Sermon Response Guide
PRIMARY SCRIPTURE:
Galatians 6:11-18 ESV
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 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.
Key Points
- What we believe about Jesus and the cross matters – and it matters most.
- A singular focus in life frees us to say no to lesser things as we live for what matters most.
- The whole Christian faith is built on what Jesus did, not what we do.
- We can’t be a Christian by trying; only by dying.
Memory Verse
Ask God to write this word on your heart this week:
“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.”
-Galatians 6:14 ESV
Questions for Reflection
Take time to reflect and respond to these questions on your own in the presence of the Holy Spirit, or with trusted friends or family members:
1: At your core, when you consider Christ Jesus and the cross, what fills your mind and floods your heart?
2: If someone asked you to tell them the truth about Jesus and the cross, what would you say?
3: Reflect on this week’s memory verse (Galatians 6:14) and answer the questions that follow.
· What does Paul have to boast about regarding the cross of Christ?
· Why do you think Paul uses such dramatic language about him boasting in anything but the cross?
· Why is it acceptable and encouraged to boast in the cross? In other words, what is the benefit of boasting in the cross?
· What do you think Paul means when he writes, “the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world?”
4: How have you been personally offended by the gospel of Jesus Christ?
· Do you think Christians can continue to be offended by the gospel of Jesus Christ?
· If so, how might that help us better understand Paul’s letter to the Galatians?
· If you know Christ as your Rescue and your King, what was it that first moved you from a place of offense to belief?
5: Look up what Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 2:2 and answer the questions that follow.
· How does this verse relate to our message today?
· What freedom is found in Paul’s focus on Jesus Christ and him crucified?
· What is one thing you can do each day this week to better focus on Jesus Christ and him crucified?
Pray
Lord Jesus, thank you for dying for us on the cross so we might live with you forever. Free us from our fixation on what we see. Help us to fix our minds on you, who we cannot yet see. Convict us when we boast in anything apart from you, but quicken our hearts to freely boast in you, Lord Jesus.
