Introduction

A. Scars are difficult to get rid of and often are worn forever.

B. When Paul told the Galatians, “I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus” (6:17), they knew what he meant (cf. Acts 14:19).

C. Do we bear the marks of the Lord in our body today?

I. Jesus’ resurrected body bore many marks for our sakes.

A. He bore the marks of a whip (Matthew 27:26).

B. He bore the marks of thorns and a reed (Matthew 27:26-31).

C. He bore the marks of nails (Psalm 22:16; Luke 24:39-40).

D. He bore the marks of a spear (John 19:33-37).

E. Each of these testifies of His love for all of mankind (Romans 5:6-8).

II. Paul’s body bore many marks to testify of his faith (2 Corinthians 11:22-29).

A. It bore the marks of a whip (vs. 24).

B. It bore the marks of rods (vs. 25; cf. Acts 16:22-23).

C. It bore the marks of stones (vs. 25; cf. Acts 14:19).

D. It bore the marks of sorrow (vs. 28; cf. 2 Corinthians 2:4).

III. Are there any marks of the Lord in your body?

A. Is there evidence of Christianity in your life?

B. Are there any marks to prove your faith?

C. Does the church of which you are a member bear the same marks as the Lord’s body (Ephesians 1:22-23; 4:4)?

Conclusion

A. The scars on our lives remind us of painful things we have endured, but there is no shame in scars we wear as Christians (1 Peter 4:12-16).

B. People pay great sums to have scars and birthmarks removed, but the unique markings worn by Christians should be displayed with joy and with honor, never with shame!