Gal. 5:6; 6:15; 1 Cor. 7:19, What really matters?

We are ready to move on in our study of the Fruit of the Spirit, to “gentleness and kindness.”  And since we are in-between topics, and it is what some call “holy” or “passion week” (in the West, at least) I would like to consider some topics more directly related to the cross and resurrection, and what Christ has provided. 

Today’s topic has to do with what is more important than circumcision or uncircumcision.  That might sound a bit strange, unless you read the three passages listed above.  The question “what really matters” is one we need to ask from time to time concerning what occupies our time or energy or focus.  Why?  Because we will give account to Christ for the things done in the body (2 Cor. 5:10). 

You should have noted that the statement concerning “circumcision and uncircumcision” is identical in the two Galatians passages.  For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything.  “Avails” is the Greek word for “strong.”  In terms of our relationship with God through Christ, your approach to the religious practice of the Jews does not carry the day in any sense, whether you agree or not.  Your choice does not impart any inner strength to you that will help you in following Christ.  1 Cor. 7:19 is also speaking of this choice in a religious sense.  Only there Paul simply says your view is “nothing.”  It doesn’t impart any significance to you. 

Keep all this in context.  In Paul’s day there were churches that struggled and split over this choice, whether you needed to be circumcised.  I have to say, in my limited experience, that many church fights today were over topics that were not really important.  So we need to ask ourselves if the priorities of the day are set on things that are nothing, things that impart no strength in serving Christ.

Now, what does matter?  Paul says three different things.  Yet, he says one thing.

·       Gal. 5:6: faith working through love is what matters.  This is Paul’s statement about Christian liberty (5:1-6).  Our lives are not guided by bondage to the law but rather by love.  It is not doing our best to measure up; it is being compelled by the love God has put in us by His Spirit (2 Cor. 5:14).  No one cares whether or not you are circumcised.

·       Gal. 6:15: a new creation is what matters.  The context here (6:11-15) has to do with the sufficiency of the cross of Christ.  Law-keeping does not transform our external actions because it cannot change our hearts.  The cross of Christ makes us new creatures, changing the heart, imparting the life of Christ.  Getting circumcised imparts no strength for the transformed life.

·       1 Cor. 7:19: keeping the commandments of God is what matters.  Now that might sound like a contradiction of Galatians.  If those words were uttered by Paul in Galatians it would, in fact, be a contradiction.  But the context of 1 Cor. 7 (esp. v17-24) is the issue of marriage.  Paul is saying, “don’t get wrapped up in making changes in your life that are not important.”  So, don’t think that, as a Christian, you must change your view on circumcision (how one gets uncircumcised is an enigma to me).  He also says, don’t worry about becoming free if you’re a slave who has believed in Christ.  It’s all just a waste of time and energy.  He is calling for contentment and saying it’s more important to walk in obedience to God. 

In light of all this, I would say Paul is saying the same thing in the three passages.  Living to please God (1 Cor. 7:19) is letting your faith work through love (Gal. 5:6) which is the occupation of those who are new creations in Christ (Gal. 6:15).  Seek the Lord on this matter: What are your priorities?  Are they important?