The Cross Supreme

A few people have asked me for copies of my notes for my final 5:20 devotional last week, so here goes:

University of Warwick C.U. 5:20 Groups Devotional,
Wednesday 5th March 2008, 4:00pm

The Cross Supreme

Galatians 6:11-16

The letter of Galatians is the product of controversy. Paul wrote it with his back against the wall, under fire to abandon his message, and under attack for his character. Soon after accepting the gospel, the Galatians were infiltrated by a group of agitators who attacked Paul’s character, and more importantly, his message. They claimed that in addition to faith in Christ, believers must also be circumcised to be saved, and it appears that they were causing many to depart from true teaching. Paul therefore wrote to defend the truth of the cross and its power, and he does this majestically in the final paragraph.



People will seek diversions from the Cross- v. 12

As he finishes, Paul himself picks up the pen to emphasise the importance of his words. He firstly makes no attempt to deny the problem of false teachings, and tackles the problem head-on. His first point is to explore the reasoning behind the agitators’ actions.

Paul gives two reasons why people will desert the Cross:

(i) To appear successful- v. 12a

At the root of the Galatian heresy was a reliance on outward things. The agitators stressed the need for circumcision, “to make a good showing in the flesh”. John Stott calls this an example of “ecclesiastical statistics”, where we focus on outward evidences of conversion rather than real heart-work. The Galatians wanted something tangible to brag about, a number to flaunt. But as Paul will show, what matters is the “new creation”, the inward workings of the heart.

Are you too preoccupied with outward things? Do you look for a change of heart rather than attendance at meetings etc.? As encouraging and useful as these things may be, ultimately saving faith happens in the heart, and only then can we be encouraged by outward signs. They are “means of grace”, rather than grace itself.


(ii) To avoid persecution- v.12b

Contemporary historical sources suggest that at this time extreme Jews were persecuting those who they claimed deviated from true Judaism. Thus it was very tempting for Christians under huge pressure to desert the truth they had found.

People will always persecute those who hold to the gospel, as it tells them unpalatable truths. But as Paul will show, these truths are vital for salvation.


But the Cross is supreme- v. 14

Having just drawn attention to those who desert the Cross, Paul now boldy claims that he “boasts” in it. Whereas the agitators boast about how many they have circumcised, Paul boasts only in the Cross. How can he make such an outrageous claim?

Paul boasts in the Cross because:

(i) The Cross separates us from the world- v.14b

Only the Cross can separate us from the world, or sinful humanity. As it is sin that separates us from God, we must be separated from sin in order to be reunited with God. Only the Cross can achieve this, and so Paul boasts only in the Cross- it is the means of his salvation

(ii) The Cross alone brings a new creation- v. 15

Paul repeats that outward signs such as circumcision no longer have any value: what matters is inside “a new creation”.

“Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the Kingdom of God” (John 3:3) Only by the Cross can we receive the Holy Spirit who gives a new spiritual life. Paul boasts only in the cross because here he finds new life, and is a “new creation”.


(iii) The Cross alone brings true peace and mercy- v. 16

Only through following the “rule” of the cross can God’s people (“Israel”) find true peace and mercy. Romans 5:1 affirms that it is only through Christ that we have peace with God. Every human being who has not been saved is described by the Bible as a child of wrath (Eph. 2:3), and thus the Cross is vital as it is the only way that God’s wrath can be propitiated (Rom. 3:25, 1 John 2:2). Paul boasts only in the Cross because here he knows that God’s people find true peace and mercy with God.

Do you believe these things? Are they real in your own hearts? Do you believe they are real for others too? Do you treasure them and feel their value? Can you say with Paul that you boast in nothing but the Cross?

Apologies if it's not terribly clear; they are only notes after all!