June 18, 2018
Galatians 6:11-18 New Living Translation (NLT)
The Bible is the rule of Christian faith. If we have given our life to Jesus, we know the Bible is to be followed and applied in our daily living. The entirety of Scripture is our spiritual food.
Some of the early Christians from Galatia were preaching that circumcision was necessary for salvation and holiness. Paul reminds them salvation comes through the cross alone and holiness is the work of the Spirit in us. With God the condition of our hearts is what really matters. As the people of God, let’s place our hearts before the Lord every day and allow him to bring the necessary transformation.
Galatians 6:11-18 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, 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.
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, may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for setting me free from sin so I may live for you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.