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The Death of Seven Deadly "P's"
As Paul brings his letter to the Galatian believers to a close, he summarizes his main point in 6:11-18. He gives a tremendous challenge to these believers to remain faithful to the message of the cross that he had previously taught them.
Paul makes a statement in verse 14 that seems almost off hand if not carefully considered. Most of us catch the first phrase in this sentence and we would readily and whole heartily agree that we "boast" only in the cross of Jesus Christ. Have you really stopped and chewed on the second half of that sentence?
"…by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world." (Gal 6:14b ESV)
What does that mean? Paul says to these believers, ultimately to us, that the world system in all of its attractions is dead to him. Not only that, he is also dead to these attractions. The things in this world are no longer attractive to Paul. They no longer have any affect on him. Why? Because he has died to them – "…they have been crucified to me…"
We know when this "crucifixion" took place. Romans 6:6 states that at the time of conversion, when we are baptized into Christ our old self was crucified. Paul teaches the Galatians that those in Christ and who are led by the Holy Spirit have crucified the passions and desires of the flesh, Galatians 5:24.
The next question that comes to mind is what in the world system was crucified to Paul and is no longer attractive to him? What no longer has any influence on him? Well, I am sure this list is not exhaustive; you might be able to add to it. I stopped after seven specific items. I have a long way to go in order to crucify these things so that they are not longer attractive and no longer have any influence on me, so seven was enough. These seven specific items are in no particular order of importance or significance.
Power – no longer did Paul have the desire to obtain or exercise direct control over anyone or anything for his own glory or satisfaction. Authority and control for the sake of authority or control no longer attracted him. He was a messenger, a bond-slave, one sent by authority.
Popularity – Paul did not have a burning desire to be popular or well thought of by his peers. He told the Corinthians not to judge him nor was it any longer important what any one thought of him since God would be his judge. He told the Galatians that if he wanted to be popular he would preach circumcision and the false teachers would leave him alone.
Prosperity – ...
Paul makes a statement in verse 14 that seems almost off hand if not carefully considered. Most of us catch the first phrase in this sentence and we would readily and whole heartily agree that we "boast" only in the cross of Jesus Christ. Have you really stopped and chewed on the second half of that sentence?
"…by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world." (Gal 6:14b ESV)
What does that mean? Paul says to these believers, ultimately to us, that the world system in all of its attractions is dead to him. Not only that, he is also dead to these attractions. The things in this world are no longer attractive to Paul. They no longer have any affect on him. Why? Because he has died to them – "…they have been crucified to me…"
We know when this "crucifixion" took place. Romans 6:6 states that at the time of conversion, when we are baptized into Christ our old self was crucified. Paul teaches the Galatians that those in Christ and who are led by the Holy Spirit have crucified the passions and desires of the flesh, Galatians 5:24.
The next question that comes to mind is what in the world system was crucified to Paul and is no longer attractive to him? What no longer has any influence on him? Well, I am sure this list is not exhaustive; you might be able to add to it. I stopped after seven specific items. I have a long way to go in order to crucify these things so that they are not longer attractive and no longer have any influence on me, so seven was enough. These seven specific items are in no particular order of importance or significance.
Power – no longer did Paul have the desire to obtain or exercise direct control over anyone or anything for his own glory or satisfaction. Authority and control for the sake of authority or control no longer attracted him. He was a messenger, a bond-slave, one sent by authority.
Popularity – Paul did not have a burning desire to be popular or well thought of by his peers. He told the Corinthians not to judge him nor was it any longer important what any one thought of him since God would be his judge. He told the Galatians that if he wanted to be popular he would preach circumcision and the false teachers would leave him alone.
Prosperity – ...
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