The Glory of the Cross; Part 3

“walk” from Gk stoicheo; ‘to direct one's life, to order one's conduct; to conform to virtue or piety.'

“rule” Gk kanon; ‘a measuring rod; anything that determines or regulates the actions of men; a principle.'

What “rule” or principle? The principle of the Cross. Living day-by-day, moment-by-moment with the Cross in view and at the center of my life, in the midst of the sphere of God's grace.

It is to trust God entirely for my righteousness having none of my own apart from Jesus.

Paul is saying to the Galatians, ‘If you must measure yourself, use the Cross alone as your standard for measurement.' This reduces all our best efforts at righteousness to nothing.

The Cross demonstrates tremendous need and utter and complete dependency.

Paul is saying, ‘Those who conduct their lives in conformance with the principle of the Cross, which is a life walking in the Spirit—being led by the Spirit of God, will experience peace (both objectively and subjectively) and will receive mercy from God.'

The word “mercy,” Gk eleos, assumes need on the part of him who receives it, and resources adequate to the need on the part of Him who shows it.

Arrogant, proud, self-righteous religionists, measure their standing by comparing themselves with others. They do not see their utter bankruptcy. They make their boast in themselves and those they persuade to be like them.

“mercy” Gk eleos = ‘kindness and good will toward the miserable and afflicted, joined with a desire to help them.'

This is the opposite kanon; or, principle, standard of conduct or measuring stick used by the Judaizers and legalists.