:39:10.079 out of 00:39:10.079 --> 00:39:10.639 the world 00:39:10.639 --> 00:39:11.879 making 00:39:11.879 --> 00:39:12.339 them new 00:39:12.339 --> 00:39:12.719 creatures 00:39:12.719 --> 00:39:13.079 of a new 00:39:13.079 --> 00:39:13.599 creation 00:39:13.599 --> 00:39:14.639 and a 00:39:14.639 --> 00:39:15.139 whole 00:39:15.139 --> 00:39:15.819 new 00:39:15.819 --> 00:39:16.880 cross 00:39:16.880 --> 00:39:18.599 crucified 00:39:18.599 --> 00:39:19.599 community 00:39:19.599 --> 00:39:21.239 the 00:39:21.239 --> 00:39:21.739 Israel of 00:39:21.739 --> 00:39:21.960 God 00:39:21.960 --> 00:39:22.380 the church 00:39:22.380 --> 00:39:22.759 of Jesus 00:39:22.759 --> 00:39:23.239 Christ 00:39:23.239 --> 00:39:26.019 it takes 00:39:26.019 --> 00:39:26.839 the cross 00:39:26.839 --> 00:39:27.659 to do 00:39:27.659 --> 00:39:27.940 that 00:39:27.940 --> 00:39:35.400 this new 00:39:35.400 --> 00:39:35.940 Israel of 00:39:35.940 --> 00:39:36.159 God 00:39:36.159 --> 00:39:36.819 the church 00:39:36.819 --> 00:39:38.719 we walk 00:39:38.719 --> 00:39:39.099 by the 00:39:39.099 --> 00:39:39.259 new 00:39:39.259 --> 00:39:39.819 creation 00:39:39.819 --> 00:39:40.199 rule 00:39:40.199 --> 00:39:41.940 it's not 00:39:41.940 --> 00:39:42.159 about 00:39:42.159 --> 00:39:42.659 circumcision 00:39:42.659 --> 00:39:42.839 or 00:39:42.839 --> 00:39:43.500 uncircumcision 00:39:43.500 --> 00:39:44.039 it's about 00:39:44.039 --> 00:39:45.000 being born 00:39:45.000 --> 00:39:45.380 again 00:39:45.380 --> 00:39:47.039 a new 00:39:47.039 --> 00:39:47.539 creation 00:39:47.539 --> 00:39:49.119 and we 00:39:49.119 --> 00:39:50.260 boast 00:39:50.260 --> 00:39:51.699 in the 00:39:51.699 --> 00:39:52.199 cross 00:39:52.199 --> 00:39:52.840 of our 00:39:52.840 --> 00:39:53.099 Lord 00:39:53.099 --> 00:39:53.420 Jesus 00:39:53.420 --> 00:39:54.039 Christ 00:39:54.039 --> 00:39:56.320 what that 00:39:56.320 --> 00:39:56.659 means is 00:39:56.659 --> 00:39:57.260 we trust 00:39:57.260 --> 00:39:57.639 in the 00:39:57.639 --> 00:39:58.119 cross 00:39:58.119 --> 00:40:00.519 what Christ 00:40:00.519 --> 00:40:01.039 has done 00:40:01.039 --> 00:40:01.539 for us 00:40:01.539 --> 00:40:01.960 period 00:40:01.960 --> 00:40:04.460 it never 00:40:04.460 --> 00:40:04.960 changes 00:40:04.960 --> 00:40:05.420 anymore 00:40:05.420 --> 00:40:06.940 we're 00:40:06.940 --> 00:40:07.400 his 00:40:07.400 --> 00:40:08.260 period 00:40:08.260 --> 00:40:11.020 we hope 00:40:11.019 --> 00:40:11.679 in the 00:40:11.679 --> 00:40:12.099 cross 00:40:12.099 --> 00:40:12.559 the cross 00:40:12.559 --> 00:40:12.880 the cross 00:40:12.880 --> 00:40:14.019 has inaugurated 00:40:14.019 --> 00:40:15.920 a whole 00:40:15.920 --> 00:40:16.639 new creation 00:40:16.639 --> 00:40:17.059 that will 00:40:17.059 --> 00:40:17.960 one day 00:40:17.960 --> 00:40:19.519 culminate 00:40:19.519 --> 00:40:19.880 when Jesus 00:40:19.880 --> 00:40:20.639 comes back 00:40:20.639 --> 00:40:21.440 that's what 00:40:21.440 --> 00:40:21.840 we hope 00:40:21.840 --> 00:40:22.039 in 00:40:22.039 --> 00:40:24.099 we find 00:40:24.099 --> 00:40:25.119 our identity 00:40:25.119 --> 00:40:26.059 in the cross 00:40:26.059 --> 00:40:27.199 I have been 00:40:27.199 --> 00:40:27.960 crucified with 00:40:27.960 --> 00:40:28.340 Christ 00:40:28.340 --> 00:40:30.000 we 00:40:30.000 --> 00:40:31.159 celebrate 00:40:31.159 --> 00:40:32.039 the cross 00:40:32.039 --> 00:40:33.619 it never 00:40:33.619 --> 00:40:34.179 gets old 00:40:34.179 --> 00:40:36.259 because it's 00:40:36.259 --> 00:40:36.679 true 00:40:36.679 --> 00:40:40.539 it results 00:40:40.539 --> 00:40:41.000 in a new 00:40:41.000 --> 00:40:41.460 motive 00:40:41.460 --> 00:40:43.419 we're not in it 00:40:43.419 --> 00:40:43.839 for man's 00:40:43.839 --> 00:40:44.219 approval 00:40:44.219 --> 00:40:45.539 but that 00:40:45.539 --> 00:40:46.440 man would 00:40:46.440 --> 00:40:47.379 praise the 00:40:47.379 --> 00:40:47.980 living God 00:40:47.980 --> 00:40:48.480 who would do 00:40:48.480 --> 00:40:49.039 such a thing 00:40:49.039 --> 00:40:51.219 we have new 00:40:51.219 --> 00:40:51.839 methods 00:40:51.839 --> 00:40:52.599 we're not by 00:40:52.599 --> 00:40:53.379 force 00:40:53.379 --> 00:40:55.099 but by grace 00:40:55.099 --> 00:40:57.000 that's where 00:40:57.000 --> 00:40:57.639 Paul closes 00:40:57.639 --> 00:40:58.179 this letter 00:40:58.179 --> 00:40:59.319 grace to you 00:40:59.320 --> 00:41:01.120 and we have 00:41:01.120 --> 00:41:01.320 a new 00:41:01.320 --> 00:41:01.660 manner 00:41:01.660 --> 00:41:03.620 we're not 00:41:03.620 --> 00:41:04.220 hypocrites 00:41:04.220 --> 00:41:05.860 who don't 00:41:05.860 --> 00:41:06.580 seek to 00:41:06.580 --> 00:41:07.400 fulfill the 00:41:07.400 --> 00:41:07.640 law 00:41:07.640 --> 00:41:08.420 no we 00:41:08.420 --> 00:41:09.000 walk 00:41:09.000 --> 00:41:09.700 by the 00:41:09.700 --> 00:41:10.200 spirit of 00:41:10.200 --> 00:41:10.539 God 00:41:10.539 --> 00:41:11.480 in order 00:41:11.480 --> 00:41:12.400 to love 00:41:12.400 --> 00:41:12.700 our 00:41:12.700 --> 00:41:13.080 neighbors 00:41:13.080 --> 00:41:13.500 as 00:41:13.500 --> 00:41:14.200 ourselves 00:41:14.200 --> 00:41:16.559 Christ 00:41:16.559 --> 00:41:16.880 the king 00:41:16.880 --> 00:41:17.340 church 00:41:17.340 --> 00:41:20.059 choose 00:41:20.059 --> 00:41:20.880 this day 00:41:20.880 --> 00:41:22.039 in whom 00:41:22.039 --> 00:41:22.880 you will 00:41:22.880 --> 00:41:23.420 boast 00:41:23.420 --> 00:41:26.140 we must 00:41:26.140 --> 00:41:26.380 not 00:41:26.380 --> 00:41:27.080 boast 00:41:27.079 --> 00:41:29.340 in the 00:41:29.340 --> 00:41:29.779 flesh 00:41:29.779 --> 00:41:30.679 we must 00:41:30.679 --> 00:41:31.279 boast 00:41:31.279 --> 00:41:32.279 in the 00:41:32.279 --> 00:41:32.759 cross 00:41:32.759 --> 00:41:33.539 alone 00:41:33.539 --> 00:41:34.259 because of 00:41:34.259 --> 00:41:34.639 what 00:41:34.639 --> 00:41:35.819 God has 00:41:35.819 --> 00:41:36.579 accomplished 00:41:36.579 --> 00:41:37.400 through it 00:41:37.400 --> 00:41:38.860 now you may 00:41:38.860 --> 00:41:39.279 be asking 00:41:39.279 --> 00:41:39.799 well should I 00:41:39.799 --> 00:41:40.119 watch the 00:41:40.119 --> 00:41:40.559 Packers game 00:41:40.559 --> 00:41:40.840 tonight 00:41:40.840 --> 00:41:43.619 yeah 00:41:43.619 --> 00:41:44.659 watch it 00:41:44.659 --> 00:41:45.239 but just 00:41:45.239 --> 00:41:45.960 realize this 00:41:45.960 --> 00:41:47.679 if the 00:41:47.679 --> 00:41:48.299 Packers win 00:41:48.299 --> 00:41:50.259 does that 00:41:50.259 --> 00:41:50.719 accomplish 00:41:50.719 --> 00:41:51.480 our salvation 00:41:51.480 --> 00:41:54.579 the cross 00:41:54.579 --> 00:41:55.159 gives 00:41:55.159 --> 00:41:55.880 perspective 00:41:55.880 --> 00:41:57.500 let's pray 00:41:57.500 --> 00:41:59.059 God in heaven 00:41:59.059 --> 00:41:59.619 thank you so 00:41:59.619 --> 00:42:00.519 much for 00:42:00.519 --> 00:42:01.980 the book of 00:42:01.980 --> 00:42:02.619 Galatians 00:42:02.619 --> 00:42:04.340 God thank you 00:42:04.340 --> 00:42:04.820 so much for 00:42:04.820 --> 00:42:05.380 the cross 00:42:05.380 --> 00:42:07.099 that has 00:42:07.099 --> 00:42:08.160 called us 00:42:08.160 --> 00:42:09.099 out of the 00:42:09.099 --> 00:42:09.539 world by 00:42:09.539 --> 00:42:10.320 crucifying us 00:42:10.320 --> 00:42:10.660 to the 00:42:10.660 --> 00:42:11.000 world 00:42:11.000 --> 00:42:12.920 for giving 00:42:12.920 --> 00:42:13.500 us a 00:42:13.500 --> 00:42:14.460 very a new 00:42:14.460 --> 00:42:15.019 identity 00:42:15.019 --> 00:42:15.500 because we're 00:42:15.500 --> 00:42:16.360 new creatures 00:42:16.360 --> 00:42:16.900 of a new 00:42:16.900 --> 00:42:17.460 creation 00:42:17.460 --> 00:42:19.019 and a new 00:42:19.019 --> 00:42:19.500 community 00:42:19.500 --> 00:42:21.000 we are part 00:42:21.000 --> 00:42:21.619 of the Israel 00:42:21.619 --> 00:42:22.059 of God 00:42:22.059 --> 00:42:22.599 and it's all 00:42:22.599 --> 00:42:22.980 by your 00:42:22.980 --> 00:42:23.519 grace 00:42:23.519 --> 00:42:25.800 oh God 00:42:25.800 --> 00:42:27.420 would you do 00:42:27.420 --> 00:42:27.900 a work 00:42:27.900 --> 00:42:28.519 in us 00:42:28.519 --> 00:42:28.960 and through 00:42:28.960 --> 00:42:29.199 us 00:42:29.199 --> 00:42:29.679 by your 00:42:29.679 --> 00:42:30.099 spirit 00:42:30.099 --> 00:42:31.960 that brings 00:42:31.960 --> 00:42:32.699 worshipers 00:42:32.699 --> 00:42:33.400 boasters 00:42:33.400 --> 00:42:34.699 of the cross 00:42:34.699 --> 00:42:35.940 it's your name 00:42:35.940 --> 00:42:36.259 we pray 00:42:36.259 --> 00:42:36.639 Jesus 00:42:36.639 --> 00:42:37.239 amen 00:42:37.239 --> 00:42:39.039 those 00:42:39.039 --> 00:42:39.479 what 00:42:39.479 --> 00:42:39.599 how 00:42:39.599 --> 00:42:39.979 how 00:42:39.979 --> 00:42:40.079 how 00:42:40.079 --> 00:42:52.819 can 00:42:52.819 --> 00:42:55.299 it's your word 00:42:55.299 --> 00:42:55.679 . 00:42:59.679 --> 00:43:00.219 .