GOD FORBID THAT I SHOULD GLORY

Text: Gal 6: 14 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.

GOD FORBID THAT I SHOULD GLORY

I gloried in youth, it passed on;
I gloried in strength, then it too, was gone;
I gloried in wealth I thought I might gain;
I gloried in health, and freedom from pain.
Now, gone is the hope of silver and gold,
And health drifts away as the body grows old.
In what CAN I glory and not suffer loss?
I’ll glory in Christ and his death on the cross.
I’ll glory in love, that he showed for me there,
And the home up above, he’s gone to prepare.
I’ll glory in this; He’s coming again!
I’ll glory in bliss I shall know when he reigns.
I’ll glory in grace Each day that I live;
Then I’ll see his face And to him glory, give.
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I. GOD FORBID - dispose of the negative
‘God forbid’ is the earnest prayer that fleshly vanities be put away.
A. From the brand name jeans to the proper logo on the fancy tennis shoes. From the correct hair-do to where we fit into the ‘right crowd!
B. The young man who is vain about his ‘set of wheels’. (Don’t push it, you’ll make 0 - 60 a whole lot faster than you really want to.)
C. The house - even a palace will become a ‘fixer-upper’ in a short time. (especially if there is someone who uses a ‘Jazzy’! edie)
D. The children - You’ll have enough heartaches so I’ll not dwell on this.
E. The job. You’ll soon (all too soon) be too old for it.
F. The grandkids and even how old you have lived to be. Whatever we glory in, it passes with the passing of time and leaves bitter emptiness, if that is all we have. Even past accomplishments are empty when no one really cares about what you once did. The 25th high school reunion is pitiful when the football hero meets the ‘prom-queen’ and they feel sorry for one another.

II Glorying in Christ and His Cross
A. This alone, provides us access to the all-time most exclusive group!
Even the angels can’t belong.
I Pet 1:12 Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.

B. A ‘logo’ and a ‘trademark’ which impress even, the Father.
Exo 12:13 And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt.

C. The cross separates us from that which is temporary and condemned
Gal 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
1. In salvation, we are new creatures
II Cor 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
2. In God’s purpose for us.
Titus 2:14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
3. In eternity
Rev 2:14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.
15 For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.

D. NOTE and consider the OBJECT of our glorying (boasting-pride)
1. Paul considered this the ONLY worthwhile message
I Cor 2:2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.
2. This alone, is the entire purpose of God’s revelation to man. Everything in the Word must be viewed in the light of the cross!
3. Its value is infinite
Mark 8:36 For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?
4. Picture the cross! HE DID THAT FOR YOU!