Stand Firm in Your Freedom

In Conclusion…

Galatians 6:11-18 (NIV) – [11] See what large letters I use as I write to you with my own hand! [12] Those who want to make a good impression outwardly are trying to compel you to be circumcised. The only reason they do this is to avoid being persecuted for the cross of Christ. [13] Not even those who are circumcised obey the law, yet they want you to be circumcised that they may boast about your flesh. [14] May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. [15] Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is a new creation. [16] Peace and mercy to all who follow this rule, even to the Israel of God. [17] Finally, let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus. [18] The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers. Amen.

I. Paul’s Signature

A. The first part of the letter may have been dictated by a scribe.

B. Paul uses his own handwriting to authenticate the letter, as he did on other occasions. (1 Corinthians 16:21; Colossians 4:18; 2 Thessalonians 3:17)

1 Corinthians 16:21 (NIV) – [21] I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand.

Colossians 4:18 (NIV) – [18] I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.

2 Thessalonians 3:17 (NIV) – [17] I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand, which is the distinguishing mark in all my letters. This is how I write.

C. The “large letters” may indicate the theory that Paul had problems with his eyesight (Galatians 4:13-15), or it may have been to emphasize the points he is about to make.

Galatians 4:13-15 (NIV) – [13] As you know, it was because of an illness that I first preached the gospel to you. [14] Even though my illness was a trial to you, you did not treat me with contempt or scorn. Instead, you welcomed me as if I were an angel of God, as if I were Christ Jesus himself. [15] What has happened to all your joy? I can testify that, if you could have done so, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me.

II. Paul’s Warning

A. The true reasons for the Judaizers’ emphasis on circumcision:

1. They wanted to impress people.

2. They were fearful of persecution.

3. They wanted to boast about their own righteousness.

B. These three vices will always try to lure a believer into compromise:

1. The praise of man

2. The fear of man

3. The pride of man

C. The ulterior motive for their overemphasis on circumcision:

1. They wanted to boast about the number of circumcisions.

2. To “fit in” with the culture, they compromised the grace of God.

a. Most people can accept Jesus, but it is His sacrificial death on the cross and His bodily resurrection that they have the greatest difficulty accepting.

b. Most religions recognize Jesus as a teacher; it’s His divinity they have a problem with.

c. This truth always humbles people. (Ephesians 2:8-10)

Ephesians 2:8-10 (AMP) – [8] For it is by free grace (God's unmerited favor) that you are saved (delivered from judgment and made partakers of Christ's salvation) through [your] faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [of your own doing, it came not through your own striving], but it is the gift of God; [9] Not because of works [not the fulfillment of the Law's demands], lest any man should boast. [It is not the result of what anyone can possibly do, so no one can pride himself in it or take glory to himself.] [10] For we are God's [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live].

3. May our only boast be in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross for our sins.

4. Through the death of Jesus, the world in us has been crucified and we have been crucified to the world.