Boasting in the Cross: Our Identity in Christ
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. Today, we conclude our study of Galatians chapter six, focusing on Paul's final exhortations to the church in Galatia. Paul emphasizes that we are saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. He passionately argues that Jesus plus nothing is everything, and Jesus plus anything is nothing. Paul writes with large letters to stress the importance of his message, possibly due to his physical sufferings or to underline his passion.
Paul's central message is to boast only in the cross of Christ. He explains that what we boast about reveals where our faith lies. Boasting in our moralism, works, or adherence to rules shows misplaced faith. Instead, Paul urges us to find our satisfaction and safety in Jesus alone. The cross confronts our sin, declares our need for a Savior, and proclaims that Jesus is that Savior. Our salvation is not based on our works but on Christ's finished work on the cross.
Paul's life exemplifies this message. Despite his sufferings, he finds peace and satisfaction in Christ alone. He challenges us to live for God's approval rather than human applause. The ultimate question is whether we are a new creation in Christ. This transformation brings peace, knowing that nothing can separate us from God's love.
As we conclude, I encourage you to give yourselves fully to Jesus. Consider filling out a symbolic blank check to Jesus, committing all that you are and have to Him. This act of surrender is not about ensuring an easy life but a fulfilling one in Christ. Let us live as people who boast in the cross of Christ alone, finding our identity and satisfaction in Him.
### Key Takeaways
1. Boasting in the Cross: Paul emphasizes that our only boast should be in the cross of Christ. This reveals where our faith truly lies. Boasting in our moralism, works, or adherence to rules shows misplaced faith. Instead, we should find our satisfaction and safety in Jesus alone. [40:13]
2. The Cross Confronts Our Sin: The cross is a stark reminder of our sin and our need for a Savior. Jesus went to the cross not for our mistakes but for our sins. We are dead in our sins, slaves to sin, and unable to save ourselves. The cross declares our need for a Savior and proclaims that Jesus is that Savior. [52:47]
3. Living for God's Approval: Paul challenges us to live for God's approval rather than human applause. Our satisfaction and safety should be found in Christ alone, not in the things of this world. This shift in focus brings true peace, knowing that nothing can separate us from God's love. [01:03:50]
4. Transformation into a New Creation: The ultimate question is whether we are a new creation in Christ. This transformation changes our past, present, and future. It brings peace, knowing that we are children of God and that nothing can separate us from His love. [01:05:34]
5. Total Surrender to Jesus: Consider giving yourselves fully to Jesus, symbolized by filling out a blank check to Him. This act of surrender is not about ensuring an easy life but a fulfilling one in Christ. Let us live as people who boast in the cross of Christ alone, finding our identity and satisfaction in Him. [01:11:17]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[20:13] - Introduction to Galatians 6
[20:59] - Backpack Giveaway Announcement
[22:26] - Community Outreach and AC Unit Update
[27:01] - Reflection on National Events
[32:35] - Summary of Galatians Study
[34:13] - Paul's Final Exhortations
[40:13] - Boasting in the Cross
[52:47] - The Cross Confronts Our Sin
[01:03:50] - Living for God's Approval
[01:05:34] - Transformation into a New Creation
[01:11:17] - Total Surrender to Jesus
[01:16:54] - Closing Prayer and Communion
[01:20:12] - Offering and Final Announcements
[01:27:40] - Doxology and Benediction
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Galatians 6:11-18
2. Ephesians 2:1-3
3. 2 Corinthians 11:23-30
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Paul mean when he says, "See with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand" in Galatians 6:11? ([34:13])
2. According to the sermon, what does Paul boast in, and why is this significant? ([40:13])
3. How does Paul describe his sufferings for Christ in 2 Corinthians 11:23-30? ([36:55])
4. What does Ephesians 2:1-3 say about our condition before knowing Christ? ([53:22])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul emphasize boasting only in the cross of Christ, and what does this reveal about where our faith should lie? ([40:13])
2. How does the cross confront our sin and declare our need for a Savior, according to the sermon? ([52:47])
3. What does it mean to live for God's approval rather than human applause, and how does this bring true peace? ([01:03:50])
4. How does becoming a new creation in Christ change our past, present, and future? ([01:05:34])
#### Application Questions
1. Paul challenges us to boast only in the cross of Christ. Reflect on your life: What are you currently boasting in, and how can you shift your focus to boast in the cross alone? ([40:13])
2. The sermon mentions that the cross confronts our sin and declares our need for a Savior. How has the cross confronted your own sin, and how have you responded to this confrontation? ([52:47])
3. Living for God's approval rather than human applause can be challenging. Identify a specific area in your life where you seek human approval. What steps can you take to seek God's approval instead? ([01:03:50])
4. Becoming a new creation in Christ brings peace. Think about a current struggle or anxiety in your life. How can the truth of being a new creation in Christ bring you peace in this situation? ([01:05:34])
5. The sermon encourages total surrender to Jesus, symbolized by filling out a blank check to Him. What does total surrender look like in your life, and what is one area you need to surrender to Jesus today? ([01:11:17])
6. Reflect on the idea of finding satisfaction and safety in Jesus alone. What worldly things are you currently finding satisfaction in, and how can you begin to find your satisfaction in Jesus instead? ([59:27])
7. Paul talks about the transformation that comes from being a new creation. How has your life changed since becoming a new creation in Christ, and what further transformation do you hope to see? ([01:05:34])
Devotional
Day 1: Boasting in the Cross
Our faith should be evident in what we boast about. Paul emphasizes that our only boast should be in the cross of Christ. This reveals where our faith truly lies. Boasting in our moralism, works, or adherence to rules shows misplaced faith. Instead, we should find our satisfaction and safety in Jesus alone. The cross is the ultimate symbol of our salvation, and it is through Christ's sacrifice that we are redeemed. By boasting in the cross, we acknowledge that our salvation is not of our own doing but is a gift from God.
[40:13]
Galatians 6:14 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: What are some things you find yourself boasting about in your daily life? How can you shift your focus to boast in the cross of Christ instead?
Day 2: The Cross Confronts Our Sin
The cross is a stark reminder of our sin and our need for a Savior. Jesus went to the cross not for our mistakes but for our sins. We are dead in our sins, slaves to sin, and unable to save ourselves. The cross declares our need for a Savior and proclaims that Jesus is that Savior. It is through His sacrifice that we are forgiven and set free. The cross confronts us with the reality of our sinfulness and the depth of God's love for us. It is a call to repentance and a reminder of the grace that is available to us through Jesus Christ.
[52:47]
Romans 5:8 (ESV): "But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
Reflection: Reflect on a specific sin in your life that you need to confront. How does the cross of Christ give you hope and assurance of forgiveness?
Day 3: Living for God's Approval
Paul challenges us to live for God's approval rather than human applause. Our satisfaction and safety should be found in Christ alone, not in the things of this world. This shift in focus brings true peace, knowing that nothing can separate us from God's love. When we seek God's approval, we align our lives with His will and purpose. It frees us from the pressure of seeking validation from others and allows us to live authentically as followers of Christ. Living for God's approval means prioritizing His commands and seeking to please Him in all that we do.
[01:03:50]
Colossians 3:23-24 (ESV): "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ."
Reflection: In what areas of your life are you seeking human approval over God's approval? How can you begin to shift your focus to live for God's approval today?
Day 4: Transformation into a New Creation
The ultimate question is whether we are a new creation in Christ. This transformation changes our past, present, and future. It brings peace, knowing that we are children of God and that nothing can separate us from His love. Being a new creation means that our old self has been crucified with Christ, and we have been given a new identity in Him. This transformation is ongoing as we grow in our faith and become more like Christ. It is a journey of sanctification, where we are continually being made new by the power of the Holy Spirit.
[01:05:34]
2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV): "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."
Reflection: How has your life changed since becoming a new creation in Christ? What areas of your life still need transformation?
Day 5: Total Surrender to Jesus
Consider giving yourselves fully to Jesus, symbolized by filling out a blank check to Him. This act of surrender is not about ensuring an easy life but a fulfilling one in Christ. Let us live as people who boast in the cross of Christ alone, finding our identity and satisfaction in Him. Total surrender means trusting Jesus with every aspect of our lives, including our plans, desires, and fears. It is an act of faith, believing that His plans for us are good and that He will lead us in the right direction. Surrendering to Jesus brings freedom and fulfillment as we rest in His love and guidance.
[01:11:17]
Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV): "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from surrendering to Jesus? What would surrendering this area to Him actually look like in terms of daily habits?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Every year people will ask us, why do you do this? And we just say, well, because God loves you and this is just a tangible way that you can experience the goodness of God and there's more. Like God has more for you than just a backpack. We want you to know his son and have a relationship with him." [22:26] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We have a spiritual enemy. Like, just for a moment, I just want to remind you that there are people who have an agenda who are aligned with the evil one to divide this country even further than it is. Like, there's people that profit off of hatred and division. They profit off of you looking across the aisle and hating the person next to you, to hating your neighbor and to hating people who disagree with you." [27:23] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The only solution to this is Jesus. I mean, the only solution to this is that God would bring healing to our land. The evil one who, all throughout Scripture, we were in the car the other day, we were listening to a podcast. Like, you know, there's this, like, Satan is called a dragon, right? I mean, like, this imagery of this fire-breathing evil being that wants to destroy people. Like, Jesus says it this way. He comes to kill and to steal and to destroy." [28:26] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The cross was the symbol of state-sanctioned killing of a person who broke the law or was public enemy number one. Now, I say this jokingly, but I also want you to get the point. To talk about boasting in the cross would be similar to me saying, hey, do you wanna come over to my house this week? I want you to come over because I just purchased an electric chair from a prison. And you can come over and see the chair. It's so beautiful. You can play with the chair." [50:47] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The cross confronts our sin. When we talk about the cross, you have to ask the question, well, why did Jesus go to the cross? Well, Jesus went to the cross because of our sins. Like Jesus did not go to the cross because we make mistakes. Jesus didn't go to the cross because every now and then we make whoopsies. Jesus went to the cross because of our sin." [52:47] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Paul's finishing up his argument about coming back to the gospel. And what he finishes with is this idea of he wants to use his own life to show the truth of scripture. And here's what it is. I boast in one thing alone, and that's the cross of Christ. And the reason this is so important is because of this, what you boast about reveals, what you boast about reveals, what your faith is in." [40:13] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Paul says, I now look at the world and say there's nothing for me in this world. My safety and my satisfaction are not found in the things of this world. Now let me be clear, right? Because there's things we need. Like you need a place to live. Like you need clothing. Like there's certain provisions that we all need and should have. What Paul says is this, do not delight in them. Do not put your confidence in them. Do not put your satisfaction in them. Do not boast in them." [01:00:22] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Paul says, when people look at me, I want them to see that I live for the pleasure of God because the pleasure of God was given to me fully in Christ Jesus. Paul's one of these guys, I would love to meet Paul, but I feel like it would get weird fast. I feel like Paul would instantly be like, here's five things you need to do better. Here's five sins I see in your life. You'd be like, this is fun coffee, Paul. We've been together for five minutes." [01:04:36] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Are you a new creation? Because that's all that matters. Because one day we're all preparing for that day. You will stand before the holy God almighty, the creator of the universe. And the only question in that moment that will matter is, have you been made new by Jesus? Have you been saved by grace through faith in Christ alone? Because the gospel changes everything. The gospel changes our past. The gospel changes our today. And it changes my future." [01:05:34] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The cross proclaims the provision of that savior. That Jesus really is fully God and fully man. He is innocent, spotless. He dies in our place for our sin. Although he's innocent, it's like John the Baptist says, behold the lamb of God. That Jesus, willingly goes to the cross as a substitute, as a sacrifice for all of my sin and for all of your sin and in that moment he takes all of our sin, the past sin, the future sin and places it upon his self and he absorbs the wrath of God that you and I deserve." [58:06] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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