What the Spirit says!

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Freedom in Christ- 12

 

TITLE: What the Spirit says!

TEXT: Galatians 6:11-18

TONE: Encouragement

TARGET: Believers

TASK: To encourage believers to listen to the Spirit and remember their identity in Him.

TEACH: One of my favorite sounds is the gentle rustle of leaves as the wind blows through the trees. Recently, while sitting in the church’s prayer garden, I tried to listen to the soothing sound. I was praying and thinking about this sermon in my mind but found it challenging to focus with the noise of passing cars, the flapping of a flag, and other distractions around me.

 

It took a lot of concentration to tune out those interruptions and truly listen to the wind. However, when I finally managed to do so, it brought immense joy to my soul. This experience reminded me of the power of the listening ear. Amid the chaos of daily life, its important to develop the ability to listen deeply. By doing this, we can hear the gentle messages that come from God, bringing us peace and clarity. A listening ear can help is connect with the divine and experience joy in our lives.

 

TRUTH: In our passage for today, Paul encapsulates the essence of his argument by inviting believers to shift their boast from the flesh to the cross, to embrace their new identity as creations transformed by faith and to rest in the peace and mercy that accompany this profound change. These truths also resonate deeply with us today.

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The Spirit will tell you to…

 

I.   Boast in the Cross (6:14)

Explanation: Here, Paul points to the cross as the pivotal event in history that accomplished salvation. The cross represents the culmination of God’s redemptive plan, where Jesus bore our sins and suffered the penalty we deserved. This underscores the idea that our salvation is not rooted in human effort or moral achievement, but in the sacrificial love of Christ.

 

The phrase “far be it from me to boast except in the cross” emphasizes the cross as the sole source of Paul’s pride. The term “cross” (σταυρός, stares) in the first-century context is emblematic of shame and suffering. Paul’s insistence on boasting in the cross reflects a countercultural stance that elevates what was seen as weakness and folly (see 1Cor. 1:18).

 

Scholars like Richard N. Longenecker highlight that in the Greco-Roman world, boasting was typically associated with personal achievements and status. By contrasting this with boasting in the cross, Paul subverts societal values, emphasizing humility and dependence on Christ (Longenecker, Galatians, 1987).

 

Next, Paul contrast boasting in the flesh. Paul’s reference to ‘the flesh’ (σάρξ, sarx) in the context of boasting indicates reliance on human effort, traditions, and law. This ‘boasting in the flesh’ serves as a reminder of the futility of seeking justification through the law (Gal. 2:16). Galatians has been termed the “Magna Carta of Christian Liberty” by Martin Luther, who argued that the law cannot save and that reliance on it leads to bondage rather than freedom (Luther, Galatians). This dichotomy between the cross and the flesh underscores the radical nature of the gospel.

 

We are to boast in the Power of Cross: Justification and Transformation

We are to walk in the Identity of the Cross: Humility and Love

We are to live out the Implications of the Cross: Service and Sacrifice

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The Spirit will tell you to make sure you're…

 

II.                         Being Conformed (6:15)

Explanation: Paul states, “For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation.” The phrase ‘new creation’ (καινὴ κτίσις, kainē ktisis) suggests a radical transformation that occurs at the moment of faith in Christ. This is consistent with 2Corinthians 5:17, where Paul reiterates that transformative aspect of faith.

 

The concept of ‘new creation’ highlights the eschatological hope present in Paul’s theology, where believers are not only forgiven but also made new in Christ. This transformation signifies a break from a life characterized by sin and death to one marked by righteousness and life. The identity of the believer is fundamentally altered, moving from a state of enmity with God to being His children (see 2Peter 1:2-11).

 

The inclusivity of this transformation is significant. Paul’s assertion that all believers are a new creation dismantles barriers, reflecting the radical unity of the early Christian community (F.F. Bruce, Galatians, 1982). This idea aligns with Paul’s broader mission to reach both Jews and Gentiles.

 

The evidence of New Creation include:

 

1. Fruit of the Spirit

2. Desire for Holiness

3. Conviction of Sin

4. Growth and Understanding of Scripture

5. Desire for Community and Service

 

 

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The Spirit will speak…

 

III.                       Beautiful Words of Confirmation

Explanation: Paul concludes in verse 16, “And as for all who walk by this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God.” The term ‘Israel of God’ indicated a new understanding of God’s people -those who live according to the new covenant established through Christ. 

 

This phrase has been the subject of much debate, with interpretations ranging from viewing it as referring exclusively to Jewish believers to encompassing all followers of Christ. Scholars like Barclay argue for a more inclusive interpretation, suggesting that Paul’s vision of the “Israel of God’ includes all who exhibit faith in Christ (Barclay, Paul and the Gift, 2015).

 

The promise of ‘peace and mercy’ indicates that those who embrace this new identity can experience God’s blessing. It signifies a restoration of peace between God and humanity, as well as among believers.

 

The terms ‘peace’ (εἰρήνη, eirēnē) and ‘mercy’ (ἔλεος, eleos) highlight the dual aspects of God’s grace -spiritual well-being and compassion. Paul’s prayer for these blessings serves as a benediction that encapsulates the essence of the Christian life. The implications of this blessing are profound. The peace Paul refers to transcends mere absence of conflict; it is a holistic well-being that reflects the shalom of God. Peace is rooted in the reconciliatory work of Christ.

 

TAKE-AWAY:

 

1.Keep in step with the Spirit.

2.Let the Spirit lead.

3.Listen to the Spirit’s voice.

a.        You will boast in Christ

b.        You will be Transformed.

c.        You will hear beautiful words of Confirmation.

 

Remember, we must develop the discipline of listening carefully.  

© 2012 - 2025 Blake Gideon. All rights Reserved 

Location: Edmond, OK, USA

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