Glorying in the Flesh
 

Paul says in Galatians 6:12,13

As many as desire to make a fair show in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ.

For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh.


According to these verses, circumcision is the topic of these verses. But any unscriptural, legalistic practices could be applied here. If men can get you to obey them concerning things such as so-called "standards" of men, do they not also glory in your flesh? Paul says that they who command these things do not keep their own commandments.

If you read Galatians verses 14-18, the Cross is the only thing that we should be glorying in. And if we do, we will be criticized and persecuted because the Cross is the offense to the world.

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.
15 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.
16 And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.
17 From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.
18 Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
Unto the Galatians written from Rome.

Re: Glorying in the Flesh
 

Yes indeed. The traditions of men is what Christ came against the whole time He ministered here on earth. It was the traditions of the Pharisees that caused Him so much grief, and eventually His death on the cross.

Indeed, the standards set forth and created by any church are simply a way to draw people under your power, and convictions, and pastors do these things ... building their own kingdoms... indeed they are glorying in how many attend the church, how much money they make a year, what kind of car they drive, and how many in their church give love offerings so they can take fancy vacations....

And it is not just the UPC pastors doing this, you can find this in many other denominations as well...

Jabez, your words are true.... too many are "glorying" in the fact that "x" number of people in their church look like cookie cutter Christians, pay their tithes and significant offerings, attend every single church function, and on the list goes.

Man wants to look on the outward appearance in order to be able to judge, but God deals with our heart.

That is why I say, the fruit produced in one's life is the only way to truly see and know if they have a relationship with God, and have picked up the cross, and are following Christ.

Works of the flesh will never produce fruit of the Spirit. But the fruit of the spirit, will produce fruit, and works manifesting the life of Christ within one's heart.