The Gospel of Grace – Part 11

Galatians 6:11-18

Scripture Reference

Galatians 6:11-18

Introduction

This sermon concludes Dr. Terry LeQuieu’s study through Galatians under the title “The Gospel of Grace – Part 11.” The focus is the final portion of Galatians 6 where Paul insists that the cross of Christ alone is the place for a Christian’s glory. Paul, writing with his own hand, combats false teachers adding law to grace and reminds believers that true identity and victory are found only in Christ crucified. This message challenges us to examine our motives, our methods, and our public witness so that all glory is given back to the Lord.

It’s another one of those songs written by Faith York entitled you’d Understand Mine. We don’t always understand why God does what he does and the reasoning behind everything, but we know that he’s in control and we know that he has our best interest in mind. Thank you for that song.

Quote from Preacher

Dr. Terry LeQuieu introduces the service with a reflection on God’s sovereignty and the comfort of trusting Him even when we don’t fully understand.

Outline

Personal Address and the Weight of the Message
1. Paul writes with his own hand (v.11) — significance:
  1. Authenticity — Paul emphasizes the urgency and personal concern behind this letter.
  2. Physical difficulty — Paul’s large handwriting may reflect his poor eyesight and bodily afflictions, reminding us that truth is often delivered through suffering.
2. Application: When a teacher, pastor, or elder speaks plainly from personal cost, give careful heed.
Final Admonition — Identify the Problems (vv. 12–13)
1. Problem 1: Their message is deceptive — “to make a fair show in the flesh.”
  1. They wanted public converts as trophies, not mature disciples.
  2. Application: Beware religious activity focused on appearance rather than heart change.
2. Problem 2: Their methodology is demanding — they constrained circumcision “lest they should suffer persecution for the cross.”
  1. Adding works to salvation creates moving goalposts and fear-based obedience.
  2. Application: Gospel ministry calls for grace-oriented persuasion, not coercion into rites to avoid reproach.
3. Problem 3: Their manners are deceptive — they themselves did not keep the law they imposed.
  1. Hypocrisy undermines spiritual authority.
  2. Application: Leaders must practice what they preach; sincerity matters.
4. Problem 4: Their motives are disgraceful — they sought to glory in others’ flesh.
  1. Control and personal fame corrupted their mission.
  2. Application: Ministry must glorify Christ, not the minister.
Final Affirmation — The Cross Alone (vv. 14–15)
1. Paul’s central claim: “God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (v.14)
  1. All personal credentials—even Paul’s impressive background—are counted loss compared to Christ (cf. Phil. 3).
  2. Application: Let the cross be your only boast; personal accomplishments cannot atone.
2. The cross is threefold in our lives:
  1. Source of Victory — Christ’s sacrifice secures our justification.
  2. Sword of Victory — the cross severs sinful affection to the world (Gal. 6:14; see Rom. 6:6; Eph. 6:17).
  3. Symbol of Victory — outward rites (circumcision) are worthless; what matters is a new creature in Christ (v.15).
3. Application: Evaluate your spiritual identity — are you clinging to rites, reputation, or the risen life in Christ?
Final Advice — Walk by the Rule of Glorying in Christ (v.16)
1. Those who follow this rule receive “peace and mercy” and are the “Israel of God.”
2. Peace comes when glory is diverted from self to Christ; mercy reminds us of pardon through grace.
3. Application: Practically pursue holiness as a thankful response to grace, not as a means to earn it.
Final Assertion — Let No Man Trouble Me (v.17)
1. Paul refuses further distraction; he bears the marks of Jesus in his body.
2. Those scars of service and suffering are his badge of authenticity.
3. Application:
  1. When critics question your faithfulness, respond primarily by faithful living, not endless explanation.
  2. Persevere in service; let your life answer the accusation.
Final Announcement — Grace Endures (v.18)
1. Paul closes by commending the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ to the readers’ spirit.
2. Grace is the beginning, the means, and the end of the Christian life.
3. Application: Receive God’s grace and extend it; it is both your foundation and your model for dealing with others.

Summary

Paul’s closing in Galatians 6 is unambiguous: the cross is the Christian’s only ground for glory. False teachers wanted outward conformity and trophies; Paul insists on inward transformation. The cross both conquers the world’s hold on us and is the tool that severs our attachment to sin. Our public witness should flow from genuine heart-change and humility — not from self-promotion or added works. If critics question our fidelity, we answer them by consistent faithfulness and visible marks of a life lived for Christ. Above all, grace is the sustaining power for the believer from start to finish.

But God forbid that I should glory save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me and I unto the world.

Quote to Ponder

This direct line from Paul (quoted here as Dr. LeQuieu emphasized it) reminds us: our boast must belong uniquely to Christ and His sacrifice, not to our works, our programs, or our personalities.

Application for the Week

Practical steps to live out Galatians 6:11–18 this week. These are short, tangible actions intended to move young adults and the whole congregation from conviction to practice.

Daily Refrain: Glory in the Cross
1. Begin each day by saying aloud: “I will glory only in the cross of Christ.” This reorients motives away from self.
Examine Your Motives
1. Pick one ministry or service you do and write down why you do it. If any reason is praise, status, or fear of man, confess and repent. Replace those motives with a prayer of thanksgiving to Christ for grace.
Practice Silent Service
1. This week deliberately serve without seeking recognition: help set up or clean up after an event, give anonymously, or send encouraging notes without signing your name.
Respond to Critics with Faithfulness
1. Do not engage every critic. When criticized, answer once with calm truth if necessary, then keep doing the work God has given you. Let your consistent life be your best defense.
Memorize and Meditate
1. Memorize Galatians 6:14 this week. Meditate on it twice daily, asking God to make it the rule by which you walk.
Share a Story of Grace
1. Tell one person this week how God’s grace changed you. Real testimonies point people to the cross; they combat deceptive messages that depend on law or works.
Encourage Someone Bearing Marks
1. Find a fellow believer who has sacrificed or suffered for Christ and offer encouragement, prayer, or practical help. Affirmation from the body of Christ sustains faithfulness.

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit as you live out these steps. Remember: the cross is our boast, our sword, and our symbol. Live crucified to the world and alive unto Christ.