August 2, 2012
CHRIST-CENTERED AND CROSS-SATURATED
Galatians 6
Marc Bellah
Central Truth
If I boast, it will be in a holy God, Who needs nothing from me, but Who graciously gives me all that I need.
Key Verse | Galatians 6:14
But may it never be that I would boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. (Galatians 6:14)
Galatians 6
Bear One Another's Burdens
1 Brothers, 1 6:1 Or Brothers and sisters; also verse 18 if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. 2 Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. 3 For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4 But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor. 5 For each will have to bear his own load.
6 Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches. 7 Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. 8 For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. 9 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. 10 So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.
Final Warning and Benediction
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 2 6:14 Or through whom 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.
Dive Deeper | Galatians 6
I once heard John Piper describe followers of Jesus as folks who are Christ-centered and cross-saturated. Teaching in Equipped Disciple, I've used the Navigator's Wheel illustration to emphasize living a Christ-centered life. The Wheel, with Christ as the center, is an excellent teaching tool that I've seen help many believers grow closer to Jesus. For me, Piper's point of being Christ-centered was clearly understood.
But the idea of being cross-saturated initially wasn't as clear to me. To find clarity, I considered what the Bible says about the cross. The Word instructed me that on the cross the sovereign God of all creation humbled Himself for me (Philippians 2:5-8). On the cross He demonstrated His love for me (Romans 5:8-9). On the cross His ransom paid a debt for me (Colossians 2:13). On the cross His redeeming work was completed for me (John 19:30). On the cross He made a way for me (1 Peter 3:18). On the cross, as was foretold, He provided healing for me (Isaiah 53:5-6). And, on the cross Jesus provided eternal freedom from sin for me (Revelation 1:5). In response, I should take up my cross daily and follow Him (Matthew 16:24, Mark 8:34, Luke 9:23). And, if I boast, it should not be in the things of this world (1 John 2:16, James 4:13-16), but rather I should boast in Christ and in all He has done on the cross for me (Galatians 6:14).
As I meditated on these passages my understanding of what it is to be cross-saturated became clearer. And, as a result, my role as a disciple and as a disciple-maker became clearer. As I continue to grow and to disciple others, I pray that my learning, my teaching, my focus, my confidence, and my boast will be Christ-centered and cross-saturated so that He who is worthy is worshiped better.
Discussion Questions
1. Think of the greatest gift this world could give you. From an eternal perspective, how does that worldly possession, that position, that person, or that prestige compare to Christ's gift of salvation freely offered to you? (Consider Paul's answer in Philippians 3:8.)
2. How boast-worthy are your deeds? (Check out Isaiah 64:6 and Ephesians 2:8-9.)
3. If your life is Christ-centered and cross-saturated, how will you boast of your Savior today?
4. If your life is not yet Christ-centered and cross-saturated, will you believe in Him today and pursue full devotion to Him in your life?
WEEKLY FAMILY ACTIVITY
Galatians 3 - Ephesians 1 (July 30 - Aug 3)
Read Galatians 5:16-26.
• Look at the list of what your life looks like if you follow the sinful desires (flesh) and then look at the list of a life controlled by the Holy Spirit.
• What are your responses to the two different lists?
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Which list shows more about God's love to others?
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What are ways that you can be more diligent to let the Holy Spirit be in control more than your flesh?
• Talk through each of the qualities of being controlled by the Spirit . . . what do the words mean and how do they play out in your life?
Activity: Go to the grocery store together. Each person should pick out nine fruits. When you get home, take each quality of a life controlled by the Holy Spirit and attach it to one of the fruits. Take one fruit with you for lunch each day. Before you eat the fruit, think back about how your morning has gone. Have you allowed the Spirit to be in control? Have you shown that fruit in your life to those around you? If so, praise God that He is working in your life and pray that you will continue to choose His way over your flesh. If not, pray now that you will have a better afternoon . . . of listening to and following the Spirit.