Otto Greiner [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

A. What faith do you live by? (11)

11 See what large letters I use as I write to you with my own hand!

1. Faith in human strength? (12-13)

12 Those who want to impress people by means of the flesh are trying to compel you to be circumcised. The only reason they do this is to avoid being persecuted for the cross of Christ. 13 Not even those who are circumcised keep the law, yet they want you to be circumcised that they may boast about your circumcision in the flesh.

2. Faith in Jesus’ Cross? (14)

14 May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.

B. The new creation = To die in sin and live for love (14-16)

14 May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. 15 Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is the new creation. 16 Peace and mercy to all who follow this rule―to the Israel of God.

C. The pain and hope of those who believe in Jesus (17-18)

 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 and sisters. Amen.

Summary

Ask yourself what faith you live by. To have faith in Jesus means to continue to love others though we keep the pain of sin (both our own sin and others’ sin) with us. It means, just like Paul did, to remain hopeful and keep loving others, even those whom we lament over, get annoyed or angry with. It is not possible by our own strength, but it is possible for God, who can make us a new creation everyday.

For Discussion

1) What is the pain of those who believe in Jesus?
2) What is the hope of those who believe in Jesus?