Crucified to the Religious World

Bible Study—Fall 2012
The Crucial Points of the Truth in Galatians (12)
Crucified to the Religious World

Galatians 6:14  But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom the world has been crucified to me and I to the world.
Galatians 6:15  For neither is circumcision anything nor uncircumcision, but a new creation is what matters.
Galatians 6:16  And as many as walk by this rule, peace be upon them and mercy, even upon the Israel of God.
Galatians 6:17  Henceforth let no one trouble me, for I bear in my body the brands of Jesus.
Galatians 6:18  The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers. Amen.

Scripture reading:  Gal. 6:14-18, 4:3, 6:12, 2:20; Col. 2:14, 2:20; 2 Cor. 5:17; Mark 8:31; 2 Cor. 4:10;  Acts 5:40-41; 2 Cor. 4:9; Rom. 8:35; Phil. 4:4.

Through the cross of Christ, we are finished with religion and are in another world, another realm; in this realm we live a new creation by the Spirit, not the old creation by the flesh. On the one hand, we bear the brands of Jesus, are persecuted, and live a crucified life; on the other hand, we enjoy the grace of Christ and experience the bountiful supply of the Spirit.

Download the outline: Crucified to the Religious World

Questions:
1.  What does the phrase “the world” refer to?
2.  How are we separated from the religious world and qualified to live in the new creation?
3.  What kind of pattern do we see in the Lord Jesus and in the apostle Paul?
4.  As we follow the Lord how can we be inwardly happy? (Phil 1:19, 4:4)

Hymn 1 (Tune)
I am crucified with Christ
And it is no longer I who liveth,
But it is Christ who lives in me;
And the life which I now live
In the flesh, I live in faith—
The faith in the Son of God
Who loved and gave Himself up for me.

And now I’m walking by the Spirit
Step by step, day by day,
O Lord, I love You.
You’re the precious One to me.
As I do this and that
Lord, remind me where You’re at;
You’re in my spirit,
Dispensing grace to me.

And now I’m walking by the Spirit,
Marching on toward the goal.
O Lord, Your purpose
Means everything to me.
All self-love I lay aside
For the churches, for Your Bride,
For the fulfillment
Of Your economy.

Hymn 2 (Tune)
We will sing to the Lord with our spirit,
We will sing to the Lord from within,
We will sing hallelujah to Jesus;
And be blent into oneness with Him.

We have been many years in religion,
We have been many years in our mind,
We have been many years in emotions,
Always seeking, but never to find.

Now we’re learning to turn to our spirit,
Now we’re learning to take Christ as life;
Now we’re learning to feed upon Jesus
And be freed from all struggling and strife.

Hallelujah for life in the Spirit,
Hallelujah for newness within.
When we turn from our mind to our spirit,
We enjoy all the riches of Him.