Paul’s Final Advice
11 Notice what large letters I use as I write these closing words in my own handwriting.
12 Those who are trying to force you to be circumcised want to look good to others. They don’t want to be persecuted for teaching that the cross of Christ alone can save. 13 And even those who advocate circumcision don’t keep the whole law themselves. They only want you to be circumcised so they can boast about it and claim you as their disciples.
14 As for me, may I never boast about anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of that cross,[c] my interest in this world has been crucified, and the world’s interest in me has also died. 15 It doesn’t matter whether we have been circumcised or not. What counts is whether we have been transformed into a new creation. 16 May God’s peace and mercy be upon all who live by this principle; they are the new people of God.[d]
17 From now on, don’t let anyone trouble me with these things. For I bear on my body the scars that show I belong to Jesus.
18 Dear brothers and sisters,[e] may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
3 comments:
I only hope I can truly think this way at somepoint in my walk permenantly - 14 As for me, may I never boast about anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of that cross,[c] my interest in this world has been crucified, and the world’s interest in me has also died.
cas
15 It doesn’t matter whether we have been circumcised or not. What counts is whether we have been transformed into a new creation.
Once again, it's not about us, it's about what God is doing in us and through us. It's not about whether or not we look good in our little circles of influence, it's how we are influencing others for Christ's sake.
Such a simple concept, but such an enourmous challenge.
tba
TBA, Golf is such a simple concept as well but EXTREMELY difficult to execute.
I agree with both you guys, Christ's revolutionary teaching was about others, not us; inside obedience of the heart, not the outside potentially showy, hollow performance.
Verse 12 Those who are trying to force you to be circumcised want to look good to others. They don’t want to be persecuted for teaching that the cross of Christ alone can save.
I pray that we have the courage and the compassion to spread the truth today.
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