What is our motivation in serving the Lord? It is possible that service results from selfish motives – the desire to impress others, gain praise, convince oneself of one’s own goodness, even to contribute in some way to one’s own salvation. It is possible to do the best of things for the worst of motives. As Paul comes to the end of Galatians, these issues are at the front of his mind. We now consider Galatians 6:1-18 Glorying in the cross.
1. The personal concern
The reference to ‘large letters’ (v11) probably does not indicate poor eyesight, but rather Paul’s making his words emphatic – indicating their importance. It is a token of his pastoral concern for his readers. He writes ‘with my own hand’ – taking over from his amanuensis, a guarantee of the authenticity of the letter: ‘the distinguishing mark of all my letters’ (2 Thessalonians 3:17). He speaks with an apostolic authority that must be heeded.
2. The legalist hypocrisy
Paul makes a final attack on the legalists, exposing their true motivation. They profess concern for the Galatians’ spiritual welfare, but when ‘they are ‘trying to compel you to be circumcised’ – they actually want to gain favour with the Jews when ‘they…boast about your flesh’ (v13). The Judaizers would look good is they persuade Gentiles to be circumcised. Their real motive is ‘to avoid being persecuted’ – self-preservation. They are also hypocrites – though circumcised, they do not obey the law themselves, as they should have done (5:3).
3. The apostolic boasting
In complete contrast to the legalists, Paul asserts, ‘May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ’ (v14). (The translation ‘glory’ has fewer negative connotations than ‘boast’). What delights the heart of Paul is the redeeming work of his gracious Saviour. The ‘cross’ is the heart of the gospel. The fallen world no longer dominates Paul’s life, and the world has lost it attraction for the child of God. Our glorying is fully Christ-centred.
4. The essential priority
The rite of circumcision is irrelevant (v15) – ‘what matters is a new creation’, the transformation brought about by God’s grace (2 Corinthians 5:17), our first priority.
5. The closing benediction
(i). ‘Peace and mercy…’ (v16): these blessings are inseparable and are to be desired by God’s people, the true ‘Israel of God’.
(ii). ‘let no-one trouble me’ (v17). He does not seek confrontation, but he has been willing to suffer for the Saviour’s sake – ‘the marks of Jesus’, indicating a true servant.
(iii). ‘The grace of the Lord Jesus…’ (v18). Here is the supreme need of every believer. ‘Amen’ is a word of faith and confidence. The Lord will bless his people.