GROUP GUIDE: Galatians 6:11-16

In Galatians 6:11-16, Paul concludes his letter by emphasizing the true meaning of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The apostle writes these final words with great pastoral concern, defending salvation by grace and not by the works of the law.

Paul begins by noting that he writes in “large letters” with his own hand, underscoring the importance of his message. Paul's custom, typical in the ancient world, was to dictate his letters, but he often personally wrote a small part at the end, both to authenticate the letter. On this occasion, Paul wrote more than he typically did. The conclusion is very important. He writes passionately and in capital letters about what was fundamental to him: the cross. Let's look at four characteristics of a life centered on the cross.

He then mentions that the Judaizing teachers who were forcing the Gentile believers to be circumcised. They sought to appear external spirituality and avoid persecution for the cross of Christ. His main interest was not to please God, but to receive human recognition and feel proud. Paul goes on to say that even though they did not keep the law, they were motivated by their selfishness and the flattery of the people.

In contrast to that attitude, Paul declares that his only glory is in the cross of Christ. Paul did not care about the glory that came from riches. He cared nothing for the glory that came from status and power among men. He only cared about the glory of the Cross of Christ. Now these words were strange words for the listeners of this letter because the word “cross” and “glory” did not go hand in hand, they were rather opposite words because there was no more humiliating and shameful way to be executed than the cross, it seemed more logical to glory in everything else except the cross but when you understand the gospel there is nothing more logical to glory in but the cross. "What did he mean, however, by the cross? It refers to the glorious doctrine of justification—free justification—through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ." When we understand the gospel and what Christ has done for us we cannot glory in anything else; the world has been crucified for me and I for the world.

In verses 15-16, Paul says that a life centered on the cross is a life lived in the Spirit and in truth, not in religious rituals. Paul begins by saying that circumcision is worthless, as is uncircumcision, because the Christian life isn't about doing or not doing. We have certainly seen in Galatians 5 that our lives must be different; we must bear the fruit of the Spirit, and therein lies the key. There is nothing we can do or not do to bear the fruit of the Spirit unless we are a new creation, and that comes through the work of Christ Jesus. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” It is by the grace of God that we can be a new creation and now walk in the Spirit. Then Paul says, “to those who walk according to this rule.” Now, the word “rule” in this context refers more to: The rule of a carpenter or surveyor by which a direction is taken. It is a straight line, and in this context, there is a rule for the Christian life, revealed by the Word of God. We didn't simply invent it on the fly; it is the gospel, the message of the cross, and how, through the redemptive work of Christ Jesus, we can be a new creation. This is not something Paul invented, but rather this has always been God's sovereign plan, where He shows His grace to the sinner. At the beginning of this letter, Paul says that those who preach a false message should be cursed, but now Paul tells them that those who rest in the work of Christ Jesus find peace and mercy, and they are the true Israel. Basically, whether Jew or Gentile, if they have placed their faith in the work of Christ Jesus, they are part of the People of God. What great news for us! Because if you and I put our faith in Christ Jesus, we are part of the People of God.

May we understand that the life of a believer is not about you, it is about what Christ has done for you; may we surrender completely to the cross of Christ; may we treasure Jesus more than anything; may we live in humility, recognizing who we are and who He is; it is through Christ Jesus that we are a new creation and can be part of the people of God.