Galatians: The Life I Now LiveSample

In human terms, Paul had every reason to boast. He had preached the gospel in Galatia. He had seen people getting saved. He had seen churches started. But that is not why he boasts. His only boast is in the cross of Jesus Christ (v. 14a)! 

Here are two great truths in summary at the end of the letter:

1. Paul’s fleshly life, as far as he is concerned, was crucified with Christ (v. 14b). Paul called himself the chief of sinners, but that sin was not simply murder and terrorism. It was religious terrorism! If you look in Philippians 3:4–6, Paul lists all the religious things he could take pride in before, but not now. He goes on to write there that fleshly religiousness is dung compared to knowing Christ. 
2. As well as boasting in Christ crucified, Paul is also refusing to let religious codes dictate distinctions. Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision matter now (v. 15). It is not about Jewishness or Gentileness. It is not about being a law-keeper. The only thing that counts now is a ‘new creation’. What is this referring to? In 2 Corinthians 5:17 Paul uses the same language to speak of those who are in Christ – they are a ‘new creation’ – and that is at the conclusion of a wonderful section all about the New Covenant. Because of Christ’s death at Calvary, the Spirit comes to bring us into fellowship with God, our Abba, transforming us from the inside out.

In verse 16 Paul wants to bless everyone who agrees with his gospel – not only Gentile believers who celebrate the no-circumcision gospel, but also, and especially, the believers with a Jewish background who also grasp Paul’s teaching. These people knew that being circumcised is not a problem; it is just not the issue. 

In verse 17 Paul returns to the subject of carrying burdens. He refers to the marks he bears or carries on his own body. He has suffered for this glorious gospel for which he is so passionate. If he had been in Galatia he might have simply taken off his shirt and shown his own back – covered in scars, many of which had come from very religious opponents, because proclaiming the gospel of God’s grace in Christ is worth suffering for!

Reflection

How passionate are you for the simple gospel of God’s glorious grace? Ask God for clarity (what is the gospel?) and courage (will I stand for it?).