Paul’s Final Advice
11NOTICE WHAT LARGE LETTERS I USE AS I WRITE THESE CLOSING WORDS IN MY OWN HANDWRITING.
12Those who are trying to force you to be circumcised want to look good to others. They don’t want to be persecuted for teaching that the cross of Christ alone can save. 13And even those who advocate circumcision don’t keep the whole law themselves. They only want you to be circumcised so they can boast about it and claim you as their disciples.
14As for me, may I never boast about anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of that cross,c my interest in this world has been crucified, and the world’s interest in me has also died.
What do you think it means to say “my interest in this world has been crucified, and the world’s interest in me has also died”?
What interest do you still have in this world? What interest does it have in you?
15It doesn’t matter whether we have been circumcised or not. What counts is whether we have been transformed into a new creation. 16May God’s peace and mercy be upon all who live by this principle; they are the new people of God.d
17From now on, don’t let anyone trouble me with these things. For I bear on my body the scars that show I belong to Jesus.
18Dear brothers and sisters,e may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
What matters is that we are transformed people living a new life. Paul really hits home there. Transform me Lord, transform me.
