Context
The letter to the Galatian Christians ends with a series of final instructions, then a last exhortation written in Paul's own hand - the rest of the book was likely dictated to a scribe.
His first instruction can seem odd after his harsh words in chapter 5. How can he advocate for gentle rebuke when he was so harsh? The difference, of course, was that he had been talking about false teachers who led others astray, not errant brothers who struggled. False teachers got harsh treatment, erring brothers were dealt with in patience. He goes on to indicate that we are to lift one another up and seek mutual encouragement.
He then gives a key teaching in verse 7 - you reap what you sow. One of the basic principles of farming is also a life-principle. Life is choices and choices have consequences. Paul takes this beyond the simple teachings of Proverbs about making wise choices to choosing the eternal things of Christ.
He wraps up with a handwritten finale to the letter, passionately reinforcing all that he taught and warning them about anyone who would distract them from the cross of Christ.
His first instruction can seem odd after his harsh words in chapter 5. How can he advocate for gentle rebuke when he was so harsh? The difference, of course, was that he had been talking about false teachers who led others astray, not errant brothers who struggled. False teachers got harsh treatment, erring brothers were dealt with in patience. He goes on to indicate that we are to lift one another up and seek mutual encouragement.
He then gives a key teaching in verse 7 - you reap what you sow. One of the basic principles of farming is also a life-principle. Life is choices and choices have consequences. Paul takes this beyond the simple teachings of Proverbs about making wise choices to choosing the eternal things of Christ.
He wraps up with a handwritten finale to the letter, passionately reinforcing all that he taught and warning them about anyone who would distract them from the cross of Christ.
Devotional - Bragging about Jesus
Paul was a smart man, quick witted with a quick tongue. There are some who have suggested that he would have become a figure of historical import even had he not come to Christ and become the apostle to the Gentiles. He had a respectable heritage as a Jew, observed the law strictly in the manner of the Pharisees, was zealous in his faith and well-educated in his religion. He had a lot of things that he could brag about.
And once he became a Christian, after a few years of training, he was God's chosen emissary to carry the gospel to the world. He went from place to place preaching Christ and leading many to faith. God gave him astounding visions and through him performed many miracles. Paul could have become pretty impressed with himself as a BMOC - Big Man on Christianity.
But Paul had a commitment, one which he lived out and proclaimed often. In 1 Corinthians, he said he preached Christ and him crucified. In Philippians, we will read that for him, "to live is Christ and to die is gain." Here, in Galatians 6:14, Paul lets us know that there is only one thing he will ever boast about.
But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.There was one and only one thing that brought Paul to boasting - the Cross of Christ. His entire life revolved around the Cross. He preached the Cross. He lived the Cross. He patterned his life after the pattern of the Cross. Because of his love for the Cross of Christ, the things of this world meant nothing to him. It all paled into nothing compared to the glory of the Cross of Christ.
What is my boast? From what do I gain my identity? My family? My role as a pastor? A writer? If it is anything other than the Cross of Christ, I've missed the mark.B
Father, may my life be focus on Christ and Christ alone, crucified, risen and coming again.
Think and Pray
Is it your flesh - your talents, abilities, ambitions - or is it the cross and the work of Christ in you?
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