Galatians 6:11 "... I have written unto you with mine own hand."

Paul's practice of using an amanuensis is done away with in the love interest he had for these Galatians, and by this means they were assured of the letter's authenticity. Critics and legalists cannot rob us of this letter of liberty that God wanted us to have to enjoy and obey.

An unrenewed nature displays zeal for religious, external rites as a superstitious substitute for lack of real experience, "to make a good showing in the flesh" (Galatians 6:12 NKJV). Cultist religion zealously compels conformity to their form of bondage.

Galatians 6:12 "... these would compel you to be circumcised, only that they may not suffer persecution for the cross of Christ."

Compromise of the faith arises out of self-protection from persecution for the faith. By adding to their number of adherents they hoped to convince others they were right in their compromise.

Galatians 6:13 "For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh."

These verses form a clear-sighted appeal to those who are in legalistic, religious bondage today - to open their eyes to freedom in Christ by embracing the cross.

Exalt the cross because only by substitutionary, atoning death of Jesus can sinful man be saved.

Galatians 6:14 "But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world."

Exalt the cross because by it the world has become dead to the believer, and the believer has become dead to the world. The cross in Christian experience brings incredible transformation. The world becomes a vile, crucified dead thing - that whole system that is opposed to God and is at enmity with God (1 John 2:16; James 4:4 ). It is a double crucifixion - the Christian has become a crucified thing to the world, a thing scorned and abhorrent. Paul acknowledges this to be experienced by himself (1 Corinthians 4:13 ) What Paul says in 1 Corinthians 4:9-13 can be summarised in the statement "I (crucified) to the world."

To the crucified with Christ the world loses its attractions and power, and its very influence to lead astray. The world sees the crucified with Christ as no longer belonging to it, and therefore hates and persecutes such. Union with Christ effected by the cross, makes this twofold Christian experience inevitable. Is this your testimony "In the cross of Christ I glory"? In Christ the old separating distinctions have lost any meaning or force.

Galatians 6:15 "For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature."

In Christ is a new creation, regeneration springs from union by Faith with Him. For in Christ Jesus ... a new creation (Galatians 6:15 ). Christ is our very life (2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 2:20 ). The new life expressed in new thinking - new motivation - new principles - new control - new love abounds for God and the family of believers. A new name will be given to all those who are new-born, and before the throne they will sing a new song. They will inhabit the New Jerusalem and will reign with Christ in the new heaven and the new earth (Revelation 2:17; 3:12; 5:9; 14:3; 21:1; 2 Peter 3:13; Isaiah 65:17; 66:22 ).

Peace and mercy are blessings enjoyed by those living by the rule of glorying in the cross, such are the true Israel of God. In contrast to those who depended on being outwardly marked as Israel, those who are the true Israel of God are inwardly changed through faith in Christ and regeneration of the Holy Spirit.

Galatians 6:16 "And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God."

Peace is His great gift to His people - mercy is both the origin and support of peace. Be "upon" us as the canopy of His love.

Both the messenger and the message bear the credentials of being the Master's.

Galatians 6:17 "From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus."

The many scourging, wounds and scars spoke with great eloquence of the reality of the message and the genuineness of his apostleship. The summary of the message and the blessing received are contained in one word - "grace".

Galatians 6:18 "Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen."

It has been said, "Grace is at once the beginning, middle, and end of Christian life". May we echo Paul's "Amen" as our personal affirmation and acceptance - "so be it."

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QUESTIONS FOR GROUP INTERACTION

1. Do you believe that compromise of the faith usually arises out of self-protection from persecution for the faith? (Galatians 6:11-12 ).
2. Has the cross in your experience brought incredible transformation? (Galatians 6:14 ).
3. What are the blessings enjoyed by the Israel of God? (Galatians 6:16 ).
4. To what marks in his body was Paul referring, and how did they relate to Jesus Christ? (Galatians 6:17 ).