WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:05.520 I don't know if you get those letters at Christmas time or whether you look at people's posts on Facebook, if you're into Facebook. 00:00:06.520 --> 00:00:11.160 I often get these letters from people who tell us that Adelaide's doing very well in her Spanish. 00:00:11.720 --> 00:00:14.939 She's now fluent, age 12, and she's heading off to university next summer. 00:00:15.759 --> 00:00:21.339 Or other people say how they've enjoyed their lovely holidays in Turkey and Canada and Australia. 00:00:22.120 --> 00:00:25.060 Or others who tell us about the lovely new extension on their home. 00:00:25.059 --> 00:00:32.479 And if you read these things, or you look at the Facebook posts of friends on their beach, wherever they are, what do we see? 00:00:33.539 --> 00:00:35.500 We see what people are really boasting in. 00:00:36.119 --> 00:00:40.079 We see what they want you to know about them, what they want to define themselves by. 00:00:40.960 --> 00:00:49.700 And actually all of us, if we're honest, whether we're as explicit and brazen as that, all have things that we take pride in. 00:00:49.700 --> 00:00:58.480 We might not boast in them verbally, but we find our security, our meaning, our identity in certain things, don't we? 00:01:00.140 --> 00:01:02.600 We naturally define ourselves by something. 00:01:05.100 --> 00:01:08.920 And Paul, as he closes this letter, is wanting to challenge us. 00:01:08.980 --> 00:01:11.200 What do you define yourself by? 00:01:11.760 --> 00:01:13.320 What do you boast in? 00:01:13.319 --> 00:01:16.519 What do you think gives you security? 00:01:17.599 --> 00:01:18.859 What makes you you? 00:01:19.379 --> 00:01:20.079 What is it? 00:01:21.319 --> 00:01:22.619 What do you take pride in? 00:01:23.259 --> 00:01:28.859 And Paul is so passionate in his desire to get us to see there's only one thing that really matters. 00:01:29.139 --> 00:01:31.339 There is only one thing we should truly boast in. 00:01:31.719 --> 00:01:33.280 That he grabs the pen himself. 00:01:33.599 --> 00:01:37.679 He's been dictating this letter to a scribe who probably had needs to handwriting than him. 00:01:38.359 --> 00:01:39.719 And now he grabs it. 00:01:39.719 --> 00:01:44.879 You can see in verse 11 of chapter 6, see with what large letters I'm writing with my own hand. 00:01:45.620 --> 00:01:46.819 Why does he take the pen? 00:01:47.420 --> 00:01:49.099 Why does he write in large letters? 00:01:50.060 --> 00:01:52.500 Well, some commentators will say it's because he's going blind. 00:01:52.599 --> 00:01:53.579 There's problems with his eyes. 00:01:54.140 --> 00:01:57.239 Well, that may be true, but there's a better reason. 00:01:58.219 --> 00:02:00.159 He's wanting to emphasize this. 00:02:01.019 --> 00:02:04.640 This bold print, italics, underlined on a word processor. 00:02:04.759 --> 00:02:05.560 That's what he's doing. 00:02:06.099 --> 00:02:08.139 He's writing, I'm writing this in my own hands. 00:02:08.139 --> 00:02:14.439 As the letter is read out in the churches in Galatia, everyone hearing it will know it's in his own hand. 00:02:14.919 --> 00:02:15.939 Everyone will hear. 00:02:16.500 --> 00:02:19.659 This is a passionate plea of the apostle who loves them. 00:02:20.299 --> 00:02:22.959 Who wants them to have freedom in Christ. 00:02:23.519 --> 00:02:25.379 Who wants them to boast in the right thing. 00:02:26.519 --> 00:02:29.399 And the question he's laying before us now is, what do you boast in? 00:02:29.400 --> 00:02:33.159 What are you trusting in? 00:02:34.219 --> 00:02:36.500 Is it the true gospel? 00:02:37.240 --> 00:02:40.580 That we are put right with God by faith in Christ alone? 00:02:41.420 --> 00:02:44.120 Or is it this false gospel where there's no gospel at all? 00:02:44.980 --> 00:02:50.040 But it's faith in Christ plus your own works, your own obedience, your own achievements. 00:02:50.039 --> 00:02:54.199 Are you going to boast in what you have done for God? 00:02:54.699 --> 00:02:56.939 Or in what God has done for you? 00:02:57.959 --> 00:02:59.959 Are you going to boast in what you have done for God? 00:03:00.060 --> 00:03:01.419 Or what God has done for you? 00:03:01.639 --> 00:03:05.500 You see the contrast very clearly in verses 13 and 14. 00:03:06.340 --> 00:03:06.959 Paul says, 00:03:06.960 --> 00:03:27.900 See Paul lays these examples before us. 00:03:28.240 --> 00:03:29.480 To force us to choose. 00:03:29.860 --> 00:03:32.400 Are we going to boast about what we've done for God? 00:03:32.400 --> 00:03:34.159 Or what God has done for us? 00:03:35.280 --> 00:03:36.860 Are we going to boast in the flesh? 00:03:37.780 --> 00:03:38.879 What we have done? 00:03:39.360 --> 00:03:40.580 Or in the cross? 00:03:41.040 --> 00:03:42.500 What God has done in Christ? 00:03:43.540 --> 00:03:45.260 So here, Paul paints the contrast. 00:03:45.420 --> 00:03:47.180 And he fills in the colours, as it were. 00:03:47.640 --> 00:03:53.379 By comparing the consumer-friendly life and the cross-focused life. 00:03:54.240 --> 00:03:57.219 The consumer-friendly life is all about what we've done. 00:03:57.719 --> 00:04:00.780 Or the cross-friendly life is about what God has done. 00:04:01.060 --> 00:04:02.719 His big point is this. 00:04:03.180 --> 00:04:06.360 Because God rescues and transforms people. 00:04:06.360 --> 00:04:13.480 Paul, only through Christ's death, Christians must boast in Christ's death alone. 00:04:13.820 --> 00:04:14.980 We must define ourselves. 00:04:15.060 --> 00:04:17.939 Not by our own actions, our own obedience, our own achievements. 00:04:18.439 --> 00:04:20.520 But by Christ's achievements on the cross. 00:04:20.519 --> 00:04:23.399 Paul contrasts these two ways of life. 00:04:24.339 --> 00:04:26.719 By showing the motivations of the two ways of living. 00:04:26.839 --> 00:04:27.719 Verses 12 to 15. 00:04:27.899 --> 00:04:29.379 And the consequences of them. 00:04:29.699 --> 00:04:31.240 In verses 16 to 18. 00:04:31.379 --> 00:04:33.699 So let's look at the motivations first. 00:04:34.120 --> 00:04:36.579 Of a consumer-focused life and a cross-focused life. 00:04:36.639 --> 00:04:38.240 Verses 12 to 15. 00:04:38.899 --> 00:04:41.319 Look at the motivation for these false teachers. 00:04:41.819 --> 00:04:42.819 They're really consumers. 00:04:42.979 --> 00:04:43.799 Look at verse 12. 00:04:43.800 --> 00:04:49.240 It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh who would force you to be circumcised. 00:04:50.180 --> 00:04:52.319 They're people who just want to look good on the outside. 00:04:52.900 --> 00:04:54.040 They're people-pleasers. 00:04:55.620 --> 00:04:56.699 That's their motivation. 00:04:58.220 --> 00:04:59.960 And they also want to pursue comfort. 00:05:00.080 --> 00:05:01.439 Look at how the verse goes on. 00:05:01.920 --> 00:05:06.019 And they only do this in order that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. 00:05:06.019 --> 00:05:13.299 These false teachers who want to persuade people to trust in their own works and boast in their own achievements. 00:05:13.979 --> 00:05:15.500 They just want to pursue comfort. 00:05:16.579 --> 00:05:17.799 They don't want to be persecuted. 00:05:18.339 --> 00:05:20.219 Face opposition for the cross of Christ. 00:05:21.199 --> 00:05:23.899 The cross of Jesus Christ will always provoke opposition. 00:05:24.899 --> 00:05:26.779 It will do that for at least two reasons. 00:05:27.799 --> 00:05:28.799 Even in our day. 00:05:29.019 --> 00:05:31.000 Firstly, it speaks of human inability. 00:05:31.819 --> 00:05:33.899 We all like to think we're pretty good people, don't we? 00:05:33.899 --> 00:05:39.159 The general feeling out there in our society is actually naturally human beings are quite good. 00:05:39.659 --> 00:05:41.519 The cross of Christ says the opposite. 00:05:42.279 --> 00:05:43.279 You are not good. 00:05:43.359 --> 00:05:44.699 You cannot save yourself. 00:05:45.060 --> 00:05:46.620 You are a rebel in danger of hell. 00:05:46.819 --> 00:05:47.699 You need to be rescued. 00:05:48.419 --> 00:05:49.719 And people hate that idea. 00:05:50.899 --> 00:05:53.339 The cross speaks of human inability. 00:05:54.819 --> 00:05:58.060 Because of that, secondly, the cross also speaks of exclusivity. 00:05:59.179 --> 00:06:00.839 There are not many ways to God. 00:06:01.120 --> 00:06:02.719 All ways are not equal. 00:06:03.899 --> 00:06:06.679 All ways are not equal. 00:06:06.819 --> 00:06:10.639 There is only one way to be put right with a holy God. 00:06:11.579 --> 00:06:16.579 And that is through the gift of the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. 00:06:17.939 --> 00:06:19.719 People hate those ideas today, don't they? 00:06:20.239 --> 00:06:21.639 They hate both those ideas. 00:06:22.659 --> 00:06:24.000 They hate the new Pauls day as well. 00:06:24.000 --> 00:06:28.439 And so the false teachers are saying, it's not just Jesus, it's Jesus plus. 00:06:29.120 --> 00:06:31.019 Because they wanted to pursue an easy life. 00:06:31.360 --> 00:06:33.120 They wanted to be people pleasers who'd be popular. 00:06:33.660 --> 00:06:36.259 And thirdly, they were prioritising style over substance. 00:06:36.480 --> 00:06:37.319 Look at verse 13. 00:06:37.779 --> 00:06:40.620 Even those who are circumcised themselves do not keep the law. 00:06:40.620 --> 00:06:44.220 But they desired to have you circumcised. 00:06:44.300 --> 00:06:45.579 They may boast in your flesh. 00:06:46.579 --> 00:06:49.660 So then they couldn't really do all that the law of Moses commanded. 00:06:50.819 --> 00:06:52.660 So they just did a few external things. 00:06:53.040 --> 00:06:54.079 Like get circumcised. 00:06:54.160 --> 00:06:55.139 Like keep some food laws. 00:06:55.800 --> 00:06:58.860 All these things so they could feel like they were doing the right thing. 00:06:59.720 --> 00:07:02.759 And so that people could look on the outside and say, well, they're good religious people. 00:07:02.759 --> 00:07:05.599 They valued style over substance. 00:07:07.199 --> 00:07:11.620 And that's why they were persuading the Galatians to trust in Jesus plus their own works. 00:07:11.939 --> 00:07:12.879 They didn't really love them. 00:07:12.939 --> 00:07:13.879 They didn't care about them. 00:07:14.639 --> 00:07:17.219 They just wanted to have other people agree with them. 00:07:17.860 --> 00:07:19.620 They just wanted to cross them off. 00:07:19.680 --> 00:07:21.819 Look, other people would come over to our side. 00:07:22.420 --> 00:07:23.279 They wanted popularity. 00:07:24.199 --> 00:07:25.839 Like politicians going for a vote. 00:07:25.939 --> 00:07:28.659 They perhaps don't necessarily care about the issues at stake. 00:07:29.099 --> 00:07:30.399 But do want to be popular. 00:07:30.399 --> 00:07:33.799 Not that all politicians are like that. 00:07:33.899 --> 00:07:34.519 I hasten to have them. 00:07:34.579 --> 00:07:35.319 There's some very good ones. 00:07:37.899 --> 00:07:40.159 See, ultimately, what were these people boasting about? 00:07:41.060 --> 00:07:42.219 They're boasting about their achievements. 00:07:42.339 --> 00:07:43.319 Look, we're circumcised. 00:07:43.419 --> 00:07:45.219 Look, we've got people to come our way. 00:07:45.759 --> 00:07:46.659 To agree with us. 00:07:47.759 --> 00:07:50.359 They wanted to be defined by their own achievements. 00:07:51.500 --> 00:07:54.079 And that's actually the heart of a consumer-driven life. 00:07:54.759 --> 00:07:57.859 A life that's all about satisfying myself and my own needs. 00:07:57.859 --> 00:07:59.979 Think for all the adverts you see on television. 00:08:01.359 --> 00:08:04.799 What are the motivations those adverts use to sell products to you? 00:08:06.639 --> 00:08:08.819 If you wear this geodermat, you'll please people. 00:08:10.000 --> 00:08:12.839 If you buy this car, you'll be much more comfortable. 00:08:15.219 --> 00:08:19.339 If you have these particular cosmetics, you'll be much more beautiful, much more attractive. 00:08:20.359 --> 00:08:22.539 It's all about prioritizing style over substance. 00:08:22.959 --> 00:08:24.939 Outward appearance over inner reality. 00:08:24.939 --> 00:08:27.319 It's all about pride in our own achievements. 00:08:27.319 --> 00:08:33.819 You see, these false teachers had a consumer-focused life. 00:08:34.059 --> 00:08:35.220 Consumer-driven life. 00:08:36.120 --> 00:08:36.939 They wanted ease. 00:08:37.019 --> 00:08:37.720 They wanted pleasure. 00:08:37.840 --> 00:08:38.679 They wanted popularity. 00:08:38.679 --> 00:08:43.099 They wanted to be able to boast in their own achievements. 00:08:43.899 --> 00:08:46.839 They wanted external appearance of being religious and good. 00:08:47.419 --> 00:08:48.959 They didn't want the internal change. 00:08:50.539 --> 00:08:52.599 And that's appealing for all of us, if we're honest, isn't it? 00:08:52.600 --> 00:08:54.779 Who wouldn't like an easy life? 00:08:55.379 --> 00:08:58.240 Who wouldn't like to be popular and avoid conflict? 00:08:59.940 --> 00:09:06.519 Who wouldn't want to avoid the accusation of being intolerant or judgmental or fundamentalist or exclusivist? 00:09:06.519 --> 00:09:12.419 Who wouldn't want to feel we're contributing something to our own rescue? 00:09:13.559 --> 00:09:15.779 Human pride naturally longs for those things. 00:09:16.279 --> 00:09:19.539 But Paul says, their motive is for a consumer-focused life. 00:09:20.519 --> 00:09:23.199 That is a life that will leave you under God's curse. 00:09:24.159 --> 00:09:26.299 Instead, you want a cross-focused life, Paul says. 00:09:26.539 --> 00:09:28.279 Let's look at the motivation for Paul's life. 00:09:28.860 --> 00:09:29.740 Verse 14. 00:09:30.399 --> 00:09:31.799 This is the cross-focused life. 00:09:32.220 --> 00:09:37.360 Far be it from me to boast and accept in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, 00:09:38.100 --> 00:09:41.779 by which the world has been crucified to me and I to the world. 00:09:43.039 --> 00:09:44.659 See, here's just a startling contrast. 00:09:45.120 --> 00:09:47.860 These false teachers wanted to diminish the cross. 00:09:47.940 --> 00:09:49.419 They didn't want to talk about the cross of Jesus. 00:09:50.100 --> 00:09:51.840 Whereas Paul is standing there saying, 00:09:52.220 --> 00:09:53.779 this is what I'm going to boast on. 00:09:54.299 --> 00:09:58.139 I'm going to define myself by my inability to please God, 00:09:58.139 --> 00:09:59.759 my need for Christ's death. 00:10:00.620 --> 00:10:02.000 That's what I'm going to boast with. 00:10:02.799 --> 00:10:05.399 I'm going to say, I am not worthy of God's love. 00:10:05.879 --> 00:10:09.000 But I'm going to boast on the cross because it's only what Christ has done 00:10:09.000 --> 00:10:10.199 that makes me right. 00:10:11.460 --> 00:10:13.699 Those others didn't want to be persecuted because of the cross. 00:10:14.000 --> 00:10:16.159 Paul says, bring it on because nothing else matters. 00:10:16.939 --> 00:10:19.340 The world may hate me, but I do not care. 00:10:19.559 --> 00:10:23.419 Because the only thing that matters is that I have been rescued by Christ. 00:10:24.360 --> 00:10:26.019 Several years ago, I went with a friend of mine 00:10:26.019 --> 00:10:27.580 to watch a football match at Sanford Bridge. 00:10:27.580 --> 00:10:29.820 It was Chelsea versus Southampton. 00:10:31.180 --> 00:10:33.200 When Chelsea were very good, so not last season. 00:10:33.879 --> 00:10:34.980 And Southampton were less good. 00:10:35.720 --> 00:10:37.220 And my friend was a Southampton supporter. 00:10:38.120 --> 00:10:39.000 And so I was with him. 00:10:39.040 --> 00:10:40.580 I was kind of supporting Southampton as well. 00:10:42.560 --> 00:10:44.320 But because we were cheapskates 00:10:44.320 --> 00:10:47.500 and because we weren't part of the Southampton supporters clubs, 00:10:47.920 --> 00:10:50.200 we had tickets down the Chelsea end. 00:10:50.200 --> 00:10:54.540 Now, can you imagine? 00:10:55.540 --> 00:10:57.860 When Southampton came close to scoring, 00:10:58.720 --> 00:10:59.820 what do you think we did? 00:11:02.160 --> 00:11:03.220 Sat on our hands. 00:11:04.220 --> 00:11:06.860 When Gianfranco Zola scored the winning goal for Chelsea, 00:11:07.720 --> 00:11:08.440 what did we do? 00:11:08.540 --> 00:11:09.300 Say boo-hiss? 00:11:09.700 --> 00:11:10.980 No, we politely applauded. 00:11:11.300 --> 00:11:12.759 We didn't want to stand out in the crowd. 00:11:12.759 --> 00:11:15.019 Paul is exactly the opposite. 00:11:16.460 --> 00:11:17.819 He was not a fair-weather believer. 00:11:18.559 --> 00:11:20.080 He would boast in the cross. 00:11:20.159 --> 00:11:21.039 He would preach the cross. 00:11:21.139 --> 00:11:22.559 He said, this is what defines me. 00:11:23.799 --> 00:11:25.100 And why does it define him? 00:11:26.039 --> 00:11:27.080 Look at what he says there. 00:11:27.159 --> 00:11:29.299 Well, it defines him because it's through the cross he's been rescued. 00:11:29.419 --> 00:11:30.240 But what more does he say? 00:11:30.299 --> 00:11:30.879 Verse 14. 00:11:30.879 --> 00:11:34.559 By which the world has been crucified to me, 00:11:35.000 --> 00:11:36.500 and I to the world. 00:11:38.860 --> 00:11:39.360 In other words, 00:11:39.799 --> 00:11:42.659 the old way of life is completely gone. 00:11:42.740 --> 00:11:46.259 There is nothing in this world that has any hold on me anymore. 00:11:47.120 --> 00:11:51.700 There is nothing in this world I desire more than Christ. 00:11:52.279 --> 00:11:54.000 Because Christ defines me. 00:11:55.940 --> 00:11:57.299 Tim Keller puts it like this. 00:11:57.379 --> 00:11:59.379 If there is nothing in the world that I must have, 00:11:59.379 --> 00:12:02.759 if there is nothing in the world that I define myself by, 00:12:03.580 --> 00:12:06.500 then nothing in the world can control me. 00:12:08.899 --> 00:12:11.879 If there is nothing in the world that I must have, 00:12:11.939 --> 00:12:14.320 if there is nothing in the world that I define myself by, 00:12:14.379 --> 00:12:18.879 my status, my achievement, my income, whatever it is, 00:12:18.879 --> 00:12:20.980 then nothing in the world can control me. 00:12:22.399 --> 00:12:23.960 And that's the cross-focus life. 00:12:24.559 --> 00:12:28.279 The life that says, I'm a sinner, I need God's rescue. 00:12:28.279 --> 00:12:31.519 That comes only through what Jesus has done in the cross. 00:12:32.459 --> 00:12:34.779 So in contrast, if I define myself by my popularity, 00:12:35.339 --> 00:12:36.379 or by my success, 00:12:36.620 --> 00:12:37.919 or even by being a victim, 00:12:38.559 --> 00:12:39.500 as some people do. 00:12:40.059 --> 00:12:42.120 Gosh, some people have very hard lives, I know. 00:12:43.019 --> 00:12:45.019 But if we define ourselves by those things, 00:12:46.659 --> 00:12:49.379 then we want to cling on to the things of this world, 00:12:49.480 --> 00:12:50.779 we'll boast in those things. 00:12:50.779 --> 00:12:54.139 Whereas if we see ourselves as sinners in need of forgiveness, 00:12:54.819 --> 00:12:56.939 with no hope except the cross of Christ, 00:12:57.019 --> 00:12:58.439 then we will boast in the cross. 00:12:59.600 --> 00:13:01.559 And that gives us an entirely new beginning. 00:13:03.120 --> 00:13:04.500 An entirely new beginning. 00:13:06.220 --> 00:13:07.879 And that's what Paul goes on to say. 00:13:08.519 --> 00:13:09.819 That nothing else matters. 00:13:09.919 --> 00:13:10.720 Look at verse 15. 00:13:11.240 --> 00:13:13.220 For neither circumcision counts for anything, 00:13:13.500 --> 00:13:14.659 nor uncircumcision, 00:13:15.339 --> 00:13:16.639 but a new creation. 00:13:16.639 --> 00:13:19.319 So he wants to boast in the cross, 00:13:19.399 --> 00:13:20.240 because nothing else matters. 00:13:20.679 --> 00:13:23.000 His religious observance of the past doesn't matter. 00:13:25.519 --> 00:13:26.779 He wants to be defined by the cross, 00:13:26.860 --> 00:13:27.679 because that's all that matters. 00:13:28.860 --> 00:13:30.519 Circumcision, keeping the old Lord Moses, 00:13:30.639 --> 00:13:31.879 couldn't make him a friend of God. 00:13:32.840 --> 00:13:34.740 But equally, he says here to the Christians in Galatians, 00:13:35.220 --> 00:13:36.480 even if you haven't been circumcised, 00:13:36.620 --> 00:13:37.639 if you're uncircumcised, 00:13:38.779 --> 00:13:39.319 if you think, 00:13:39.799 --> 00:13:41.000 it's alright, I understood the gospel, 00:13:41.179 --> 00:13:42.559 I know I don't have to be circumcised, 00:13:42.879 --> 00:13:44.519 just don't define yourself by that either. 00:13:44.519 --> 00:13:47.059 Don't take pride in that. 00:13:48.799 --> 00:13:50.220 Because that doesn't matter either. 00:13:51.000 --> 00:13:52.960 What counts is not what you've done for God, 00:13:53.000 --> 00:13:54.659 or what you haven't done for God. 00:13:55.360 --> 00:13:57.279 What counts is what God has done. 00:13:58.379 --> 00:13:59.960 Neither circumcision counts for anything, 00:14:00.019 --> 00:14:00.860 nor uncircumcision, 00:14:01.220 --> 00:14:02.360 but a new creation. 00:14:03.539 --> 00:14:04.579 Who is it who creates? 00:14:05.759 --> 00:14:06.799 It's God, isn't it? 00:14:07.399 --> 00:14:08.860 I can't make myself new, 00:14:08.939 --> 00:14:10.059 you can't make yourself new. 00:14:10.419 --> 00:14:12.419 God does it as we trust in Christ. 00:14:12.419 --> 00:14:15.039 Now let's think for a minute. 00:14:15.159 --> 00:14:16.559 Typically, what do we think 00:14:16.559 --> 00:14:19.059 makes a difference to our standing with God? 00:14:20.079 --> 00:14:20.860 If I ask you, 00:14:21.079 --> 00:14:22.099 how are you doing as a Christian? 00:14:24.120 --> 00:14:26.219 How do you start to answer that question? 00:14:28.659 --> 00:14:30.279 Or as you look around at church, 00:14:30.339 --> 00:14:31.319 or at Christians in general, 00:14:32.199 --> 00:14:33.319 how do you perceive them? 00:14:34.699 --> 00:14:35.459 See, so often we can, 00:14:35.879 --> 00:14:37.959 we can think it's something about us. 00:14:38.079 --> 00:14:39.799 Do I have my doctrine straight? 00:14:39.799 --> 00:14:42.240 Have I read enough books? 00:14:42.979 --> 00:14:45.339 Have I done enough mercy ministry, 00:14:45.539 --> 00:14:48.399 showing kindness to the poor and the needy? 00:14:48.939 --> 00:14:50.359 Have I done enough evangelism? 00:14:50.419 --> 00:14:52.059 Have I shared the good news with other people? 00:14:53.500 --> 00:14:55.120 Now all those things are good things to do. 00:14:56.379 --> 00:14:57.579 We don't do those things, 00:14:57.639 --> 00:15:00.519 we're not defined by them. 00:15:02.000 --> 00:15:04.059 They're a result of what God has done in our lives. 00:15:04.059 --> 00:15:06.379 Or maybe others of us come here and think, 00:15:06.479 --> 00:15:06.579 yeah, 00:15:07.199 --> 00:15:10.059 I could never be worthy to be part of God's people. 00:15:10.119 --> 00:15:11.959 You don't know the abuse I've had in the past. 00:15:12.719 --> 00:15:14.199 You don't know my struggles with, 00:15:14.199 --> 00:15:16.919 with some secret sins. 00:15:17.919 --> 00:15:19.079 It's same-sex attraction, 00:15:19.819 --> 00:15:20.739 marital infidelity, 00:15:21.399 --> 00:15:23.239 addiction to alcohol or drugs or whatever. 00:15:24.199 --> 00:15:26.079 Maybe you don't know the brokenness in my background. 00:15:26.199 --> 00:15:27.399 I could never be right with God. 00:15:27.399 --> 00:15:30.679 Paul says none of that counts for anything. 00:15:31.159 --> 00:15:34.240 What counts is what God does in your heart and your life. 00:15:36.519 --> 00:15:37.879 Boast in the cross of Christ, 00:15:38.000 --> 00:15:38.740 not in your weakness, 00:15:38.879 --> 00:15:39.539 not in your failure, 00:15:40.139 --> 00:15:41.019 not in your achievements, 00:15:41.699 --> 00:15:43.179 but boast in the cross of Christ. 00:15:43.679 --> 00:15:45.439 For neither circumcision counts for anything, 00:15:45.500 --> 00:15:46.319 nor uncircumcision, 00:15:46.699 --> 00:15:47.759 but a new creation. 00:15:48.939 --> 00:15:51.819 God makes us new as we trust in Christ. 00:15:52.600 --> 00:15:53.600 That's what matters. 00:15:53.600 --> 00:15:57.100 This is Paul's implashing plea. 00:15:57.480 --> 00:16:00.920 Christianity is not about external moral behaviour. 00:16:01.940 --> 00:16:04.360 It's not primarily about living a nice life, 00:16:04.620 --> 00:16:05.460 looking good, 00:16:05.759 --> 00:16:06.440 looking religious. 00:16:07.639 --> 00:16:09.519 It is about internal change. 00:16:10.639 --> 00:16:13.100 It is about being delivered from freedom, 00:16:13.240 --> 00:16:14.259 from slavery, 00:16:14.720 --> 00:16:16.639 delivered from this present evil age, 00:16:16.680 --> 00:16:17.879 as Paul put it in chapter 1, 00:16:18.300 --> 00:16:19.080 for the freedom, 00:16:19.279 --> 00:16:20.300 the joyful freedom, 00:16:21.080 --> 00:16:22.180 of knowing Christ, 00:16:22.179 --> 00:16:23.859 of having our sins forgiven, 00:16:24.459 --> 00:16:26.899 of having the curse we deserve taken away from us, 00:16:27.359 --> 00:16:29.699 of being adopted as children into God's family. 00:16:31.419 --> 00:16:33.239 And only God can do that. 00:16:34.099 --> 00:16:35.479 And God can do that 00:16:35.479 --> 00:16:38.519 because of Christ's life and death 00:16:38.519 --> 00:16:39.979 and resurrection for us. 00:16:41.419 --> 00:16:43.319 We'll go back to chapter 5, verse 6 for a minute. 00:16:43.459 --> 00:16:43.919 Paul says, 00:16:44.759 --> 00:16:46.479 it starts exactly the same way. 00:16:47.099 --> 00:16:48.399 It says something slightly different, 00:16:48.519 --> 00:16:50.299 which helps us to understand verse 15 of chapter 6 00:16:50.299 --> 00:16:50.740 a bit better. 00:16:50.740 --> 00:16:53.060 So chapter 5, verse 6, 00:16:53.399 --> 00:16:54.639 for in Christ Jesus, 00:16:55.159 --> 00:16:56.379 if you trust in Christ, 00:16:56.860 --> 00:16:58.700 neither circumcision or uncircumcision 00:16:58.700 --> 00:16:59.600 counts for anything, 00:17:00.519 --> 00:17:02.600 but only faith working through love. 00:17:03.460 --> 00:17:05.099 That's how God does this new creation, 00:17:05.240 --> 00:17:06.660 is we trust in him, 00:17:06.700 --> 00:17:07.279 that's faith. 00:17:07.660 --> 00:17:08.620 He makes us new. 00:17:09.599 --> 00:17:10.980 And that faith is then displayed 00:17:10.980 --> 00:17:13.000 in a life of love, 00:17:13.559 --> 00:17:15.319 which is the outworking of God 00:17:15.319 --> 00:17:16.559 giving us a new heart, 00:17:16.940 --> 00:17:18.380 and working in us and through us. 00:17:18.380 --> 00:17:21.220 So you see now 00:17:21.220 --> 00:17:22.460 why Paul boasts only 00:17:22.460 --> 00:17:23.540 in the cross of Christ? 00:17:24.560 --> 00:17:25.960 It's the cross of Christ 00:17:25.960 --> 00:17:26.800 that defines him. 00:17:27.780 --> 00:17:29.240 It's not his past religious zeal 00:17:29.240 --> 00:17:29.760 in Judaism. 00:17:30.340 --> 00:17:31.920 It's not his present missionary zeal 00:17:31.920 --> 00:17:32.480 as a Christian. 00:17:33.600 --> 00:17:34.620 It's not defined 00:17:34.620 --> 00:17:35.640 by the number of churches 00:17:35.640 --> 00:17:36.200 he's planted 00:17:36.200 --> 00:17:37.160 or the letters he's written 00:17:37.160 --> 00:17:38.320 or his status as an apostle. 00:17:39.200 --> 00:17:41.080 It's defined by the cross of Christ. 00:17:41.079 --> 00:17:43.460 And that results in a new motivation 00:17:43.460 --> 00:17:44.179 for his life. 00:17:45.159 --> 00:17:46.939 Faith working through love. 00:17:47.720 --> 00:17:48.919 Love for the Lord Jesus. 00:17:49.759 --> 00:17:50.539 Love for the one 00:17:50.539 --> 00:17:52.379 who's given his life for Paul. 00:17:53.839 --> 00:17:55.539 And that can be true for all of us. 00:17:56.960 --> 00:17:58.919 We boast in the cross of Christ. 00:17:59.899 --> 00:18:01.240 That gives us a new motivation. 00:18:01.519 --> 00:18:02.779 Faith working through love. 00:18:02.879 --> 00:18:03.779 The new creation. 00:18:04.279 --> 00:18:05.299 God makes us new. 00:18:05.299 --> 00:18:08.480 And that newness is shown 00:18:08.480 --> 00:18:09.339 in loving others 00:18:09.339 --> 00:18:10.319 and living by faith. 00:18:11.419 --> 00:18:12.879 So that's a cross-focused life. 00:18:13.559 --> 00:18:14.859 Motivated by Christ's death. 00:18:15.039 --> 00:18:15.940 Love for Christ. 00:18:16.480 --> 00:18:18.419 As opposed to a consumer-focused life. 00:18:18.779 --> 00:18:19.799 Who wants popularity 00:18:19.799 --> 00:18:20.519 and pride 00:18:20.519 --> 00:18:21.460 and pleasing others 00:18:21.460 --> 00:18:22.940 and style and the substance. 00:18:24.379 --> 00:18:25.240 Let's look more briefly 00:18:25.240 --> 00:18:25.960 at the consequences 00:18:25.960 --> 00:18:27.960 of these two different ways of life. 00:18:28.480 --> 00:18:29.339 In verse 16 00:18:29.339 --> 00:18:32.639 of chapter 6. 00:18:32.640 --> 00:18:34.900 As for all who walk by this rule. 00:18:34.980 --> 00:18:35.660 This principle. 00:18:36.360 --> 00:18:37.840 This boasting in the cross of Christ. 00:18:38.360 --> 00:18:40.100 Peace and mercy be upon them. 00:18:40.640 --> 00:18:42.160 Even upon the Israel of God. 00:18:43.060 --> 00:18:43.640 Paul is saying 00:18:43.640 --> 00:18:46.200 if you're boasting in the cross of Christ. 00:18:46.280 --> 00:18:47.680 If that's the principle of your life. 00:18:47.759 --> 00:18:48.820 That you need God's rescue. 00:18:49.740 --> 00:18:51.900 Then you will have mercy and peace. 00:18:52.540 --> 00:18:53.520 And you, by the way, 00:18:53.600 --> 00:18:55.259 are the true Israel of God. 00:18:55.600 --> 00:18:56.860 It's not those who get circumcised. 00:18:56.920 --> 00:18:58.300 It's not those who keep the law of Moses. 00:18:59.280 --> 00:19:00.740 You who trust in Christ 00:19:00.740 --> 00:19:02.740 will have mercy and peace. 00:19:04.200 --> 00:19:05.579 We have peace with one of God. 00:19:05.759 --> 00:19:06.400 Through Christ. 00:19:06.460 --> 00:19:07.359 We have peace with one another. 00:19:08.019 --> 00:19:08.579 Because we're no longer 00:19:08.579 --> 00:19:09.319 defining ourselves 00:19:09.319 --> 00:19:10.180 by our own status. 00:19:10.319 --> 00:19:11.480 Our own achievements. 00:19:12.359 --> 00:19:13.019 As soon as we think 00:19:13.019 --> 00:19:13.940 it's all about what we do. 00:19:14.000 --> 00:19:15.620 We end up judging others. 00:19:17.319 --> 00:19:18.519 And condemning others. 00:19:20.380 --> 00:19:20.740 But now, 00:19:20.779 --> 00:19:22.200 if we're boasting in the cross of Christ. 00:19:22.900 --> 00:19:24.380 Then we receive God's mercy. 00:19:25.120 --> 00:19:25.859 God's peace. 00:19:27.079 --> 00:19:27.559 Meanwhile, 00:19:27.660 --> 00:19:28.880 the consumer-focused life 00:19:28.880 --> 00:19:31.280 might seem like it gives us 00:19:31.280 --> 00:19:32.400 popularity and comfort. 00:19:33.440 --> 00:19:34.120 But ultimately, 00:19:34.720 --> 00:19:35.680 it leads to judgment. 00:19:37.080 --> 00:19:37.520 Ultimately, 00:19:37.620 --> 00:19:38.300 it leads to judgment. 00:19:40.600 --> 00:19:42.600 Because either Christ pays for our sin 00:19:42.600 --> 00:19:44.100 or we pay for our sin ourselves. 00:19:44.580 --> 00:19:46.680 Either Christ has taken the curse for us. 00:19:47.340 --> 00:19:48.580 Or we will have to take the curse 00:19:48.580 --> 00:19:49.600 ourselves. 00:19:51.180 --> 00:19:52.500 The cross-focused life 00:19:52.500 --> 00:19:54.900 leads to peace and mercy from God. 00:19:55.280 --> 00:19:57.020 The consumer-focused life 00:19:57.019 --> 00:19:58.700 might give us pride 00:19:58.700 --> 00:19:59.420 and popularity 00:19:59.420 --> 00:20:00.299 and comfort 00:20:00.299 --> 00:20:01.960 in the short term. 00:20:03.079 --> 00:20:04.980 It has a devastating consequence 00:20:04.980 --> 00:20:05.599 of judgment 00:20:05.599 --> 00:20:06.700 in the end. 00:20:08.900 --> 00:20:09.940 And those consequences 00:20:09.940 --> 00:20:10.759 become even more clear 00:20:10.759 --> 00:20:11.599 in verse 17. 00:20:12.539 --> 00:20:13.299 From now on, 00:20:13.339 --> 00:20:14.639 let no one cause me trouble, 00:20:14.819 --> 00:20:15.279 says Paul. 00:20:15.740 --> 00:20:16.879 For I bear on my body 00:20:16.879 --> 00:20:17.960 the marks of Jesus. 00:20:18.900 --> 00:20:19.720 It's almost as if he's 00:20:19.720 --> 00:20:20.779 taunting the false teachers. 00:20:20.839 --> 00:20:22.059 You've got the mark of circumcision? 00:20:22.859 --> 00:20:23.799 I've got the marks 00:20:23.799 --> 00:20:25.099 of belonging to Jesus. 00:20:25.099 --> 00:20:26.980 Remember, circumcision 00:20:26.980 --> 00:20:27.939 doesn't count for anything. 00:20:29.480 --> 00:20:30.719 Belonging to Jesus does. 00:20:31.339 --> 00:20:31.799 It's like you say, 00:20:31.839 --> 00:20:32.539 look at the scars 00:20:32.539 --> 00:20:33.399 from my persecution. 00:20:34.619 --> 00:20:35.399 Look at what I've 00:20:35.399 --> 00:20:38.099 endured for Christ. 00:20:38.539 --> 00:20:39.439 The word for marks here 00:20:39.439 --> 00:20:40.579 is actually the same word 00:20:40.579 --> 00:20:41.219 used for branding 00:20:41.219 --> 00:20:42.579 an animal or a slave 00:20:42.579 --> 00:20:44.359 in the Roman world of the day. 00:20:45.439 --> 00:20:45.839 Paul says, 00:20:45.899 --> 00:20:47.059 you'll see who I belong to. 00:20:48.559 --> 00:20:49.919 But scars are not the only thing 00:20:49.919 --> 00:20:51.139 you get for following Christ. 00:20:51.240 --> 00:20:52.419 Yes, you might face opposition. 00:20:52.419 --> 00:20:54.379 Yes, we will face persecution. 00:20:55.099 --> 00:20:56.919 But that's not the final work. 00:20:56.980 --> 00:20:57.819 Look at verse 18. 00:20:58.619 --> 00:21:00.659 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ 00:21:00.659 --> 00:21:02.359 be with your spirit, brothers. 00:21:03.139 --> 00:21:03.539 Amen. 00:21:04.740 --> 00:21:05.740 For those who choose 00:21:05.740 --> 00:21:07.039 to trust in Christ alone, 00:21:07.599 --> 00:21:08.599 there is grace. 00:21:09.679 --> 00:21:10.839 God's unmerited, 00:21:11.379 --> 00:21:12.459 unlimited kindness 00:21:12.459 --> 00:21:14.319 to a totally undeserving. 00:21:15.919 --> 00:21:17.059 That's what we get 00:21:17.059 --> 00:21:19.359 for trusting Jesus alone 00:21:19.359 --> 00:21:20.919 to put us right with God. 00:21:21.539 --> 00:21:22.059 Grace. 00:21:22.059 --> 00:21:24.720 Jesus plus 00:21:24.720 --> 00:21:27.220 the disaster. 00:21:28.899 --> 00:21:29.960 So here's the choice. 00:21:30.740 --> 00:21:31.480 What are you and I 00:21:31.480 --> 00:21:32.240 going to boast to? 00:21:32.339 --> 00:21:33.259 What are we going to define 00:21:33.259 --> 00:21:34.059 ourselves by? 00:21:35.259 --> 00:21:36.779 By the cross of Christ? 00:21:37.319 --> 00:21:39.119 By our need for a saviour? 00:21:41.039 --> 00:21:43.099 Or by Jesus plus 00:21:43.099 --> 00:21:44.740 our own achievements? 00:21:45.519 --> 00:21:47.139 Our own religious obedience? 00:21:47.140 --> 00:21:48.040 Our own standing 00:21:48.040 --> 00:21:48.759 in our communities? 00:21:50.500 --> 00:21:51.759 If we boast in Jesus 00:21:51.759 --> 00:21:52.860 alone, 00:21:54.080 --> 00:21:54.720 then the cross 00:21:54.720 --> 00:21:55.780 defines our past. 00:21:55.880 --> 00:21:56.520 Not our behaviour, 00:21:57.120 --> 00:21:58.120 not our own way of life, 00:21:58.220 --> 00:21:59.100 not our family background. 00:21:59.240 --> 00:22:00.500 The cross defines our past. 00:22:00.580 --> 00:22:01.020 It's forgiven. 00:22:01.840 --> 00:22:03.120 If we choose to boast in Christ, 00:22:03.220 --> 00:22:04.680 the cross shapes our present. 00:22:05.440 --> 00:22:06.220 It keeps us humble. 00:22:07.080 --> 00:22:07.640 We are nothing 00:22:07.640 --> 00:22:08.420 without the cross. 00:22:09.580 --> 00:22:10.780 It gives us a motivation. 00:22:11.560 --> 00:22:12.460 Love for the Lord 00:22:12.460 --> 00:22:13.160 who brought us 00:22:13.160 --> 00:22:14.160 and gave his life for us. 00:22:14.520 --> 00:22:15.280 The cross creates 00:22:15.279 --> 00:22:16.000 our identity, 00:22:16.720 --> 00:22:17.940 the children of the living God. 00:22:18.879 --> 00:22:19.920 The cross also determines 00:22:19.920 --> 00:22:20.539 our future. 00:22:21.579 --> 00:22:23.099 We are part of the new creation. 00:22:24.339 --> 00:22:25.160 We receive grace 00:22:25.160 --> 00:22:26.019 and mercy now, 00:22:26.639 --> 00:22:27.940 but we will enjoy it forever. 00:22:28.960 --> 00:22:29.960 If we boast in the cross, 00:22:30.019 --> 00:22:31.000 it defines us past, 00:22:31.240 --> 00:22:32.099 present and future. 00:22:33.259 --> 00:22:34.579 So why would we boast 00:22:34.579 --> 00:22:35.740 in anything else? 00:22:36.740 --> 00:22:37.299 Let's pray.