Finally, turning to the law implies that man can gain merit thereby, and so brings to an end the offense of the cross (5:11). The cross of Christ is an offense to all that man prides him self in. It is offensive to his morality, because it tells him his work cannot justify him. It is an offense to his philosophy, because its appeal it to faith and not to reason. It is an of fense to his culture, because its truths are revealed to babes. It is an offense to his sense of caste, because God chooses the poor and the humble. It is an offense to his will, because it calls for an unconditional surrender. It is an offense to his pride, because it shows the exceeding sinfulness of the human heart. And, finally, it is an offense to himself, because it declares he must be born again. The cross brings to an end all that man is, or can be, or can do, by nature. It closes his life and counts him as a dead man before God; a dead man whose death was the death of a criminal; to im pose the law upon believers in the Lord Jesus Christ is to resurrect the criminal. Hence the apostles says, “I would they were even cut off who trou ble you” (5:12). * * * People who look down their noses at others will always have the wrong slant. * * * One of the hardest secrets for a man is to keep his opinion of himself to himself. * * * If you want to have a better life then make the most of the best and the least of the worst. * * * The quickest way to lose your shirt is to put too much on the cuff.
like leaven, leavening the whole lump, affecting every part of their Christian profession. For relief he turns from contemplating the Galatians and looks YOU DON'T HAVE TO TELL IT You don't have to tell how you live each day; You don't have to say if you work or play; For a true barometer right in its place, However you live, my friend, it will show in your face. The false, the deceit that you bear in your heart, W on't stay down inside where it first got its start; For sinew and blood are a thin veil of lace, What you carry in your heart will show in your face. If you've gambled and won in the great game of life, If you feel you have conquered the sorrow and strife; if you've played the game square and you stand on first base; You won't have to tell it, it will show in your face. Then, if you dissipate nights till the day is most nigh, There is only one teller and one that won't lie; Since your facial barometer is right in its place. However you live, my friend, it will show in your face. So if your life is unselfish and for others you live, For not what you can get but for what you can give; And if you live close to God in His infinite grace. You won't have to tell it, it will show in your face. at the work of Christ on their behalf. As he remembers their confession of faith and their acceptance of Christ when he first went among them, he can say, “I have confidence in you in the Lord” (v. 10). He could have no confidence in them in their present state, but he could wholly trust the Lord to complete the good work he had begun in them.
Knowledge is one thing that doesn't be come secondhand when used.
Some people look at God through their difficulties, while others look at their diffi culties through God. * * * It may be a long way to the goal, but remember it's not far to the next step to ward the goal. 35
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