1. Those who try to avoid the cross (11-12)

There are those who want to take the cross out of Christianity. In Paul's day, they urged new converts to be circumcised to avoid persecution. Some people try to avoid suffering at all costs. Some want to get human benefit from their Christianity. They say and do things just to be praised by others. Because they are very skillful to find a way out of any suffering, they can never really know Jesus.

2. I boast only in the cross of Christ (13-18)

Paul had many things to boast about. He had a good family background; his r?sum? contained excellent educational and experience credentials. But he said, 'May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.' He crucified worldly pride and desire on the cross with Jesus. He found peace and God's mercy in the cross of Christ. And he became a new creation. He discovered what really counts.

Application: Lord, help me to crucify my worldly pride and boast only in Jesus' cross.
One Word: A new creation is what counts