THE OFFENSE OF THE CROSS. In his letter to the Galatians, Paul spoke of the offense of the cross and specifically when we identify with the cross, we WILL suffer persecution. There were “Judaizers” persecuting the Galatian church, teaching the new converts that they must be circumcised, “As many as desire to make a good showing in the flesh, these would compel you to be circumcised, only that they may not suffer persecution for the cross of Christ.” Galatians 6:12
However, It was not from any true love for the cause of religion, only that they may avoid persecution from the Jews. If they should renounce the doctrine which taught that circumcision was indispensable, they would be exposed to the rage of the Jews, and would suffer persecution. Rather than do this, they made a show of great zeal in inducing others to be circumcised. This was the true cause of their zeal- fear of persecution.
Fear of persecution is a real thing. Most surely, the cross is an offense to the world because it requires separation. The Jews cannot understand the parting from their religious rites and ceremonies, and the gentiles cannot understand the parting from the sinful flesh. The cross is an offense to all men. Those who identify with the cross, will suffer persecution.
You cannot live and think like the world- the cross is an offense. A greedy man cannot continue to live in his greed once he is confronted with the cross. He must change. The cross offends our pride and wounds our ego. The cross confronts our sinful nature. The cross wounds the satanic mind that tells itself, “I am my own god” with the truth that He is the only Lord and Savior and His way is afflicted, His path is narrow. And the reason many don’t change is because they fear being persecuted. They would rather be approved by men than approved by God.
Don’t think this is just about Jewish rites and circumcision, for this is the same letter in which Paul said, “Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality (any and all sex outside the marriage covenant between one man and one woman), impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” Galatians 5:19-21 The cross offends men. Are you offended yet? #runyourrace
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