Take a few minutes to catch up and pray that God would bless you through the reading of His word.

Read Galatians 6:11-18

[6:11] See with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand. [12] It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh who would force you to be circumcised, and only in order that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. [13] For even those who are circumcised do not themselves keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may boast in your flesh. [14] But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. [15] For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. [16] And as for all who walk by this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God.
[17] From now on let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus.
[18] The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers. Amen.

Observation:

• What does Paul want to the Galatians to see in v 11? In those days, it wasn’t uncommon for people to dictate their letters to an amanuensis and then write the concluding remarks in their own hand.
• Who wants to force them to be circumcised (v 12)? 
  • For what reason do this want to do this (v 12 and 13)?
  • What do those who are circumcised not do themselves (v 13)?
• What is the only thing that Paul will boast in (v 14)? What has happened by the cross?
• What doesn’t count for anything (v 15)? What does?
  • What does Paul wish upon “all who walk by this rule” (v 16)?
  • To whom else does Paul wish it? 
• What does Paul want “from now on” (v 17)? Why?
• What does Paul want to be with their spirit (v 18)?

Interpretation:

• Why would forcing Gentiles believers to be circumcised allow the Judaizers to “make a good showing in the flesh” or “boast in your flesh” (v 12 and 13)? 
  • How would it help the Judaiazers not to be persecuted for the sake of Christ (v 12)?
  • In what way were the Judaizers not keeping the law themselves (v 13 – Galatians 2:12-13)?
• What does it mean that the world has been crucified to Paul (and vice-versa)?
• What is the new creation that Paul talks about in v 15? Why is it more important that circumcision or uncircumcision?
• What is “this rule” (v 16)? Who is Paul calling “the Israel of God” (the “and” in verse 16 can be understood as something like “even”)?
• In what way does Paul bear the marks of Jesus on his body?

Application:

• How can we as a church make sure that the one thing that “counts” most in our congregation is “a new creation”?
• What would it mean for you to boast in the cross of Jesus? What other things might tempt you to boast or be confident?
• How is your week different because you have been crucified to the world?

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