A NEW CREATION

Passage: Galatians 6:11-18

Key verse: 14

NIV

Not Circumcision but the New Creation

11 See what large letters I use as I write to you with my own hand!(A)

12 Those who want to impress people by means of the flesh(B) are trying to compel you to be circumcised.(C) The only reason they do this is to avoid being persecuted(D) for the cross of Christ. 13 Not even those who are circumcised keep the law,(E) yet they want you to be circumcised that they may boast about your circumcision in the flesh.(F) 14 May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ,(G) through which[a] the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.(H) 15 Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything;(I) what counts is the new creation.(J) 16 Peace and mercy to all who follow this rule—to[b] the Israel of God.

17 From now on, let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks(K) of Jesus.

18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ(L) be with your spirit,(M) brothers and sisters. Amen.

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Footnotes
  1. Galatians 6:14 Or whom
  2. Galatians 6:16 Or rule and to
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Source: BibleGateway

ESV

Final Warning and Benediction

11 See with what large letters I am writing to you (A)with my own hand. 12 (B)It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh (C)who would force you to be circumcised, and only (D)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 (E)except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which[a] the world (F)has been crucified to me, and I to the world. 15 For (G)neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but (H)a new creation. 16 And as for all who walk by this rule, (I)peace and mercy be upon them, and upon (J)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 (K)The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be (L)with your spirit, brothers. Amen.

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Footnotes
  1. Galatians 6:14 Or through whom
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
Source: BibleGateway

1. Those who try to avoid the cross (11-12)

There are those who want to take the cross out of Christianity. In Paul's day, they urged new converts to be circumcised to avoid persecution. Some people try to avoid suffering at all costs. Some want to get human benefit from their Christianity. They say and do things just to be praised by others. Because they are very skillful to find a way out of any suffering, they can never really know Jesus.

2. I boast only in the cross of Christ (13-18)

Paul had many things to boast about. He had a good family background; his r?sum? contained excellent educational and experience credentials. But he said, 'May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.' He crucified worldly pride and desire on the cross with Jesus. He found peace and God's mercy in the cross of Christ. And he became a new creation. He discovered what really counts.

Prayer: Lord, help me to crucify my worldly pride and boast only in Jesus' cross.

One Word: A new creation is what counts