Galatians 6:11 - 18 In the cross of Christ I glory
The Letter -
It's Priority - 11 Ye see how large a letter
It's Paternity - I have written unto you
It's Pertinency - with mine own hand. (It was Necessary)
The Look
Their Desire - 12 As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh,
Their Design - they constrain you to be circumcised;
Their Despair - only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ
The Law -
Their Failure -
13 For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law;
Their Falsehood - but desire to have you circumcised,
Their Front - that they may glory in your flesh.
The Love -
The Check - 14 But God forbid that I should glory,
The Challenge - save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Englishman John Bowring, born in 1792 was one of the great intellects of his day. By age sixteen, he had mastered five languages on his own. In politics he served two terms as an MP and was knighted by Queen Victoria. In 1849, he began serving in China, in 1854, became governor of Hong Kong. It is said, when Bowring sailed past the coast of Macao, China, he saw the remains of an old church destroyed by a typhoon. Above the ruins, he saw the church's cross still standing and wrote -
In the cross of Christ I glory, Tow’ring o’er the wrecks of time,
All the light of sacred story, Gathers round its head sublime.
When the woes of life o’ertake me, Hopes deceive and fears annoy,
Never shall the cross forsake me - Lo! it glows with peace and joy.
When the sun of bliss is beaming, Light and love upon my way,
From the cross the radiance streaming, Adds more lustre to the day.
Bane and blessing, pain and pleasure, By the cross are sanctified;
Peace is there that knows no measure Joys that through all time abide
The Change - by whom the world is crucified unto me,
Rom 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God,
which is your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
The Choice - and I unto the world.
The Loss - John 12:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die,
it bringeth forth much fruit.
The Life -
The Place - 15 For in Christ Jesus
The Parity, neither circumcision availeth any thing nor uncircumcision,
The Power - but a new creature.
The Loved -
Their Walk - 16 And as many as walk according to this rule
Their Wealth - peace be on them, and mercy,
Their Welcome - and upon the Israel of God.
The Lot -
The Request - 17 From henceforth let no man trouble me:
The Reason - for I bear in my body
The Rejoicing - the marks of the Lord Jesus. - Philippians 4 speaks of -
The Joy - 4 Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.
The Justice - 5 Let your moderation be known unto all men.
The Jubilation - The Lord is at hand.
The Justification -
The Provision - 6 Be careful for nothing;
The Petition - but in every thing by prayer and supplication
The Praise - with thanksgiving
The Power - let your requests be made known unto God.
The Journey
The Gift - 7 And the peace of God,
The Glory - which passeth all understanding,
The Guard - shall keep your hearts and minds
The Guide - through Christ Jesus.
The Longing
18 Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
