In what ways can we practically boast in the cross of Christ? The Verse in View “But as for me, 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.” – Galatians 6:14 Why the Cross Is Our Only Boast • It is the decisive victory over sin and death (Colossians 2:14-15). • It reconciles us to God and to one another (Ephesians 2:13-16). • It displays the wisdom and power of God that humbles all human pride (1 Corinthians 1:18-31). Because of these truths, boasting in anything else diminishes the glory Christ deserves. Practical Ways to Boast in the Cross Today 1. Celebrate It in Worship • Sing and speak often of the finished work of Christ (Revelation 5:9). • Use the Lord’s Supper as a regular, tangible proclamation of His death (1 Corinthians 11:26). 2. Embrace Humility • Lay aside personal achievements; count them “loss for the sake of Christ” (Philippians 3:7-8). • Let the cross silence comparison, envy, and self-promotion (Jeremiah 9:23-24). 3. Find Identity in Christ Alone • Define yourself not by background, status, or failures but by being “crucified with Christ” (Galatians 2:20). • Reject labels the world assigns; wear only those Christ gives—redeemed, forgiven, beloved (Ephesians 1:7). 4. Pursue Holiness from a Crucified Life • Consider the world dead to you and you to it; refuse its values and temptations (Romans 6:6-11). • Replace old patterns with Spirit-empowered obedience (Galatians 5:24-25). 5. Share the Message Boldly • Speak of Christ’s cross as central, not an add-on (1 Corinthians 2:2). • Rely on the Spirit, trusting the gospel’s inherent power rather than persuasion tricks (1 Thessalonians 1:5). 6. Love Sacrificially • Lay down time, comfort, and resources for others, mirroring Calvary love (John 13:34-35). • Forgive as you have been forgiven, even at personal cost (Ephesians 4:32). 7. Endure Suffering with Hope • View trials as fellowship with Christ’s sufferings (Philippians 3:10). • Rejoice that present afflictions cannot compare with the glory secured by the cross (2 Corinthians 4:17). 8. Cultivate Unity in the Church • Remember all believers stand on equal footing at Calvary (Ephesians 2:16). • Resolve conflicts by looking to the cross’s example of self-emptying (Philippians 2:5-8). 9. Give Thanks Continually • Begin and end each day recalling what the cross accomplished for you (Psalm 103:2-4). • Let gratitude fuel obedience, generosity, and joy (Colossians 3:17). 10. Long for His Return • The cross guarantees the crown; boast by living with expectant hope (Hebrews 9:28). • Keep earthly pursuits in perspective, knowing the crucified-risen Lord will soon appear (Titus 2:13-14). A Single Focus To boast in the cross is to let it shape every thought, attitude, and action, so that Christ receives the honor He purchased with His blood and we live as those truly crucified to the world and alive to God. |
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