Sermon Central
-
Defining Spiritual Success Series
Contributed by Aarron Ellerman on Mar 19, 2008 (message contributor)
Summary: Paul ends Galatians with a warning and two keys to spiritual success.
Series: Study of Galatians
Text: Galatians 6:11-18
Title: “Defining Spiritual Success”
• Paul starts with a warning: Beware of Bragging (11-13)
Vv. 11-12
• Beware of those people who like to boast of their successes; even their own spiritual growth and accomplishments.
o That is not a mark of maturity at all; in fact it’s just the opposite.
o The more we grow the more we realize how much more we need to grow.
• Pride is so dangerous that it can even take something that is inherently good and make it perverse.
o Giving – vv. 1-4
o Praying – vv. 5-6
o Fasting – vv. 16-18
• “these would compel you to be circumcised”
o That was the motivation behind the Judiazers and is the motivation behind all legalism.
o As long as we wear the right clothes, have the right haircut, carry the right Bible, listen to the right kind of music, then you are ok; regardless of how messed up your life might be.
• “only that they may not suffer persecution for the cross of Christ.”
o Before you can come to the cross you must surrender your will and your pride; it’s no longer about us but it is all about Christ.
o Coming to the cross is admitting we are powerless to save ourselves.
Vs. 13
• It had nothing to do with keeping the law, because salvation is not found in the law, but in Jesus Christ alone.
• 2 Keys to success.
I. Key To Success: It Begins On The Inside (14-15)
Vs. 14
• Boast in the cross
o The cross takes us out of the world and the world out of us.
• How does this happen?
Vs. 15
• By becoming a new creation.
John 3:3 -- 3 Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
o When we become a child of God He gives us a new heart, a new life, a new attitude, a new home, a new outlook, a new purpose, and a new king.
• We are no longer motivated by our own desires, but out of a heart of gratitude to please a loving Savior who died that we might live.
• The cross is where we begin but it is also where we must return; because it is not only the message that saves, but also the message that changes.
II. Key To Success: It Manifests On The Outside (16-18)
Vs. 16
• “And as many as walk according to this rule”
o So the cross not only affects the inside (new creation), but is also affects the outside (our walk).
o We can see a cause and affect happening here: Legalism says that my walk (what I do on the outside) is what affects my salvation (my spiritual standing before God).
o Paul clearly teaches that our salvation (crucifying the flesh, being a new creature) is what causes me to desire and to carry out a life pleasing to God.
• “peace and mercy be upon them.”
o This is the mark of a follower of Christ.
• “and upon the Israel of God.”
o When God changed Jacob’s name to Israel it was when he wrestled with God and God touched his hip; affecting his physical walk, but this was only a result of his new spiritual walk with God.
Vv. 17-18
• Paul was no longer concerned about the physical mark of the flesh (circumcision), he was now proud to bear the marks of a life that now pleased God.
