Have you ever received an email where you felt like the Post Script had some of the best information? P. S. Maybe I could have started with this little nugget, but then you may have marked the email TLDR! (Hey Mom, that stands for Too Long Didn’t Read and is likely not something you would ever consider).
Paul is bringing his letter to the Galatians to a close while carefully emphasizing the importance of what he has written. He likely dictated the letter to a scribe but is writing this P. S. at the end of chapter 6 with his own hand. He is writing it in a bold font to say understanding this is key to understanding the whole letter. That makes me chuckle. I feel like he could have started with this.
1. Christianity is a matter of the heart.
Jewish leaders couldn’t keep the whole law themselves but they expected the Gentile Galatian converts to so they could boast that they recruited them. They wanted to make an outward showing of circumcision much like we do baptism today. Baptism is supposed to be the outward picture of an inward change of heart. One way to show what’s in our heart is what we are willing to suffer for what we believe. The reason these Jewish leaders wanted to make a big show was to avoid persecution. They cared more about personal safety than Christ.
2. You can preach about God, just don’t talk too much about the crucifixion.
There are not that many atheists in the world. I have never had anyone get mad at me for telling them I am praying for them. Over time, I start talking about what Christ did for me. I share how He paid the debt I owed because I couldn’t. In doing so, He became the curse and died the death I deserved. If their pride is wounded, they don’t want to hear anymore. They resent the humiliation. They want me to keep praying for them because they think it’s beneficial that I am in good with God, but they communicate I can keep the message of the cross to myself. Only I can’t.
3. Boasting in the cross is where true freedom lives.
The only thing Paul had to boast about was the cross. Everything the world had to offer had been crucified. The desires and attractions in this life were dead to him. This set him free from the idolatry of trying to please others, trying to fit in to the life they dictated. Living in this kind of freedom opened his eyes to what was really important.
4. What’s the heart of the matter?
What was of central importance then and now is the birth of the Spirit. Because of His Son’s work on the cross, God created new life, one that comes with a new nature. This miracle happens when the Holy Spirit regenerates our heart and then indwells us as the very temple of God. He will guide us in God’s very words to tell us how to live our lives. Living free with the enjoyment of peace and mercy starts at that very moment and continues throughout all eternity. This is true for all of God’s chosen people, His Bride, the Church.
Grace begins and ends the letter.
Before Paul actually closes, like a post post script, he doesn’t want to be questioned anymore about whether or not he has the right to address these matters in the church God used him to start. He bears the marks to prove his authority. Wounds and scars are the outward evidence of the persecution he bore and testify of Christ’s ownership of him.
Then he ends this letter to his beloved brothers and sisters at the church in Galatia much as he began, with spiritual favor and blessing. The Gospel of Grace is far superior to anything we could possibly come up with to be declared right before a Holy God. It is freely given to all who call on Jesus Christ as their Lord.
Paul has not given up on them and neither has Jesus.
11 See with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand. 12 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. 13 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. 14 But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which[a] the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. 15 For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. 16 And as for all who walk by this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God.
17 From now on let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus.
18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers. Amen.
