Dangerous Freedom or Peaceful Slavery
July 9th, 2017

Galatians 6:11-18

The Mark of a Legalist

Unwilling to face persecution for the cross

“. . . only in order that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ” (v12)

Boasts in the flesh

“It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh  . . . they desire to have you circumcised that they may boast in your flesh” (v12-13)

“Look out for the dogs, look out for the evildoers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh. For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh” (Philippians 3:2-3)

The Mark of a Savior

Willing to face persecution on the cross

“But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ” (v14)

 “. .. (Jesus) humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross” (Philippians 2:8)

 God in the flesh

“. . .Lord Jesus Christ” (v14)

“. . . though (Jesus) was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form. . .” (Philippians 2:6-7)

The Mark of a Believer

Willing to face persecution for the cross

“I bear on my body the marks of Jesus” (v17)

 “Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Timothy 3:12)

 Dies to the flesh

“. . . the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation” (v14-15)

“For if you love according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live” (Romans 8:13)

 As a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, I recognize my complete dependence on Him. I am unable to work toward my own salvation, righteousness or  good works. So, I would willingly choose dangerous freedom over peaceful slavery.