Crucified To Me, And I To The World

Galatians 6:10-14 - Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. See what large letters I use as I write to you with my own hand! 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. Not even those who are circumcised obey the law, yet they want you to be circumcised that they may boast about your flesh. 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.

Titus 2:12-14 - It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.

Philippians 3:3-6 - For it is we who are the circumcision, we who worship by the Spirit of God, who glory in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh—though I myself have reasons for such confidence. If anyone else thinks he has reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for legalistic righteousness, faultless.

James 4:4 - You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.

Conclusions:

• Salvation involves the double work of redeeming us from guilt and judgment and of producing moral purity and helpful service to others
• Large letters may have been for emphasis or, as some have suggested, because Paul had poor eyesight
• By advocating circumcision the Judaizers were less apt to experience opposition from the Jewish opponents of Christianity
• Judaizers were thinking only of themselves
• The true, inner meaning of circumcision is realized only in believers who worship God with genuine spiritual worship and who glory in Christ as their Savior rather than trusting in their own human effort
• Everyone is a boaster, either in Christ or in himself
• The world is all that is against God
• Adulterous people are those who are spiritually unfaithful, who love the world rather than God

Application:

• Are you eager to do what is good? (morally pure; helpful service to others?)
• Do you worship God with genuine spiritual worship? Do you glory in Christ as your Savior?
• Are you choosing to be a friend to the world?

All Scripture verses taken from NIV

Conclusions derived from NIV Study Bible