CRUCIFIED TO THE RELIGIOUS WORLD by T. Austin-Sparks

T. Austin-Sparks (1888-1971) was raised up by the Lord in England to further His recovery of divine truths such as the centrality of Christ and the inward application of the cross. He was a prolific gospel preacher and writer, having authored over 100 books and published the paper A Witness and a Testimony for over 49 years.

Crucified to the Religious World
"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" (Galatians 6:14).

It is interesting to notice the particular way in which the Apostle speaks of the world here. That term is a very comprehensive term and includes a very great deal. Here Paul gets right down to the spirit of the thing. You notice the context; it is well for us to take account of it: "For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh" (Galatians 6:13).

What does the Apostle mean? They want to say, "See how many proselytes we are making! See how many followers and disciples we are getting! See how successful our movement is! See what a power we are becoming in the world! See all the marks of Divine blessing resting upon us!" The Apostle says that is worldliness in principle and spirit; that is the world.

He sets over against this his own clear spiritual position. Do I seek glory of men? Do I seek to be well-pleasing to men? No! The world is crucified to me, and I to the world...
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