Galatians 6:14, “But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.”
Being crucified to the world means that through the cross of Christ, we are separated from the world and its system. The “world” here refers to the organized system of Satan, which operates in opposition to God and entices humanity to live independently of Him.
The cross breaks the power and influence of this system over believers, making them citizens of God’s kingdom.
The apostle Paul declared that the cross of Christ caused a mutual crucifixion—he was crucified to the world, and the world was crucified to him. This indicates a complete disconnection.
The world no longer held appeal or power over Paul, and he no longer belonged to it. His life was fully devoted to Christ and His purpose.
For us, to be crucified to the world is to live in the reality of this separation. It means rejecting the values, ambitions, and pleasures that are contrary to God’s will.
It also means not being conformed to the world’s standards but being transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2).
Practical Expressions of Being Crucified to the World:
1.In Priorities: Placing God’s kingdom and righteousness above worldly success, fame, or material gain.
2.In Lifestyle: Living a life that reflects godliness, holiness, and simplicity, rather than indulging in the excesses of the world.
3.In Relationships: Choosing fellowship with believers who encourage your walk with Christ over associations that pull you away from Him.
Reflection and Activity:
Examine your heart and ask the Lord to reveal any areas where the world still has influence over you.
Meditate on Galatians 6:14 and consider what it means to be crucified to the world in your daily life.
List practical ways you can demonstrate that your life belongs to Christ and not to the world (e.g., stewardship of time, finances, and relationships).
Main Points:
– The Cross Liberates Us from the World: Through Christ’s crucifixion, we are set free from the world’s hold over us.
– The Cross Redirects Our Affections: Our love and focus shift from worldly things to the eternal purposes of God.
– The Cross Makes Us Kingdom Citizens: We live as sojourners in the world, with our true identity and treasure in heaven.
Related Scriptures for Reflection:
1 John 2:15-17, “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.”
Philippians 3:20, “For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.”
Colossians 3:1-2, “Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.”
Prayer Confessions:
Lord, I thank You for the cross that separates me from the world. Help me to live as a citizen of heaven.
Deliver me from the love of worldly things and set my affections on eternal treasures.
Teach me to live a life that reflects Your holiness and purity in a world that is opposed to You.
Strengthen me to resist the temptations and pressures of the world and to stand firm in my faith, Amen.
