The author’s concluding assertion is that ‘we cannot eliminate the cross from any area of our thinking or living’ (p.392). To emphasize this, he considers seven affirmations about the cross made by Paul in his letter to the Galatians.
The cross and salvation. Read Galatians 1:3–5. What do these verses teach about the cross of Christ (pp.393f.)?
The cross and experience. Read Galatians 2:19–21. What exactly does Paul mean by claiming that he has been ‘crucified with Christ’ (pp.394f.)? Can you say what Paul says here?
The cross and preaching. Read Galatians 3:1–3. What does this passage teach about the place of the cross in the preaching of the gospel (pp.396ff.)?
The cross and substitution. Read Galatians 3:10–14. What is ‘startling, almost shocking’ about this passage? What does it mean (p.398f.)?
The cross and persecution. Read Galatians 5:11 and 6:12. ‘It is not possible to be faithful and popular simultaneously’ (p.401). Why not? To what extent are you tempted to blunt the message of the cross in the way you communicate the gospel to others?
The cross and holiness. Read Galatians 5:19–26. How can we ‘ensure that the desires of the Spirit predominate over the desires of the flesh’ (p.402)? How does this work out in practice?
The cross and boasting. Read Galatians 6:14. ‘... Paul’s obsession was with Christ and his cross’ (p.404). Why was this? To what extent do you share Paul’s attitude?
‘... the world is saying to every preacher: Unless I see in your hands the print of the nails, I will not believe’ (p.406). What does this mean? How does it apply to you?
