"What Counts: A New Creation"

Galatians 6:11-18

Large letters...verse 11: It is thought that Paul had dictated the Galatian letter up to this point. Now, he takes the pen in his own hand and writes the ending verses. If indeed this is the case, why did Paul do it this way? Some think that his thorn in the flesh (2 Corinthians 12:7-10) was poor eyesight. This would account for Paul writing in large letters. It is also possible that Paul wants to emphasize what he is writing. We still do this today, by putting something extra important in large type. The large letters scream, "Important!" Also, Paul's statement must have been endearing to the Galatian Christians. By going to extra effort to write the conclusion of this letter, he let his readers know how much he cared about them.

Outward impressions...verse 12: The legalists were religious exhibitionists. Years before, Jesus had condemned religiosity done for show...see Matthew 6. On another occasion, in Luke 18, he told a parable condemning religious exhibitionism. It is so easy to see why this is so wrong. Religious exhibitionism is all about getting the glory for oneself and not giving it to God. It negates whatever the good deed may be, by making the reward here and now and not eternal. Perhaps the Judaizers were counting converts, putting notches on their belts for each one they compelled to be circumcised.

There is the ever-present danger that we today can be guilty of this kind of religious exhibitionism. If we keep track of records, such as attendance and baptisms, what is our motive? If it is to be able to tell where we have been and where we are going, that is one thing. But, if it is to be able to claim bragging rights, we would do well to learn from this passage.

There was another reason for the Judaizers compelling others to be circumcised. It helped them avoid persecution. They were truly trying to "have their cake and eat it too." By demonstrating some of the characteristics of a Christian, they felt they were able to claim the cross of Christ. But, along with the cross came persecution. Christians were hated by many in the Jewish community because they were seen as traitors. The Judaizers hoped to be able to maintain the approval of the Jewish community by insisting on circumcision, while at the same time, practicing their version of Christianity. Paul will have no part of such legalism. He would say, "Either hide behind the cross of Christ or hide behind circumcision, but you cannot have it both ways!"

They don't obey the law...verse 13: Paul now gets to the heart of the issue...hypocrisy. The Judaizers were not even keeping the law themselves. Paul does not seem to say that they tried to keep the law and failed. He seems to be saying that they did not even try to keep the law. They simply put forward this façade of religiosity. How many people today are doing the same exact thing? How many are acting a part, portraying Christianity? They may pull it off pretty well. They may fool friends, neighbors, family members, and even themselves, but they do not fool God.

The whole purpose of the Judaizers winning people over to their side was to give them a basis for boasting. The Greek word for "I" is "ego." It is an age-old problem of the human race...boasting, bragging, pride, egoism. It is the very opposite of Christian humility. Jesus set the perfect example of genuine humility. He was the very Son of God, but he demonstrated humility in everything he did. He always reflected the glory to God. When we claim glory for ourselves, we are actually taking what belongs to God himself.

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