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Galatians 6:14 - Glorying in the Cross.Galatians 6:14 (NIV) May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.INTRODUCTION The world offers a full range of enticements and compelling offers and claims. Daily we are confronted with subtle cultural pressure to discover and develop new interests that are not in agreement with biblical values. We can escape these distractions and harmful influences by asking God to crucify our attraction to them and keep us focused on what is most important, just as Paul did. How much do the interests of this world matter to you? [Life Application SB 2019] COMMENTARY PEARL Glorying in the Cross Christ's death proves God's great love for man. It is our pledge of salvation. To remove the cross from the Christian would be like blotting the sun from the sky. The cross brings us near to God, reconciling us to Him. With the relenting compassion of a father's love, Jehovah looks upon the suffering that His Son endured in order to save the race from eternal death, and accepts us in the Beloved. Without the cross, man could have no union with the Father. On it depends our every hope. From it shines the light of the Saviour's love, and when at the foot of the cross the sinner looks up to the One who died to save him, he may rejoice with fullness of joy, for his sins are pardoned. Kneeling in faith at the cross, he has reached the highest place to which man can attain. Through the cross we learn that the heavenly Father loves us with a love that is infinite. Can we wonder that Paul exclaimed, "God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ"? Galatians 6:14. It is our privilege also to glory in the cross, our privilege to give ourselves wholly to Him who gave Himself for us. Then, with the light that streams from Calvary shining in our faces, we may go forth to reveal this light to those in darkness. AA209-210 COMMENTARY The death of Christ upon the cross.... That which alone can effectually restrain from sin in this world of darkness, will prevent sin in heaven. The significance of the death of Christ will be seen by saints and angels. Fallen men could not have a home in the paradise of God without the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. Shall we not then exalt the cross of Christ? The angels ascribe honor and glory to Christ, for even they are not secure except by looking to the sufferings of the Son of God. It is through the efficacy of the cross that the angels of heaven are guarded from apostasy. Without the cross they would be no more secure against evil than were the angels before the fall of Satan. Angelic perfection failed in heaven. Human perfection failed in Eden, the paradise of bliss. All who wish for security in earth or heaven must look to the Lamb of God (ST Dec. 30, 1889). 5BC1132-3 The theme of redemption? It is the greatest subject that can engage the human mind. If men would contemplate the love of Christ, displayed in the cross, their faith would be strengthened to appropriate the merits of His shed blood, and they would be cleansed and saved from sin (ST Dec. 30, 1889). 5BC1132-3 We must never allow anything to interfere with the consecration of our spiritual power. Consecration (being dedicated to God's service) is our part; sanctification (being set apart from sin and being made holy) is God's part. We must make a deliberate determination to be interested only in what God is interested. [In His Time; My Utmost For His Highest] CLOSING PEARL Truly Living Through The Cross When someone asks you what the gospel is, or to tell the story of Jesus, what do you say? This is the gospel: Jesus raises the dead. That's how the story of God's salvation plays out. When Jesus was crucified, He covered all of your sin and wrongdoings. The cross was where grace was on display, justice was done, and mankind's case was pleaded before God. Jesus died in your place. Three days later, Jesus was raised from the dead by the power of God. He triumphed over death, hell, sin, and the grave in resurrection. That same resurrection power changes our hearts from the inside out. Resurrection power allows us to stand in the power and provision of a mighty God and truly live. When you believe this, you realize all striving and boasting is finished. The only thing worth celebrating is the work of Jesus on the cross. Praise God for the gospel! Dear Jesus, when You brought me to life, I was crucified to the world. Its trappings and desires no longer have a hold on me. Thank You for this new resurrection power! [Grace and Glory by Louie Giglio] LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY Jeremiah 9:24 - Spiritual Bullet http://www.abible.com/devotions/1997/19971020-0000.html Jeremiah 9:23-24 - How To Boast. http://www.abible.com/devotions/2005/20050606-0850.html http://www.abible.com/devotions/2018/20181009-1009.html 1 Corinthians 1:31 (NIV) Therefore, as it is written: "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord." [devotional pending] Galatians 2:20 - Dying to Self and Living for Christ. https://www.abible.com/devotions/2023/20230817-1103.html Galatians 5:24 - Crucified with Christ? https://www.abible.com/devotions/2005/20050609-0902.html 1 John 2:15-17 - Our Relationship with God and The World. https://www.abible.com/devotions/2023/20230903-1033.html LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT https://abible.com/links/ |