Paul is (in our Text today) speaking of the “Cross,” that cruel means of execution devised by the ancients to torture a person to death, and that by the most humiliating/shameful way possible.
But not just any Cross … “the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.” The very means God has ordained for the salvation of lost souls! Via the shed Blood of our Lord!
Then the great Apostle adds, concerning that “old rugged” Cross … “by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.” Galatians 6:14, the second half of the verse.
That’s why I have labeled the Text … “the Cross and me.” I could have as easily said, brothers and sisters in Christ, “the Cross and you.”
Let’s this morning personalize this great Truth of genuine Christianity!
Let’s talk about the “practicality” of Jesus’ Cross, two thousand years after the Fact, in 2018 (soon to be 2019, the Lord willing).
Here Paul makes (in a way) the Cross of Jesus into the Cross of “Paul!” (As shameful as that Cross was, in Greek/Roman society.) He still applies its mighty power to himself, not power in the sense of mere enjoyment, but power for spiritual growth!
Starkly, for “death” in certain areas of Paul’s life!
Here’s what I mean … “Jesus Death on the Cross” procures Paul’s “death” to the world! The world as the seat of Satan, the center of darkness. “By Whom the world is crucified unto me.”
Jesus died that Day to the world, for sure. In fact, after Calvary He (our Lord) only stayed here another 40 days! Then He was ascended to Heaven, where yet today He sits and reigns and intercedes!
And by that same Cross … somehow I can die to the world as well!
Paul did.
To the point he could testify … “I die daily.” 1 Corinthians 15:51
The world, via Calvary and the One Who gave Himself there, had lost its power to allure the Apostle!
Other things had assumed more (attracting, magnetizing, drawing) Power! Well, another Thing! JESUS and His Death!
“But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me …”
Amen!
The Cross has brought about for Paul “a whole new world, a new creation!” Old things have passed away! Including what used to matter to Paul … ” If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more. Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. But what things were GAIN to me, those I counted loss for Christ.” He crucified his worldly life!
Wow, because of Jesus!!
He continues: “Yea doubtless, and I count all things but LOSS for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do COUNT THEM BUT DUNG, that I may win (better know) Christ.” Philippians 3:3-6
The world is now dead to Paul!
Then tomorrow (the Lord willing), we shall look at the final phrase of Galatians 6:14. Where Paul declares: “and I unto the world.”
More fully: “But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, AND I UNTO THE WORLD.”
— Dr. Mike Bagwell