Thursday, April 4, 2013

Good Showing - Galatians 6:12-18

Galatians 6:12-18 ESV
It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh who would force you to be circumcised, and only in order that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. For even those who are circumcised do not themselves keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may boast in your flesh. But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. And as for all who walk by this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God.
From now on let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers. Amen.

Everyone would like to think they make a good showing, but Paul warns that this can be sign of the flesh asserting itself in the good intentions of the believer. Care must be given to our actions and motivations. It is not the outward trappings that have any eternal significance, but the inward change of a new creation.

Paul bears not the outward marks of the old, failed covenant, but the marks of our risen Lord, the fruit of the Spirit. This is the good showing.


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