Glorying in the Cross: The Heart of the Gospel

In Galatians chapter 6, we are reminded of the profound significance of glorying in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. This message is a call to return to the simplicity and profundity of the gospel, especially in times when its core truths are under attack. Throughout history, God has used controversy to clarify and reinforce the essential truths of the gospel. The Apostle Paul often wrote his epistles in response to crises within the early church, addressing issues that threatened to distort the gospel's message. Similarly, we are compelled to preach with clarity and depth when the gospel is confused or perverted.

The cross is not a tragic accident or a mere example of loving one's enemies. It is the centerpiece of God's eternal plan, determined before the foundation of the world. The cross is where the divine exchange took place: our sins were imputed to Christ, and His righteousness was imputed to us. This is the heart of the gospel, and it is the only thing worthy of our boasting. Paul emphasizes that a true Christian or preacher will glory only in the cross, excluding all other boasts. This singular focus on the cross is what distinguishes genuine faith from false teachings that add to the gospel.

False teachers in the church may acknowledge the cross but insist on additional requirements for salvation, such as circumcision or other legalistic practices. These additions distort the gospel and lead believers away from the grace of God. Paul warns against such teachings, emphasizing that our only boast should be in the cross of Christ, which alone has the power to save and transform us into new creatures.

The cross is not just a historical event but the means by which God accomplished our salvation. It is through the cross that we are justified by faith, not by works. This understanding excludes all boasting in our own efforts or righteousness. The cross is the ultimate demonstration of God's love and justice, where Christ bore the penalty for our sins and granted us His perfect righteousness.

Key Takeaways

• 1. The Cross as God's Eternal Plan: The cross was not a tragic accident but a central part of God's eternal plan for salvation. It was determined by God's foreknowledge and purpose, demonstrating His sovereignty and love. Understanding this helps us see the cross as the ultimate expression of God's redemptive work. [08:55]
• 2. Exclusion of All Other Boasts: True faith in the cross excludes all other boasts. A genuine Christian or preacher will glory only in the cross, recognizing it as the sole source of salvation and transformation. This singular focus distinguishes true believers from those who add to the gospel. [11:56]
• 3. The Danger of Legalism: Adding requirements to the gospel, such as circumcision or other legalistic practices, distorts the message of grace. These additions lead believers away from the simplicity and power of the cross, making them rely on their own efforts rather than Christ's finished work. [37:57]
• 4. The Cross as the Means of Salvation: The cross is not just a historical event but the means by which God accomplished our salvation. It is through the cross that we are justified by faith, not by works. This understanding excludes all boasting in our own efforts or righteousness. [26:01]
• 5. The Victory of a Crucified Christian: By glorying in the cross, we experience victory over the world and its systems. The cross crucifies the world's influence on us, allowing us to live in the freedom and power of Christ's finished work. This victory is marked by a transformed life and a singular focus on Christ. [60:29]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:12] - Introduction to Galatians 6
• [01:06] - The Role of Controversy in Clarifying the Gospel
• [02:33] - Glorying in the Cross
• [03:45] - The Simplicity and Depth of the Gospel
• [06:01] - The Battle Over Christ's Sacrifice
• [07:14] - The Cross as God's Eternal Plan
• [11:03] - Exclusion of All Other Boasts
• [17:10] - The Cross in the Roman Context
• [23:38] - The Message of the Cross
• [28:21] - The Accomplishments of the Cross
• [34:34] - Those Who Do Not Glory in the Cross
• [39:12] - The Danger of Legalism
• [46:10] - Modern Movements and the Cross
• [52:15] - The True Gospel vs. False Gospels
• [60:14] - The Victory of a Crucified Christian
• [66:00] - The World Crucified to Us
• [69:05] - Becoming a New Creature in Christ

1. What does Paul mean when he says, "God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ"? How does this statement reflect his understanding of the gospel? [03:10]
2. According to the sermon, how does Paul describe the role of controversy in clarifying the gospel? [01:06]
3. What are the dangers of adding requirements to the gospel, such as circumcision, according to the sermon? [37:57]
4. How does the sermon describe the cross as part of God's eternal plan, rather than a tragic accident? [08:55]

1. How does the sermon explain the concept of "glorying in the cross" as a distinguishing mark of true faith? What implications does this have for how believers should view their own accomplishments? [11:56]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that legalism distorts the message of grace? How can believers guard against this distortion in their own lives? [37:57]
3. How does the sermon interpret the phrase "the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world"? What does this mean for a believer's relationship with worldly systems and values? [01:00:29]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between faith and works in the context of salvation? How does this understanding impact the believer's daily life? [26:01]

1. Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where you find yourself boasting in something other than the cross of Christ? How can you shift your focus to glorying in the cross alone? [11:56]
2. Have you ever encountered teachings or practices that add requirements to the gospel? How did you respond, and what steps can you take to ensure you remain grounded in the simplicity of the gospel? [37:57]
3. The sermon emphasizes the cross as the ultimate demonstration of God's love and justice. How can you incorporate this understanding into your daily worship and prayer life? [26:01]
4. Consider the concept of the "divine exchange" at the cross. How does this impact your view of your own righteousness and your relationship with God? [05:10]
5. The sermon warns against the dangers of legalism. Are there any legalistic tendencies in your faith practice that you need to address? How can you embrace the grace of God more fully? [37:57]
6. How can you practically live out the victory of a crucified Christian, as described in the sermon, in your interactions with the world around you? [01:00:29]
7. Identify one specific way you can demonstrate the transformative power of the cross in your community or church this week. What steps will you take to make this happen? [01:00:29]