speak up kid, I can't hear you.

Before reading the passage, take some time to talk to God.

Galatians 6:11-16

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 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.

 The definition of boast is to speak of something with pride. "Boast in the cross" that's usually not something I think to boast about. I tend to boast about myself or something I did. But boasting in the cross, that's not something I do very often.

When I was in Florida for spring training, we went to church Sunday morning. The pastor was using fancy words and deep theological stuff that kinda lost me at sometimes. This guy was pretty sharp, he knew his stuff really well, he was good! I'm sure there was a lot he could boast about himself. He gave one of the best sermons I have ever heard! And this is why it was so great...

He opened up his sermon with a story about a magazine journalist that wrote a story for Newsweek about the Bible. His article made the front cover of the magazine, it was a pretty big deal. The article was a bout how the Bible is a lie, there is nothing true in the Bible. The pastor defended God and the Bible. His whole sermon was all about how and why the Bible is 100% true. He spoke with such great passion and love for the Word of God. He spoke of God with pride. Even though I got lost in the big words he used sometimes, seeing his love and passion for God was incredible! He boasted about God.

I wish I was more like that. Speaking for myself and I'm sure for many others, I really don't think we as Christians speak boldly enough of Christ. We are too quiet, we need to be louder. We boast in ourselves and not in Christ. What a waste to spend our time and words boasting about our flesh when we could be boasting about the cross! We should want to tell everyone about what Jesus did for us. Yet still we waste our time with ourselves.

Answer This:

1. What are some things we boast about ourselves?

2. How can we boast in the cross?

3. Now use that idea and boast in the cross! We haven't learned anything from the Word of God until we put it into practice. Sometime this week, apply what the Bible has said and boast away.

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Written by Max Davis