Galatians 6:14-16

Summary retelling of Galatians 6:14-16

Paul is clear that he has one thing in which he can boast: the death of Christ upon the cross.  He then says that because of Jesus the world has been crucified to Him.  In fact, because of the death of Christ Paul confesses that the things that he used to consider important – such as circumcision – are irrelevant.  The only thing that matters is being a new creation.  Then Paul gives a great conclusion: those who strive to be the new creation in Christ will know the peace and mercy of Jesus Christ.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

Paul only boasts in the death of Jesus.  This comment – and comments like this one – is why I love Paul.  How many times do we hear people raving about their own success?  How often do we hear people talking about how great they are?  What does Paul say here?  He boasts about how great Jesus happens to be.  Life isn’t about Paul and Paul’s success story.  Life is about God and the redemption we have through Jesus Christ.

Is Jesus Christ the primary focus of your life?  If not, what are the things that distract you from focusing on Jesus?

Second Thought:

Paul speaks about being a new creation.  He doesn’t want to be the “old Paul” – the Paul who worried about the actions of other people.  Rather, Paul wants to be the “new Paul” – the one who is worried about following Jesus Christ and His leading.  Paul has genuinely been crucified to the world.  All that matters any more is that Jesus Christ’s agenda be followed.  Human traditions are nowhere near as significant as the ways of God.

What do you think it means to be a new creation?  What benefits are there to striving to be a new creation?

Third Thought:

Paul’s word of peace in this verse is great.  Those who strive after God’s ways – those that want to be a new creation – they will know God’s peace and mercy.  Those who strive after the ways of the world may not know.  Those who strive after human tradition may not know.  Those who only seek the understanding of the world may not know.  But those who genuinely seek to be crucified to this world will know God’s peace and mercy.  The promise is simple, but significant.

Do you know God’s peace and mercy?  What may occasionally keep you from feeling God’s peace and mercy?

Passage for Tomorrow: Galatians 6:17-18