Sermon Tone Analysis

Series Review

Don’t mess with the Gospel.

Why?

Because the Gospel is from God

Because the Gospel cannot be improved

Because the Gospel is essential

Because the Gospel transforms us

Galatians 6:11–18 (ESV)

See with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand.

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.

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.

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.

For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation.

And as for all who walk by this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God.

From now on let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers.

Amen.

Introduction

K.I.S.S.

Kelly Johnson formulated the KISS principle in the mid-1900s while working as an engineer for the Lockheed Skunk Works, Lockheed Martin's advanced aircraft development program.

Johnson coined the KISS principle during a long engineering career of designing systems with simple repair capabilities, using tools and skills used by average mechanics.

Today, this term is frequently used in software design, where function creep and instruction creep can make programs unmanageable over time.

This function and instruction creep can occur in the life of God’s people.

Other concerns, agendas and fascinations can creep in and distract us from what God has called us to be and do.

If we were to apply the K.I.S.S. principle to the life of a Christian, we would seek to understand what is the main thing and clear away all that interferes with or calls our attention away from what is the main thing.

FCF: The church struggles to keep the main thing the main thing.

Life is anything but easy or simple.

It can be incredibly complicated, but what does bring clarity to the chaos is the main thing that we have received from God.

You know what the main thing is?

The main thing is the Gospel.

Notice v. 11: See with what large letter I write to you.

Paul didn’t write the entire letter but these closing remarks

Speculation on why large letters, but seems most likely for emphasis

To drive home not to mess with the gospel.... the gospel is the main thing

What about us is impacted by this truth?

Our understanding of self (12-13)

How must the gospel shape our understanding of self?

Today, the way people go about understanding significance and acquiring meaning is to look within.

Human applause is not the prize (12a, 13b)

v. 12a: it is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh

referencing the Judaizers

to present a pleasing front

the chief concern was to impress and receive recognition

v. 13a: even those who are circumcised do not themselves keep the law

Judaizers were concerned that others would keep the Mosaic law, but not concerned they themselves practiced what they preached

Preached circumcision was necessary to have peace with God

It would follow that obeying the rest of the law would be necessary as well

The gospel was not the main thing and when the gospel is not the main thing, something else will be

Often that something else will be ourselves.

And when we are our main thing, and the gospel is not the main thing, then we will possess a warped view of ourselves.

But when the gospel shapes our view of ourselves we will understand that

Avoiding suffering is not the chief concern (12b)

in order that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ.

here’s the reason the Judaizers were so fixed on circumcision and not the gospel

the gospel is a message that centers on the cross of Christ.

A message that proclaims that Jesus suffered on the cross for the sins of His people.

A message that claimed the Messiah was crucified violated the expectations of the Jewish leaders the Judaizers were trying to impress.

People hated the message of the cross just like people hate it today.

So much so, that people suffered for proclaiming such a message, just like people do today.

The Judaizers had an agenda, but it did not include suffering.

What Paul makes clear here is that to follow Christ faithfully is to invite the possibility.., even the likelihood of suffering.

I’ve known business owners over the years whose companies have not been given the contract because of his or her commitment to Christ.

The work place seems to be increasingly hostile to people who will not bow down to this modern understanding of self for the sake of faithfulness to Christ.

Following Christ can result in suffering which should not be surprising since the message we are to proclaim about Him is one that centers on the cross… on His suffering.

Another way the gospel must shape our understanding of ourselves is that

Relying on our own efforts makes consistency impossible (13a)

even those who are circumcised do not themselves keep the law...

referring the the Judaizers

The Judaizers had been circumcised but did not keep the entire law.

Antinomian

Judaizers were missionaries of sorts who would give a report to Jewish religious leaders in Jerusalem… Wanted to be able to say how many people they won to circumcision to impress

One of the more common criticisms that is levied against the church from those outside the church is that the church is full of hypocrites.

And while I do not think such a criticism reflects the most careful thought, I do think, in large part, it is correct.

We are hypocrites.

We claim to believe in and follow Christ, yet we all fail to live up to that claim and fail to follow Him.

Hypocritical.

But what we need to be sensitive to is the message of the gospel.

If the gospel is the main thing, then our efforts will not be what we rely upon.

It’s not that being hypocrites is something we will dismiss or celebrate, but our hypocritical failures will themselves be an opportunity to point people to Jesus.

So when someone says that the church is full of hypocrites, agree with them and tell them that you may be one of the severest offenders.

But also tell them that the community of people in the church are are striving to follow Christ, and all of us, with our hypocrisy needs a Savior, and while the world hates hypocrites, Jesus welcomes us in.

But as far we are concerned, if our own effort is the main thing and not the gospel, we will be frustrated because it is impossible to be consistent to our own standards… in fact, if we’re honest, relying on our own effort is often a means to achieving some other unstated, hidden agenda… to impress others, to gain advantage....

The gospel must be the main thing.... when it is our understanding of ourselves will be changed, but something else that will be impacted is

Our relationship to the world (14-15)

What is meany by the world is all that exists outside of us that rejects God.

All that is part of us that rejects God is our flesh.

But all the systems, institutions, laws, programs, philosophies, priorities that seek to subvert, marginalize, cancel, discredit or reject God (specifically Jesus Christ) is the world

How must the gospel shape our relationship to the world?

We must live out the double crucifixion (14)

Paul contrasts himself with the Judaizers.

The Judaizers boasted in themselves.

far be it from me (God forbid - KJV)

Boasting in self was such, and is such a violation of the gospel message.

The only possible ground for boasting, if the gospel is the main thing is the cross of Christ.

I want us to consider what Paul said elsewhere to gain insight into Paul’s understanding of boasting

Romans 3:21–27 (ESV)

But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe.

For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith.

This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins.

It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.