To Bring Forth Fruit
Daily Devotion for April 4
From the Writings of Ray Stedman
Read the Scripture: Genesis 1:9-13
And God said, Let the water under the sky be gathered to one place, and let dry ground appear. And it was so (Genesis 1:9).
God's act in calling the land up out of the oceans seems to mark the period of evening in this third day. During this period we have the rising of the continents, the weathering of the rocks, and the soil forming gradually to make preparation for the plant life that is to follow.
But remember that all this on the physical level is but a manifestation of the parallel spiritual and moral reality, and every view of nature ought to speak volumes to us about who God is, what He does, and what He intends. These things are at once real and visible and, at the same time, the picture of something unseen that relates to our inner life.
We learn that this human life on earth, between the period of birth and death, is itself divided. This is pictured for us by the rising of the land out of the ocean. The waters are a picture of human life. Rising up out of the ocean of human life is land, which has the capability of producing fruit. Thus, there exists that which is capable of producing fruit and that which is totally incapable of doing so.
There is an old humanity that, by nature, is incapable of fulfilling what God desires; a new humanity, called out of the old, is capable of producing the fruit God envisions. The old humanity is all one fallen race--blinded, darkened, confused, restless, and, as the ocean is one yet divided, so fallen humanity is separated into divisions: nations, peoples, and tongues. The prophet Isaiah says, the wicked are like the tossing sea, which cannot rest, whose waves cast up mire and mud (Isaiah 57:20).
You are asking, Do you mean that all who are not Christian are wicked? We need to bear in mind that there is a respectable form of wickedness as well as a notorious form. You can be knowingly wicked, and you can be ignorantly wicked. People who are exposed to the knowledge of God's purpose, His love, and the program He has for the deliverance of humanity from its bondage and resist God's work, rejecting the Savior whom God has sent and refusing to yield to His gracious call, are clearly wicked and oppose God's will. They are raising their fist in a defiant act against their Creator. That is also why they are restless. The restlessness of our age is directly due to the fact that it is wicked. It is pictured by the ocean, with its wild, surging waves that are never still.
But out of that ocean there comes a new humanity, the earth, a fruitful race of those in Jesus Christ, all one originally in Him as the continents were once, but now divided and fragmented by the forces that have come in since to separate us from one another. Yet there is an ever-present underlying unity that we discover when we come together in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Lord, thank You that You are bringing a new humanity out of the old, and that as part of that new humanity I can bear fruit for You.
Life Application: The natural world speaks to us metaphorically about the inner life of our humanity. Can we see a distinction in our lives between the old, fallen race & new life in Christ?
Related Message: This daily devotion was inspired by one of Ray's messages. Please read "To Bring Forth Fruit" or listen to Ray for more on this portion of scripture.
Saturday, April 7, 2012
Because He Lives by Anne Graham lotz
The JOY of My HEART: April 6, 2012
Because He Lives
I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.
John 10:11, NKJV
Real meaning to your life is found in the glorious dawn of God's story, which breaks into full revelation in the Person of Jesus Christ. What an astounding truth! What a life-changing message!
Because He emptied Himself of all but love, you can be filled.
Because His body was broken, your life can be whole.
Because His blood was shed, your sin can be forgiven.
Because He submitted to injustice, you can forgive.
Because He finished His Father's work, your life has worth.
Because He was forsaken, you will never be alone.
Because He was buried, you can be raised.
Because He lives, you don't have to be afraid.
Because He was raised, you can be strong.
Because He reached down to you, you don't have to work your way up to Him.
Because His promises are always true, you can have Hope!
Praise God for just giving us Jesus!
Blessings,
Anne Graham Lotz
AnGeL Ministries Website
Because He Lives
I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.
John 10:11, NKJV
Real meaning to your life is found in the glorious dawn of God's story, which breaks into full revelation in the Person of Jesus Christ. What an astounding truth! What a life-changing message!
Because He emptied Himself of all but love, you can be filled.
Because His body was broken, your life can be whole.
Because His blood was shed, your sin can be forgiven.
Because He submitted to injustice, you can forgive.
Because He finished His Father's work, your life has worth.
Because He was forsaken, you will never be alone.
Because He was buried, you can be raised.
Because He lives, you don't have to be afraid.
Because He was raised, you can be strong.
Because He reached down to you, you don't have to work your way up to Him.
Because His promises are always true, you can have Hope!
Praise God for just giving us Jesus!
Blessings,
Anne Graham Lotz
AnGeL Ministries Website
Thursday, February 16, 2012
http://www.todayspreacher.com
Unlock Great Sites That Will Boost Your Preaching...
Sermon and Worship Helps...
Sermon Search - This site is sponsored by Crosswalk. It has a professional appearance, is easy to navigate and contains some very useful material. I know you will find "Points to Ponder" by Dr. Stephen F. Olford of great value.
Preach the Word - This is a great site by David Legge, the Pastor-teacher at Iron Hall Assembly in Belfast, Northern Ireland. He has his messages on audio along with links to other audio messages from excellent preachers such as Dr. D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones.
Pastor's Helper! – Dr. Barry L. Davis has brought his wealth of experience to this site and has made something that can be easily used by the layman and the preacher. This is a great resource.
Sermon Notebook – Brother Alan Carr has assembled a great site for sermon preparation and reference. It is well worth the stop.
Equipping.com Don Pucik originally began this site in April 1996 under the name "The Sermon Source" and relaunched it in February 2000 as Equipping Saints Ministries (ESM). Its mission is to assist, encourage stimulate pastors and church leaders in stimulating in their efforts to equip their saints for ministry.
PreachingPlus - a can't miss site housing images, illustrations, indexed movie clips, etc.
Sermon Central - quotes, movies, stats, sermons, etc.
Pastors.Com
Sermon Notes
MultisensoryWorship.com - provides encouragement, networking, worship resources and training for pastors, musicians, media ministers and all Christian artists.
Teach With Movies
Next-Wave - Super Gen X site taking modern issues of today and puts them under the microscope of Christianity.
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Mister Poll (polls,surveys,stat,etc)
Hisplace - poems, jokes, stories.
News Sites, Christian Sites, and Journals That Aid Preaching ...
Gallup Polls
George Barna Research Group – an awesome site for current trends/polls/research.
Church on the Web
CyberNation - an amazing source for quotes.
The Quotations Page
Religion News Service
Maranatha Christian Journal - world news for Christians.
Christianity Today
Goshen
Gospel Communications Network
News Of The Weird
USATODAY
People Magazine
Newsweek
New York Times
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Christian Book Distributor "CBD"
Preaching Magazines ...
Preaching Today
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Homiletics Magazine
Post-Modern Spirituality Sites ...
BeliefNet - interfaith site.
Spirit Online - all kinds of weird new age stuff
INFIDELS - mother site of atheism/agnostics.
Skeptic Magazine
Various Preaching Sites ...
Gordon-Conwell's Chapel Site - hear RealAudio sermons by Walter Kaiser, Haddon Robinson, and other Famous Modern Preachers.
Preaching.Org
Pulpit.Org
Evangelical Homiletics Society
If you have any other sites that have been helpful to your preaching, email us and we'll consider it for the LINKS page.
Sermon and Worship Helps...
Sermon Search - This site is sponsored by Crosswalk. It has a professional appearance, is easy to navigate and contains some very useful material. I know you will find "Points to Ponder" by Dr. Stephen F. Olford of great value.
Preach the Word - This is a great site by David Legge, the Pastor-teacher at Iron Hall Assembly in Belfast, Northern Ireland. He has his messages on audio along with links to other audio messages from excellent preachers such as Dr. D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones.
Pastor's Helper! – Dr. Barry L. Davis has brought his wealth of experience to this site and has made something that can be easily used by the layman and the preacher. This is a great resource.
Sermon Notebook – Brother Alan Carr has assembled a great site for sermon preparation and reference. It is well worth the stop.
Equipping.com Don Pucik originally began this site in April 1996 under the name "The Sermon Source" and relaunched it in February 2000 as Equipping Saints Ministries (ESM). Its mission is to assist, encourage stimulate pastors and church leaders in stimulating in their efforts to equip their saints for ministry.
PreachingPlus - a can't miss site housing images, illustrations, indexed movie clips, etc.
Sermon Central - quotes, movies, stats, sermons, etc.
Pastors.Com
Sermon Notes
MultisensoryWorship.com - provides encouragement, networking, worship resources and training for pastors, musicians, media ministers and all Christian artists.
Teach With Movies
Next-Wave - Super Gen X site taking modern issues of today and puts them under the microscope of Christianity.
DesperatePreacher
Sermons.Com
Sermon Writer
Christian Word
PreacherStudy
Sermon Help
Bible.Org
Thousands Of Sermons
Illustrations
ChristianityOnline's Illustrations
The Sermon Illustrator
The Illustration Exchange (thousands of illustrations)
Sermon Illustrations
Mister Poll (polls,surveys,stat,etc)
Hisplace - poems, jokes, stories.
News Sites, Christian Sites, and Journals That Aid Preaching ...
Gallup Polls
George Barna Research Group – an awesome site for current trends/polls/research.
Church on the Web
CyberNation - an amazing source for quotes.
The Quotations Page
Religion News Service
Maranatha Christian Journal - world news for Christians.
Christianity Today
Goshen
Gospel Communications Network
News Of The Weird
USATODAY
People Magazine
Newsweek
New York Times
Zondervan Church Source
Christian Book Distributor "CBD"
Preaching Magazines ...
Preaching Today
Preaching Magazine
Homiletics Magazine
Post-Modern Spirituality Sites ...
BeliefNet - interfaith site.
Spirit Online - all kinds of weird new age stuff
INFIDELS - mother site of atheism/agnostics.
Skeptic Magazine
Various Preaching Sites ...
Gordon-Conwell's Chapel Site - hear RealAudio sermons by Walter Kaiser, Haddon Robinson, and other Famous Modern Preachers.
Preaching.Org
Pulpit.Org
Evangelical Homiletics Society
If you have any other sites that have been helpful to your preaching, email us and we'll consider it for the LINKS page.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Galatians 2.20 blueletterbible.org
Chuck Smith's Sermon Notes
Galatians 2:20
Pastor Chuck Smith
Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa
Costa Mesa, California
"THE LIFE I NOW LIVE"
I. THE STRUGGLE WITH SIN.
A. It is something that we all experience.
B. The Bible records the history of man's struggle with sin.
1. The Bible declares that there is none righteous, no not one.
2. The Bible says that we have all sinned and come short of the glory of God.
3. The Bible tells of the power that sin can have over a person's life.
4. Paul spoke of his own struggle with his sinful nature.
ROM 7:15 For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.
ROM 7:16 If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that [it is] good.
ROM 7:17 Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
ROM 7:18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but [how] to perform that which is good I find not.
ROM 7:19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.
ROM 7:20 Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
ROM 7:21 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.
ROM 7:22 For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:
ROM 7:23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.
ROM 7:24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?
5. A little further in this epistle Paul will tell us that the flesh is warring against our spirit, and our spirit against our flesh so that we do always do what we would.
C. Even those men who are held up as hero's in the Bible were often guilty of sin.
1. God said of King David that he was a man after God's own heart, yet he sinned horribly.
2. Abraham the man who is held up as the classic example of the blessings God bestows upon the man of faith, sinned when he lied about his relationship with his wife. His lie interestingly enough was prompted by his lack of faith in God's keeping power.
3. Moses the great leader of the people of God the man through whom God revealed His law and statutes was guilty of smiting the rock in a fit of anger.
D. We are all aware of the destructive nature of sin.
1. We know how it can destroy our lives.
2. We know how it destroys marriages, and families.
3. We know how it destroys a culture.
4. We know how it can destroy a nation. The Bible and history have shown how that one nation after another has been destroyed by sin.
a. Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.
E. We are all aware how that sin leads into bondage. How that it can overpower a person and take control of their lives.
F. We all have an abhorrence of sin when someone else is committing it.
G. Yet sin has a powerful attraction, and it appeals to our flesh, and we find it very difficult to resist.
H. Why would God make sin so attractive, and leave us so vulnerable and weak?
1. To the first question, He allowed sin to be attractive so that my declarations of love could be tested.
2. Jesus said to Peter, "Do you love Me more than these?" My guess is that Jesus was nodding toward the fish.
a. Fishing like so many other things seems to get in a person's blood.
b. It was certainly in Peter's blood. When Jesus didn't show up on schedule, Peter said, "I'm going fishing."
3. Jesus is often asking you, "Do you love Me more that these?"
a. You are fully aware of what the these are in your life.
b. If the these were ugly and abhorrent, the affirmation of my love would not be meaningful.
4. He has allowed sin to be attractive so that my forsaking it to follow Him might be a truly meaningful act of love.
5. As to the second question, why does He leave us so vulnerable and weak?
a. So that we will learn to trust in Him for His deliverance and help.
b. He wants me to trust His love and power so he leaves me weak and vulnerable.
II. GOD'S PLAN FOR VICTORY OVER THE POWER OF SIN.
A. Putting us to death.
1. A dead man is not tempted to sin.
2. There may be all kinds of temptation placed before him, but he will not so much as move a finger, or blink an eye.
B. In his letter to the Romans Paul said,
ROM 6:6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with [him], that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.
ROM 6:7 For he that is dead is freed from sin.
ROM 6:8 Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him:
ROM 6:9 Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.
ROM 6:10 For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.
ROM 6:11 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
ROM 6:12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.
ROM 6:13 Neither yield ye your members [as] instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members [as] instruments of righteousness unto God.
ROM 6:14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.
C. God has provided that we might be crucified with Christ.
1. That is what Paul is affirming in this verse, "I am crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live, yet now I but Christ lives in me."
2. In Chapter 5 of this book Paul will say,
GAL 5:24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and desires.
3. Note that Paul says, "Reckon yourselves to be dead unto sin."
a. The word reckon is a word of faith.
b. It is a position I take by faith.
c. How so? I still have the strong urge to sin, and am still tempted, but I say to myself, "I have been crucified with Christ, I am dead to sin, I do not need to yield to that temptation. I am His, I am not my own to do as I please."
III. DEAD, BUT ALIVE. NEVERTHELESS I LIVE, YET NOT I BUT CHRIST LIVETH IN ME, AND THE LIFE I NOW LIVE IN THE FLESH, I LIVE BY THE FAITH OF THE SON OF GOD WHO LOVED ME AND GAVE HIMSELF FOR ME.
A. I am still living, yet not for myself, my body is now the temple of the Holy Spirit, which is in me, I am not my own, I have been bought with a price, I am to glorify God in my body and spirit which are His.
B. The problem with most Christians is that they are part time Christians.
1. They come to church, sit in the pew, sing the songs, listen to the teaching of the Word and feel that they have fulfilled their spiritual obligations for the week.
2. For a few hours of the week they belong to Jesus, the rest of the time they are free to pursue their own desires and will.
3. Living for Jesus was never intended to be a part time obligation.
4. The true child of God has renounced his own control over his life and submitted himself to follow the orders of Jesus.
5. This is what the Lordship of Jesus is all about.
6. If Jesus Christ is truly my lord, then I am duty bound to obey Him, and to seek to please him in all that I do.
C. Note how the Apostles introduce themselves in their letters.
1. Romans 1:1 "Paul a bond slave of Jesus Christ."
2. James 1:1, "James a bond slave of Jesus Christ."
3. II Peter 1:1 "Peter a bond slave of Jesus Christ."
4. Jude 1:1 "Jude a bond slave of Jesus Christ."
D. This is what Paul is saying when he declares, "Nevertheless I live, yet not I but Christ liveth in Me and the life I now live, I live by the faith of the Son of God."
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Cite This Page:
Smith, Chuck. "Galatians 2:20," Chuck Smith - Sermon Notes. Blue Letter Bible. 7 Apr 2005. 15 February 2012.
.
Galatians 2:20
Pastor Chuck Smith
Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa
Costa Mesa, California
"THE LIFE I NOW LIVE"
I. THE STRUGGLE WITH SIN.
A. It is something that we all experience.
B. The Bible records the history of man's struggle with sin.
1. The Bible declares that there is none righteous, no not one.
2. The Bible says that we have all sinned and come short of the glory of God.
3. The Bible tells of the power that sin can have over a person's life.
4. Paul spoke of his own struggle with his sinful nature.
ROM 7:15 For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.
ROM 7:16 If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that [it is] good.
ROM 7:17 Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
ROM 7:18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but [how] to perform that which is good I find not.
ROM 7:19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.
ROM 7:20 Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
ROM 7:21 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.
ROM 7:22 For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:
ROM 7:23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.
ROM 7:24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?
5. A little further in this epistle Paul will tell us that the flesh is warring against our spirit, and our spirit against our flesh so that we do always do what we would.
C. Even those men who are held up as hero's in the Bible were often guilty of sin.
1. God said of King David that he was a man after God's own heart, yet he sinned horribly.
2. Abraham the man who is held up as the classic example of the blessings God bestows upon the man of faith, sinned when he lied about his relationship with his wife. His lie interestingly enough was prompted by his lack of faith in God's keeping power.
3. Moses the great leader of the people of God the man through whom God revealed His law and statutes was guilty of smiting the rock in a fit of anger.
D. We are all aware of the destructive nature of sin.
1. We know how it can destroy our lives.
2. We know how it destroys marriages, and families.
3. We know how it destroys a culture.
4. We know how it can destroy a nation. The Bible and history have shown how that one nation after another has been destroyed by sin.
a. Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.
E. We are all aware how that sin leads into bondage. How that it can overpower a person and take control of their lives.
F. We all have an abhorrence of sin when someone else is committing it.
G. Yet sin has a powerful attraction, and it appeals to our flesh, and we find it very difficult to resist.
H. Why would God make sin so attractive, and leave us so vulnerable and weak?
1. To the first question, He allowed sin to be attractive so that my declarations of love could be tested.
2. Jesus said to Peter, "Do you love Me more than these?" My guess is that Jesus was nodding toward the fish.
a. Fishing like so many other things seems to get in a person's blood.
b. It was certainly in Peter's blood. When Jesus didn't show up on schedule, Peter said, "I'm going fishing."
3. Jesus is often asking you, "Do you love Me more that these?"
a. You are fully aware of what the these are in your life.
b. If the these were ugly and abhorrent, the affirmation of my love would not be meaningful.
4. He has allowed sin to be attractive so that my forsaking it to follow Him might be a truly meaningful act of love.
5. As to the second question, why does He leave us so vulnerable and weak?
a. So that we will learn to trust in Him for His deliverance and help.
b. He wants me to trust His love and power so he leaves me weak and vulnerable.
II. GOD'S PLAN FOR VICTORY OVER THE POWER OF SIN.
A. Putting us to death.
1. A dead man is not tempted to sin.
2. There may be all kinds of temptation placed before him, but he will not so much as move a finger, or blink an eye.
B. In his letter to the Romans Paul said,
ROM 6:6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with [him], that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.
ROM 6:7 For he that is dead is freed from sin.
ROM 6:8 Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him:
ROM 6:9 Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.
ROM 6:10 For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.
ROM 6:11 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
ROM 6:12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.
ROM 6:13 Neither yield ye your members [as] instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members [as] instruments of righteousness unto God.
ROM 6:14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.
C. God has provided that we might be crucified with Christ.
1. That is what Paul is affirming in this verse, "I am crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live, yet now I but Christ lives in me."
2. In Chapter 5 of this book Paul will say,
GAL 5:24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and desires.
3. Note that Paul says, "Reckon yourselves to be dead unto sin."
a. The word reckon is a word of faith.
b. It is a position I take by faith.
c. How so? I still have the strong urge to sin, and am still tempted, but I say to myself, "I have been crucified with Christ, I am dead to sin, I do not need to yield to that temptation. I am His, I am not my own to do as I please."
III. DEAD, BUT ALIVE. NEVERTHELESS I LIVE, YET NOT I BUT CHRIST LIVETH IN ME, AND THE LIFE I NOW LIVE IN THE FLESH, I LIVE BY THE FAITH OF THE SON OF GOD WHO LOVED ME AND GAVE HIMSELF FOR ME.
A. I am still living, yet not for myself, my body is now the temple of the Holy Spirit, which is in me, I am not my own, I have been bought with a price, I am to glorify God in my body and spirit which are His.
B. The problem with most Christians is that they are part time Christians.
1. They come to church, sit in the pew, sing the songs, listen to the teaching of the Word and feel that they have fulfilled their spiritual obligations for the week.
2. For a few hours of the week they belong to Jesus, the rest of the time they are free to pursue their own desires and will.
3. Living for Jesus was never intended to be a part time obligation.
4. The true child of God has renounced his own control over his life and submitted himself to follow the orders of Jesus.
5. This is what the Lordship of Jesus is all about.
6. If Jesus Christ is truly my lord, then I am duty bound to obey Him, and to seek to please him in all that I do.
C. Note how the Apostles introduce themselves in their letters.
1. Romans 1:1 "Paul a bond slave of Jesus Christ."
2. James 1:1, "James a bond slave of Jesus Christ."
3. II Peter 1:1 "Peter a bond slave of Jesus Christ."
4. Jude 1:1 "Jude a bond slave of Jesus Christ."
D. This is what Paul is saying when he declares, "Nevertheless I live, yet not I but Christ liveth in Me and the life I now live, I live by the faith of the Son of God."
Return to Top
Return to Search Results
Return to Sermon Notes Index
Cite This Page:
Smith, Chuck. "Galatians 2:20," Chuck Smith - Sermon Notes. Blue Letter Bible. 7 Apr 2005. 15 February 2012.
Galatians 2.20 higherpraise.com
Sermons and Outlines
Galatians 2:20
YOU CAN DO IT!
Intro: Nike, the athletic shoe manufacturer has made a fortune off the simple slogan, “Just do it!” I guess they mean this, “Whatever it is you enjoy doing in the arena of recreation, Just Do It, because we have everything you need to get it done!” The strange thing is, people hear that slogan and they say, “Hey, maybe I can do it!” They buy the shoes, the sweats, the headbands all with the Nike swoosh and a few actually do it! A few run those marathons, engage in those triathlons, ride those bike, swim those rivers, climb those mountains, hike those trails, jump from those airplanes, or whatever. But, most folks just don’t do it! All that gear and all those fancy slogans did not inspire them to do anything but spend their money and now their expensive exercise equipment grows moss in the garage.
I realized the other day that preaching is a lot like writing slogans for athletic shoe companies. We preachers stand up in front of people and say to them “Just do it! Just live for Jesus! Just be all you can be for Him! Just get, up, get in, get out and go for God!” A few people who hear the slogans (read sermons) actually buy the message and go do it. But, the majority buy the message and say, “That’s wonderful! I really want to do just that!” They hear the Word, believe the message and take the equipment home, but they never do anything with it! Like that tennis racket, those golf clubs, your jogging shoes, which collect dust in the basement, the sermons you heard and were moved by now collect dust in your memory banks.
Well, I want you to know it doesn’t have to be that way! Our text was written by a man who bought the whole store! Paul heard the message of Christ and he said, “That’s who I want to be!” Now, in this passage he tells us how we can be everything God wants us to be as well. I want you to know that this verse teaches us that every believer can walk like Jesus Christ every day. Paul is telling us “Just do it! Just live for Jesus and here is how you can do just that.” This verse says, “You Can Do It” that is the thought I want to address this morning! The truths taught here tell us how you can do it.
I. BY REALIZING YOUR POSITION IN CHRIST
A. We Must Realize Our Past Position - The little phrase “I am crucified” is in the perfect tense. This refers to a once for all action that never needs to be repeated. In other words, what Paul is saying is this: “I was crucified when Jesus was crucified and that crucifixion was a one time for all time experience. I was crucified and I stand crucified!” What does that mean for you? If you are saved, then when Jesus died on His cross, you died with Him, Rom. 6:4-6; Col. 2:11-14. (Ill. It was here that the wages of our sins were forever paid in full, Rom. 6:23.) (Ill. That is why the believer never need fear death! We have already experienced it with Jesus and it retains no power over us, 1 Cor. 15:55; 2 Cor. 5:1-9.)
B. We Must Realize Our Present Position - Not only does Paul tell us that the believer is dead because he has been crucified with Christ, but that the believer is also alive! The phrase “I live” is in the present tense. Yes, we died with Jesus, but faith in Him has raised us from the death of sin and has made us eternally alive, John 5:25. (Ill. On the surface this seems like a paradox. It seems impossible that one may be dead and alive at the same time, yet that is how life is for believers. We are dead to sin, but alive in Jesus. Not just alive until our bodies cease to live, but alive forever! Just as we share His death, we also share His life!) (Ill. Eternal life does not begin when you get to heaven. Eternal life began the instant you received Jesus as your Savior, John 10:10; John 10:28!)
II. BY RELYING ON THE POWER OF CHRIST
(Ill. Paul is quick to credit his ability to live the Christian life to the Lord Jesus Christ. He knows what we need to know: This thing is all about Him and not about us!)
A. We Have The Power Of His Resurrection - “Christ liveth in me” - That statement reminds us that not only did Jesus die on the cross for our sins, but He rose from the dead three days later! He died in humility, Phil 2:5-8, and he arose in power and great glory, Rom. 1:4; 6:9! Just as Jesus rose from the grave different than He was buried, everyone who comes to Him by faith is also altered forever, 2 Cor. 5:17. Why? Because the power of His resurrection life works itself out in the believers life and makes them different than they were when they met Him, 1 Pet. 1:3. The resurrected Christ dispenses His life to everyone who comes to Him by faith. When a person is saved, death ceases to work in them marking them as sinners, Eph. 1-3. Life now works itself out within them, marking them as children of God, Eph. 2:4-10! I am not just alive, but He is alive within me!
B. We Have The Power Of His Residence - “Christ liveth IN me” - Jesus doesn’t just come on the sinner and save him and change him forever, but He also moves into that person’s heart, giving them power within to live like Him! This was His promise while He was still on the earth, John 14:16-18! He promised to give the believer His Spirit to dwell within them. The indwelling Holy Spirit is present to lead us, John 16:13; to teach us, John 14:26; to empower us, 1 Cor. 12:4-11, Acts 1:8; to comfort us, John 14:16-18, (Ill. “Comforter” = “One who comes alongside another to give aid and comfort”.) And to correct us, John 16:7-11! As we yield more of our lives to Him, He produces more of Himself through us, Gal. 5:22-24. The fact that Jesus is within us is the only thing that makes the Christian life possible and productive for His glory!
III. BY RESTING IN THE PROVISIONS OF CHRIST
A. There Is The Supply Of Faith - “The life I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the son of God.” Paul makes the strong statement that the faith given to him by Jesus is what makes his life possible. Thank God We do not have to supply our own faith for the journey! Our Savior provides us the faith we need to make to trip! (Ill. Think of it this way, would you agree with me that you are saved by faith, Eph. 2:8-9? Where did the faith to believe in Jesus come from? Verse 8 says that it “is the gift of God!” God gives you the faith you need to be saved in the beginning. When we are saved, the Holy Spirit, Who is the source of faith comes to live within our hearts. As we journey through life toward Heaven, He dispenses faith in proportion to that which we face. You see, faith is like a muscle. When it is taken into the gym of life, it can do little in the beginning, but as it is exercised in the little things day by day it grows considerably, until it is able to accomplish great things through Jesus Christ! Now, how does one go about exercising faith? Simple, Rom. 10:17, “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” As we hear the Word of God and take God at His word by faith, our faith grows stronger and stronger. But, in reality, it isn’t our faith that grows stronger, it is His faith within us that increases as we grow!
B. There Is The Sacrifice Of His Flesh - “Who gave Himself for me” - Everything I have talked about today is possible only because Jesus went to the cross and bore our sins in His Own body! Because He loved us, Rom. 5:8, He took our place on the cross. There, He absorbed the wrath of God for those who will receive Him and He alone makes the Christian life possible! (Ill. The churches are filled with people who are trying to live the Christian life without first coming to faith in Christ! Friend, you can never be a Christian without first meeting the Christ! He is the only One Who can make dead men alive! He is the only One Who can break sin’s bondage and sets men free. He is the only One Who can take a life wrecked, ruined and doomed by sin and change everything by the power of His saving grace, Acts 4:12; John 14:6; Acts 16:31.) (Ill. The Gospel is not what many think it is! Too many believe it concerns the church, the baptismal pool, the preacher, turning over new leaves, stopping some things and starting other things. The Gospel has nothing to do with any of that! The Gospel is far simpler, and that is what makes it so hard for many, 1 Cot. 1:18. The Gospel is summed up in 1 Cor. 15:3-4. It is spelled out in Rom. 10:9. It was bought and paid for at the cross. It was ratified in the resurrection and all that is left for men to do is to receive it by faith and they will be saved! Have you done that? Until you do, you can never live the Christian life! But, as soon as you receive Jesus, you have received everything that is necessary for you to live for God!)
Conc: Some people who have heard this message this morning have heard with a lost heart. If that is your situation, then you need to know that you can be saved if you will come to Jesus and receive Him!
Others have heard this word and you are thinking, “I really would like to become more like Jesus! I really would like for Him to live His life through me. But, I’ve tried before and come up short. I bought the shoes, but I couldn’t run the race!” Let me invite you to come before Him again this morning. Let me invite you to confess to Him that your failure to do it was all about you and not Him. Let me invite you to a fresh commitment before the Lord today!
Still others used to run the race for Jesus, now you are in it just for yourself. You are on His track, but you are running your race. Let me invite you to get things back in their proper order! Let me encourage you to begin to run for Him again.
Now, there are some here who are running well. You heard the message, you bought the shoes and you are running the race for the glory of God. Let me encourage you to keep running for Him! Hang in there Brother, I think I can se the finish line just ahead!
Wherever you may be today, the Lord will help you to get where you need to be. If you will come to Him, He will meet you where yo u are and He will take you where He wants you to be. You Can Do it and He will see to it. Won’t you come if He is calling?
Galatians 2:20
YOU CAN DO IT!
Intro: Nike, the athletic shoe manufacturer has made a fortune off the simple slogan, “Just do it!” I guess they mean this, “Whatever it is you enjoy doing in the arena of recreation, Just Do It, because we have everything you need to get it done!” The strange thing is, people hear that slogan and they say, “Hey, maybe I can do it!” They buy the shoes, the sweats, the headbands all with the Nike swoosh and a few actually do it! A few run those marathons, engage in those triathlons, ride those bike, swim those rivers, climb those mountains, hike those trails, jump from those airplanes, or whatever. But, most folks just don’t do it! All that gear and all those fancy slogans did not inspire them to do anything but spend their money and now their expensive exercise equipment grows moss in the garage.
I realized the other day that preaching is a lot like writing slogans for athletic shoe companies. We preachers stand up in front of people and say to them “Just do it! Just live for Jesus! Just be all you can be for Him! Just get, up, get in, get out and go for God!” A few people who hear the slogans (read sermons) actually buy the message and go do it. But, the majority buy the message and say, “That’s wonderful! I really want to do just that!” They hear the Word, believe the message and take the equipment home, but they never do anything with it! Like that tennis racket, those golf clubs, your jogging shoes, which collect dust in the basement, the sermons you heard and were moved by now collect dust in your memory banks.
Well, I want you to know it doesn’t have to be that way! Our text was written by a man who bought the whole store! Paul heard the message of Christ and he said, “That’s who I want to be!” Now, in this passage he tells us how we can be everything God wants us to be as well. I want you to know that this verse teaches us that every believer can walk like Jesus Christ every day. Paul is telling us “Just do it! Just live for Jesus and here is how you can do just that.” This verse says, “You Can Do It” that is the thought I want to address this morning! The truths taught here tell us how you can do it.
I. BY REALIZING YOUR POSITION IN CHRIST
A. We Must Realize Our Past Position - The little phrase “I am crucified” is in the perfect tense. This refers to a once for all action that never needs to be repeated. In other words, what Paul is saying is this: “I was crucified when Jesus was crucified and that crucifixion was a one time for all time experience. I was crucified and I stand crucified!” What does that mean for you? If you are saved, then when Jesus died on His cross, you died with Him, Rom. 6:4-6; Col. 2:11-14. (Ill. It was here that the wages of our sins were forever paid in full, Rom. 6:23.) (Ill. That is why the believer never need fear death! We have already experienced it with Jesus and it retains no power over us, 1 Cor. 15:55; 2 Cor. 5:1-9.)
B. We Must Realize Our Present Position - Not only does Paul tell us that the believer is dead because he has been crucified with Christ, but that the believer is also alive! The phrase “I live” is in the present tense. Yes, we died with Jesus, but faith in Him has raised us from the death of sin and has made us eternally alive, John 5:25. (Ill. On the surface this seems like a paradox. It seems impossible that one may be dead and alive at the same time, yet that is how life is for believers. We are dead to sin, but alive in Jesus. Not just alive until our bodies cease to live, but alive forever! Just as we share His death, we also share His life!) (Ill. Eternal life does not begin when you get to heaven. Eternal life began the instant you received Jesus as your Savior, John 10:10; John 10:28!)
II. BY RELYING ON THE POWER OF CHRIST
(Ill. Paul is quick to credit his ability to live the Christian life to the Lord Jesus Christ. He knows what we need to know: This thing is all about Him and not about us!)
A. We Have The Power Of His Resurrection - “Christ liveth in me” - That statement reminds us that not only did Jesus die on the cross for our sins, but He rose from the dead three days later! He died in humility, Phil 2:5-8, and he arose in power and great glory, Rom. 1:4; 6:9! Just as Jesus rose from the grave different than He was buried, everyone who comes to Him by faith is also altered forever, 2 Cor. 5:17. Why? Because the power of His resurrection life works itself out in the believers life and makes them different than they were when they met Him, 1 Pet. 1:3. The resurrected Christ dispenses His life to everyone who comes to Him by faith. When a person is saved, death ceases to work in them marking them as sinners, Eph. 1-3. Life now works itself out within them, marking them as children of God, Eph. 2:4-10! I am not just alive, but He is alive within me!
B. We Have The Power Of His Residence - “Christ liveth IN me” - Jesus doesn’t just come on the sinner and save him and change him forever, but He also moves into that person’s heart, giving them power within to live like Him! This was His promise while He was still on the earth, John 14:16-18! He promised to give the believer His Spirit to dwell within them. The indwelling Holy Spirit is present to lead us, John 16:13; to teach us, John 14:26; to empower us, 1 Cor. 12:4-11, Acts 1:8; to comfort us, John 14:16-18, (Ill. “Comforter” = “One who comes alongside another to give aid and comfort”.) And to correct us, John 16:7-11! As we yield more of our lives to Him, He produces more of Himself through us, Gal. 5:22-24. The fact that Jesus is within us is the only thing that makes the Christian life possible and productive for His glory!
III. BY RESTING IN THE PROVISIONS OF CHRIST
A. There Is The Supply Of Faith - “The life I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the son of God.” Paul makes the strong statement that the faith given to him by Jesus is what makes his life possible. Thank God We do not have to supply our own faith for the journey! Our Savior provides us the faith we need to make to trip! (Ill. Think of it this way, would you agree with me that you are saved by faith, Eph. 2:8-9? Where did the faith to believe in Jesus come from? Verse 8 says that it “is the gift of God!” God gives you the faith you need to be saved in the beginning. When we are saved, the Holy Spirit, Who is the source of faith comes to live within our hearts. As we journey through life toward Heaven, He dispenses faith in proportion to that which we face. You see, faith is like a muscle. When it is taken into the gym of life, it can do little in the beginning, but as it is exercised in the little things day by day it grows considerably, until it is able to accomplish great things through Jesus Christ! Now, how does one go about exercising faith? Simple, Rom. 10:17, “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” As we hear the Word of God and take God at His word by faith, our faith grows stronger and stronger. But, in reality, it isn’t our faith that grows stronger, it is His faith within us that increases as we grow!
B. There Is The Sacrifice Of His Flesh - “Who gave Himself for me” - Everything I have talked about today is possible only because Jesus went to the cross and bore our sins in His Own body! Because He loved us, Rom. 5:8, He took our place on the cross. There, He absorbed the wrath of God for those who will receive Him and He alone makes the Christian life possible! (Ill. The churches are filled with people who are trying to live the Christian life without first coming to faith in Christ! Friend, you can never be a Christian without first meeting the Christ! He is the only One Who can make dead men alive! He is the only One Who can break sin’s bondage and sets men free. He is the only One Who can take a life wrecked, ruined and doomed by sin and change everything by the power of His saving grace, Acts 4:12; John 14:6; Acts 16:31.) (Ill. The Gospel is not what many think it is! Too many believe it concerns the church, the baptismal pool, the preacher, turning over new leaves, stopping some things and starting other things. The Gospel has nothing to do with any of that! The Gospel is far simpler, and that is what makes it so hard for many, 1 Cot. 1:18. The Gospel is summed up in 1 Cor. 15:3-4. It is spelled out in Rom. 10:9. It was bought and paid for at the cross. It was ratified in the resurrection and all that is left for men to do is to receive it by faith and they will be saved! Have you done that? Until you do, you can never live the Christian life! But, as soon as you receive Jesus, you have received everything that is necessary for you to live for God!)
Conc: Some people who have heard this message this morning have heard with a lost heart. If that is your situation, then you need to know that you can be saved if you will come to Jesus and receive Him!
Others have heard this word and you are thinking, “I really would like to become more like Jesus! I really would like for Him to live His life through me. But, I’ve tried before and come up short. I bought the shoes, but I couldn’t run the race!” Let me invite you to come before Him again this morning. Let me invite you to confess to Him that your failure to do it was all about you and not Him. Let me invite you to a fresh commitment before the Lord today!
Still others used to run the race for Jesus, now you are in it just for yourself. You are on His track, but you are running your race. Let me invite you to get things back in their proper order! Let me encourage you to begin to run for Him again.
Now, there are some here who are running well. You heard the message, you bought the shoes and you are running the race for the glory of God. Let me encourage you to keep running for Him! Hang in there Brother, I think I can se the finish line just ahead!
Wherever you may be today, the Lord will help you to get where you need to be. If you will come to Him, He will meet you where yo u are and He will take you where He wants you to be. You Can Do it and He will see to it. Won’t you come if He is calling?
Galatians 2.20
THE SWEET FRUIT OF JUSTIFICATION
GALATIANS 2:20-21
APRIL 26, 1998
Justification is no sterile term which produces only paper results. In justification we have life! Here the life granted is not corporate, though it is the very foundation of congregational life. But here it is personal, individual--the sweet fruit of the experience of justification.
Paul's whole subject in these two chapters and even the next two, is justification by the grace of God. But in typical Pauline fashion, he draws no lines between justification and sanctification, other than to distinguish each doctrine's glorious luster. We could say that verse 20 speaks of sanctification and indeed, in many ways it does. However, that is not Paul's subject at hand. In his very logical, reasoned explanation of justification, he does not break away to embark upon a second key doctrine. Instead, he only means to show the living reality, the magnificent experience of justification in the personal life. It was no textbook doctrine to the Apostle, which has to be occasionally dusted off as a reminder. No indeed! For here is life for the Christian! Here is the foundation, the root, the whole basis of every moment lived as a Christian. To be justified by faith in Christ is not only to be legally declared in a right standing with God, but it is to have the very life of Christ being lived in and through you.
For the Apostle Paul, justification and its sweet fruit is real Christianity. Do you know experientially the kind of Christianity described by our text? Let us consider this reality of the fruit of justification in the life of every believer.
I. The death of Christ applied
It is fair to say that none of the early apostles moved away from the death of Christ. The bloody crucifixion was never a worn-out, unneeded subject. They lived in the cross of Christ! Paul could say that his only boast and glory was in the cross of Christ (Gal.6:14). The reality of what Jesus Christ accomplished on the believer's behalf at the cross, becomes a reality in which the believer is to live each day.
Let us once again see the context of this passage. Paul was distressed that those who had professed faith in Christ within the Galatian region were considering going after a law/works type of justification. They were confused by the Judaizer's claim that the death of Christ was not enough; that adherence to the Law was also necessary for justification. They were doubly confused when Peter, Barnabas, and other brethren, men who believed in justification by faith alone, gave way in their behavior to the influence of the Judaizers. So Paul stands for the straightforward truth of the gospel. He summarizes it in Galatians 2:16, that no one ever has been nor will ever be justified by the works of the Law and that it is only through faith in Christ Jesus that anyone may be justified.
He takes up the arguments and objections to his teaching on justification. The Judaizers had called Paul and his companions "sinners" because they had abandoned the Law as a means to justification. By their accusations, the Judaizers were also saying that Jesus Christ was "a minister of sin," since He called for faith alone as the means to justification. Paul was saying, 'Enough of such absurdity! The real transgressors of the Law are those who are trying to be justified through the Law!" And then he adds this statement of clarification: "For through the Law I died to the Law, that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ." In two-fold fashion, Paul said that he personally died to the Law as a means to justification. First, the demands of the Law left him condemned. In other words, the Law itself killed Paul; it left him with no chance of life, no means to justify himself. Second, and more importantly, Paul claimed that he was crucified along with Christ, as the Lord vicariously bore the sinner and his sins on the cross, so that the Law could have no more claim of condemnation and death upon the believer (cf. Romans 7 for a detailed explanation of this truth). Why did Jesus do this? So that "I might live to God." The death of Christ was not simply to put me, as a believer, into a legally righteous standing with God, it also provided the means for me to live unto God. Here is the sweet fruit of justification.
1. Historical
The first matter that confronts us in the application of the death of Christ is that it is the historical death of Jesus Christ to which Paul refers. He is not talking of something which Paul himself was doing. Certainly there are ample passages that refer to mortifying the deeds of the flesh, dying daily, taking up our cross and dying daily (Colossians 3:5; I Corinthians 15:31; Luke 9:23). Those verses speak of the action the believer takes in light of having been crucified with Christ, to die to his sinful passions and the ways of the world. Instead, Paul is speaking of a glorious wonder, a mystery so magnificent that we can hardly fathom it: the believer was crucified with Jesus Christ.
We must understand that he does not mean that when a person comes to faith in Christ they are at that moment crucified with Christ. That would be an impossibility, for the death of Christ is an unrepeatable event! It is a historical reality that occurred outside the walls of Jerusalem at a hill known as Golgotha, somewhere around 30 A. D. Jesus died 'once for all' (Hebrews 10:10). That is why the Roman Catholic practice of the sacrament of the mass is such an unbiblical, heretical act, for in it the priest continually crucifies again the body of Jesus Christ by means of the host or wafer, so that he views it as a propitiatory act [see Saving Faith: How Does Rome Define It? by William Webster, for the actual wording of the Catholic documents related to the mass]. Paul uses a perfect tense verb to describe the fact that "I have been crucified with Christ." The perfect tense refers to a definite point in time when the act of crucifixion occurred and the result of it continues. He "offered one sacrifice for sins for all time"--an unrepeatable event (Heb. 10:12).
If the believer has been crucified "with Christ," then the only time that could have happened was at Calvary when Jesus hung between two thieves, bearing our guilt before God. Do you see the implication the Apostle is making? Keep in mind he has been addressing a group who has been hanging on to self-justification through the works of the Law. They were promoting the laborious task of trying to produce righteousness through slavish adherence to the Law's demands. Paul says, 'Impossible! Can't happen! Need not happen either! When Jesus died, I died. The Law has no more claim on me, nor do I have to clamor in attempts to observe the Law for the purpose of justification. How can the Law condemn me anymore when I am dead to its claims of condemnation over my life? Why do I need to scramble endlessly trying to satisfy the Law's demands when I satisfied them in Christ as I died with Him?'
Charles H. Spurgeon preached a number of times on this text. One sermon was so magnificent, I was tempted to just read it to you today! Listen to how Spurgeon explains this wonderful reality.
The apostle of the Gentiles delighted to think that as one of Christ's chosen people, he died upon the tree in Christ. He did more than believe this doctrinally, however, he accepted it confidently, resting his hope upon it. He believed that by virtue of Jesus Christ's death, he had himself paid the law its due, satisfied divine justice, and found reconciliation with God. Beloved, what a blessed thing it is when the soul can, as it were, stretch itself upon the cross of Christ, and feel "I am dead; the law has killed me, cursed me, slain me, and I am therefore free from its power, because in my Surety I have borne the curse, and in the person of my Substitute the whole that the law could do, by way of condemnation, has been executed upon me, for I am crucified with Christ" [Metropolitan Tabernacle Pulpit, vol. XIII, 642].
2. Personal
This work of crucifixion with Christ is also personal, for the Apostle changed from his use of the first person plural to the multiple use of the first person singular, "I" and "me." "I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me." What a statement the Apostle makes! He is telling us that the vicarious work of Jesus Christ for the elect was so exacting, that He was such a perfect Substitute, that the believer can claim to have personally died with Jesus Christ. That says something for the Person of our Lord in terms of His being the Second Adam. While the first Adam was federal head and representative of the human race, so that all of us sinned in Adam and died in Adam just as if we were partaking of his sin, even so Jesus Christ is the federal Head of the redeemed race, so that every wound He bore was applied to us, every thrust of the divine wrath upon Him was upon us as well, every condemnation of the Law and consequent propitiation of the Law's demands through Christ was actually upon us as well (cf. Romans 5:12-21).
But I must not use the plural so much that we lose sight of what he is saying. He did not say, 'We are crucified with Christ; and it is no longer we who live, but Christ lives in us." While that may be true as far as the elect are concerned, the Apostle was concerned that we understand the personal, individual nature of the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. We are so accustomed to being lumped into a group or given a number to identify us, that we sometimes lose sight of this personal work of Jesus Christ: He elected me personally, He called me personally, He died for me personally, He rose for me personally, He justified me personally, He sanctifies me personally, He preserves me personally, He indwells me personally. When you find that you are having difficulty pressing on in the Christian walk, then pause to reflect upon the personal nature of this truth. God Himself came from Heaven, took on humanity, endured the opposition of men, and ultimately, bore His own wrath for you personally. When you came to faith in Christ, you did not come as part of the mass of humanity, but personally, individually. You cannot ride the group's train to Heaven, but you come singularly to Jesus Christ by faith.
While the Judaizers were trying to lump the Gentile Christians in with the professing Jewish believers and all of their national cultural practices, Paul corrects their thinking by pointing to the singular experience of being crucified with Christ. Why do I need to follow what the Jewish nation says I need to do for justification when "I have been crucified with Christ"? What benefit is there in going through all of the ceremonials and rituals when the price God demands for my justification has been fully paid, so that my debt before God has been satisfied in Christ?
3. Applicable
Therefore, since this death of Christ and my death with Him is historical and personal, then it is certainly applicable to me on a daily basis. "I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me, and delivered Himself up for me." Again, we find an insight from the language the Apostle used. "I have been crucified with Christ," is a perfect tense verb, as we saw, pointing to the historical reality of my death with Christ. But it also implies a continual result or effect due to the historical act of my death with Christ.
This is where we see the Apostle's wedding of justification and sanctification. The reality he stresses is that our crucifixion with Jesus Christ brings on a new relationship to everything we face. See what Christ has done. See your union with Him in being crucified. Now look at the demands of life through the eyes of one who has been crucified with Christ. Now face temptation in the strength of one who has conquered, having been crucified with Christ. Now look at the Law with all of its condemnations and know the peace and liberty that is yours because you have been crucified with Christ.
We must run from trying to practice sanctification apart from this great reality of justification. For the whole basis of our being made into the image of Jesus Christ in the present has its foundation in the death of Jesus Christ in the past--and your union with Him in that death. Live in that reality. Ponder the richness of it continually, that you have been crucified with Christ. Can you ever look at sin in the same way knowing this truth? Can you ever listen to the voice of condemnation by the Law in the same way knowing this truth?
II. The life of Christ experienced
As though the Apostle had not made a most shocking statement in the first place by saying that he had been crucified with Christ--the same experience of all who believe--he goes one step further. "I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me." I still remember when that glorious reality of Christ living in me settled in my own heart. I was about nineteen years old and struggling through my Christian life, having little doctrinal grounding in the faith. As I read this truth, I saw everything differently! I was overwhelmed to the point of tears to know that Jesus Christ lived in me! Yes, in me! A mere man; a sinner; an unworthy vessel; but by the grace of God, one who had entered into union with Jesus Christ by faith. On the basis of that union by faith, I joined Jesus Christ in His crucifixion so that all of the power of the cross was applied to my life, "that I might live to God." And indeed I can, not because of any special ability that I might have or any special privilege that is mine above other believers. I can live to God because "Christ lives in me."
1. Radical change
Paul is not changing subjects and entering into a lengthy discussion of sanctification. He is still describing justification and its sweet fruit in the life of the believer. Keep in mind the Judaizers whom Paul had alluded to throughout the first two chapters of this epistle. They had no life nor joy in the Lord. They were legalists. They were bound by the ceremonial traditions of the Law. They had gone from one form of legalism--the practice of Judaism--to another in their syncretistic practice of a Judaizing-Christianity. What changes had been made in them other than a few new associations and a slight change in vocabulary? Paul was saying, 'No, the Judaizers just do not understand what I am describing in justification. They think that their law-works provide them merit in God's sight. They have not known the sweet fruit of true justification, when a sinner embraces Jesus Christ alone by faith. They have not known the reality that Jesus Christ lives in everyone who comes to Christ by faith'.
It is quite a common experience that when a person dies, he quits living! Life as he has known it has ended and he enters into a new realm in eternity. What kind of life do we live apart from faith in Christ? We are bound by the curse of the Law and all its condemnation. We are throttled by the power of sin over our lives. We have no capacity, other than sheer will-power, to say "no" to any kind of temptation. Mores of society govern our behavior rather than the life of God. Our conscience, seared to some degree by our own sinfulness and perhaps influenced by others, offers a little guidance in behavior toward mankind. We are shaped by the voice of the world that tells us how to dress, what to say, where to go, what to do. Then we meet Jesus Christ by faith! Everything changes! Life is radically different because you have been crucified with Christ, so that it is no longer you living, rather Christ lives in you.
Obviously this is a startling passage! Does Paul mean that you have physically died and that Jesus Christ has taken over your body? Certainly, that is not the case, for he clarifies, "and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me, and delivered Himself up for me." He uses "flesh," not in its negative sense as he does on some occasions, but here simply to refer to living in a human body. That is, the life which I am now living in this human body, I live differently, I live by faith in Jesus Christ.
But he does mean to infer that something so radical, so powerful has happened to me that I cannot say that I am the same person. For if I am, then I have not known the power of union with Jesus Christ! My desires, my ambitions, my pursuits have all been affected. That is why Paul could testify to the Corinthians, a church racked by questionable behavior, "If any man is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old things passed away; behold new things have come" (II Corinthians 5:17). You cannot help yourself at this point. If you are in Christ, then the power of the cross has so affected you that not only is your standing with God one of righteousness, but now you live as though you were dead to the world and Christ is living through you. That's the sweet fruit of your justification.
2. Union personalized
When we use the word "union," we are referring to two or more people or things joined together as one. In marriage, a man with one personality and a woman with normally a totally different personality, are joined together in union with one another. Yes, they still have their different personhoods and personalities, but there is now a mysterious new relationship designed by God, making the marriage a union (cf. Ephesians 5:21ff.). In our text, the Apostle is describing the personalized nature of our union with Christ. Jesus Christ still remains Jesus Christ. You still remain you in terms of your personality and physical nature. But a mysterious union has taken place, one that we can only hope to begin to understand in this life, in which Jesus Christ is living in you and through you. "I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me, and delivered Himself up for me."
This union does not mean that I no longer have any responsibilities in the Christian life. I do not go on automatic pilot when I am converted. Paul is saying, 'Yes, I live, indeed I still get up every morning, still eat my meals, still require sleep, still face the normal demands of human existence. But there is something so different about life, for Christ lives in me. It is not me, alone, facing the demands of life. It is not me, alone, trying to live out the demands of the gospel. It is Christ in me, living in me, living through me His glorious life'. As Leon Morris wrote, "This is a forceful way of making the point that his conversion to Christianity meant a complete change in his way of life" [Galatians: Paul's Charter of Christian Freedom, 89].
How can we describe this union which we have with Jesus Christ? Martin Luther put it like this, "...thou art so entirely joined unto Christ, that He and thou art made as it were one person: so that thou mayest boldly say, I am now one with Christ, that is to say, Christ's righteousness, victory, and life are mine" [Commentary on Romans, 90].
John Calvin follows by stating, "The word death is always hateful to man's mind. Having said that we are nailed to the cross along with Christ, he adds that this makes us alive. At the same time he explains what he meant by 'living to God'. He does not live by his own life but is animated by the secret power of Christ, so that Christ may be said to live and grow in him." He clarifies this by adding, "For, as the soul quickens the body, so Christ imparts life to His members" [Calvin's New Testament Commentaries, 42].
All of life is lived with the strength and presence of Jesus Christ united with us. We are to live with this consciousness of Jesus Christ in us! Those who were trying to justify themselves through the Law were working and scratching to meet the demands of that impossible task-master. So Paul contrasts that scene with the reality of the believer. By faith, in union with Jesus Christ, we have died to the Law and all its demands; and Jesus Christ, our Righteous Lord, is now living His life through us. That is a radical life. That is real Christianity.
III. The work of Christ believed
It is so vital that we seek to understand the work of Christ in our lives. For as our understanding increases, so does our capacity to believe and apply truth to our lives.
Here we are challenged to see that the justifying work of Christ is not simply "legal fiction," but a living reality that is filled with sweet fruit. Notice how the Apostle works this out.
1. Present condition
Paul is insisting that he is not slipping into some kind of mysticism with his statement, "and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me." He hurriedly adds, "and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me, and delivered Himself up for me." Yes, I am still living. No, I am not having an out-of-body experience. The word "now" gives emphasis to the reality of the believer's present condition. He is not dealing in strange mysteries for a few select saints. He is talking about the spiritual condition of all believers. As we come to understand more of the work of Christ on our behalf, more of what took place in justification, we will find ourselves living in greater dependence upon Jesus Christ in daily life.
How are you living "now"? We are not in any respect bordering upon "New Age" thinking of god-consciousness or being a god. Paul says, 'No, I'm still living in this body. I am flesh and blood. But I am not living in this body the same way I used to live'. That is because of the reality that the old Paul was crucified with Christ. The old Paul with his animosity and hatred, with his pride and covetous spirit, met the judgment of God at the cross. There is a new resident in his life: Jesus Christ. "Christ lives in me!"
I remember reading someone's definition of a Christian a number of years ago, as 'a Christian is a person in whom Jesus Christ lives'. That is the essence of Paul's explanation of a Christian in II Corinthians 13:5, "Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you--unless indeed you fail the test?"
I often ask those professing faith in Christ, 'Do you know that Jesus Christ lives in you?' How do you know this? In short, the reality of His life will keep showing up in your thoughts, your desires, your longings, your obedience, your tongue. Everything that Jesus Christ touches is affected in some way. Yes, we do grow in this--that is our sanctification--but the reality that He is in me, affecting all of my life, is the reality of a child of God.
2. Dependent upon Christ
Paul clarifies this whole matter of our being in union with Christ, our dying with Him, our being indwelled by Him. "And the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me, and delivered Himself up for me." The Christian life is a faith-life, from start to finish. We begin in faith; we continue in faith; and thank God, we finish in faith! (Colossians 2:6-7).
The Apostle makes use of the present tense to emphasize this truth. 'The life which I am now presently and continually living in the flesh (human body) I am continually living by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and delivered Himself up in a propitiating death for me'. Timothy George is right in remarking, "Not only are we justified by faith, but we also live by faith. This means that saving faith cannot be reduced to a one-time decision or event in the past; it is a living, dynamic reality permeating every aspect of the believer's life. As Calvin put it nicely, "It is faith alone that justifies, but the faith that justifies is not alone"" [NAC, 201].
Here is where we see the practical, functioning reality of Christian living. We are to live daily in dependence upon Jesus Christ as those who are in union with Him. Paul states two aspects of faith's focus in order for us to flesh-out this practice of faith. First, we are to live in dependence upon the mighty Son of God who loved us. His love is an everlasting love. His love is unconditional. His love was before the foundation of the world. His love ushered forth in electing grace by which He chose us for Himself before the foundation of the world (Eph. 1:3-14). My Christian friend, you are never to live with the idea of trying to achieve Christ's love or even to keep His love, as though He was a fickle friend. Live with the consciousness of His constant love. Rest in that love. Face all of life with that wonderful reality, that though the world oppose you, though Satan assault you, though all forsake you, the love of Jesus Christ was proved for you when He died in your place and took the wrath of God on your behalf.
Second, my faith in Christ is to be focused upon Jesus Christ being delivered up personally for me. The term, "delivered Himself up for me," points to the cross and all the suffering our Lord experienced for our justification. Paul's confidence was not in his work of personal righteousness. It was not found in his degree of yieldedness. It was not in his labors on behalf of God's kingdom. It was a faith that continually focused upon the sacrificial, atoning, propitiatory death of Jesus Christ by which he was justified. This is why he later wrote, "But may it never be that I should boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world" (6:14).
The Apostle's ability to live unto God came through a faith that gave him confidence in Christ's unfailing love and the sufficiency of Christ's atoning, justifying work. He did not run to find some new experience or new gimmick for living as a Christian. He saw that the work of Christ and the love of Christ was personal, his very own. With that confidence, he lived as a Christian. Perhaps we spend too much time trying to find some new experience or angle on the Christian life, when we ought to go back to the cross, to see the love of Christ for us and to see the sufficiency of the death of Christ in our stead. That is the foundation of holy living, so that by faith we daily rest in Jesus Christ and Him crucified.
Conclusion
What the Apostle described does not "nullify the grace of God." Indeed, it magnifies the grace of God. "For if righteousness comes through the Law, then Christ died needlessly." But it doesn't come by the Law. Righteousness comes by faith in Christ. The kind of righteousness that is sufficient to satisfy God's demands and find acceptance before the throne of God, is not a paper righteousness. It radically affects everything in your life.
Do you know the righteousness of Jesus Christ as your very own? Or, as we saw in this text, do you know the reality of Jesus Christ living in you? My friend, it is only by faith in Jesus Christ.
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GALATIANS 2:20-21
APRIL 26, 1998
Justification is no sterile term which produces only paper results. In justification we have life! Here the life granted is not corporate, though it is the very foundation of congregational life. But here it is personal, individual--the sweet fruit of the experience of justification.
Paul's whole subject in these two chapters and even the next two, is justification by the grace of God. But in typical Pauline fashion, he draws no lines between justification and sanctification, other than to distinguish each doctrine's glorious luster. We could say that verse 20 speaks of sanctification and indeed, in many ways it does. However, that is not Paul's subject at hand. In his very logical, reasoned explanation of justification, he does not break away to embark upon a second key doctrine. Instead, he only means to show the living reality, the magnificent experience of justification in the personal life. It was no textbook doctrine to the Apostle, which has to be occasionally dusted off as a reminder. No indeed! For here is life for the Christian! Here is the foundation, the root, the whole basis of every moment lived as a Christian. To be justified by faith in Christ is not only to be legally declared in a right standing with God, but it is to have the very life of Christ being lived in and through you.
For the Apostle Paul, justification and its sweet fruit is real Christianity. Do you know experientially the kind of Christianity described by our text? Let us consider this reality of the fruit of justification in the life of every believer.
I. The death of Christ applied
It is fair to say that none of the early apostles moved away from the death of Christ. The bloody crucifixion was never a worn-out, unneeded subject. They lived in the cross of Christ! Paul could say that his only boast and glory was in the cross of Christ (Gal.6:14). The reality of what Jesus Christ accomplished on the believer's behalf at the cross, becomes a reality in which the believer is to live each day.
Let us once again see the context of this passage. Paul was distressed that those who had professed faith in Christ within the Galatian region were considering going after a law/works type of justification. They were confused by the Judaizer's claim that the death of Christ was not enough; that adherence to the Law was also necessary for justification. They were doubly confused when Peter, Barnabas, and other brethren, men who believed in justification by faith alone, gave way in their behavior to the influence of the Judaizers. So Paul stands for the straightforward truth of the gospel. He summarizes it in Galatians 2:16, that no one ever has been nor will ever be justified by the works of the Law and that it is only through faith in Christ Jesus that anyone may be justified.
He takes up the arguments and objections to his teaching on justification. The Judaizers had called Paul and his companions "sinners" because they had abandoned the Law as a means to justification. By their accusations, the Judaizers were also saying that Jesus Christ was "a minister of sin," since He called for faith alone as the means to justification. Paul was saying, 'Enough of such absurdity! The real transgressors of the Law are those who are trying to be justified through the Law!" And then he adds this statement of clarification: "For through the Law I died to the Law, that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ." In two-fold fashion, Paul said that he personally died to the Law as a means to justification. First, the demands of the Law left him condemned. In other words, the Law itself killed Paul; it left him with no chance of life, no means to justify himself. Second, and more importantly, Paul claimed that he was crucified along with Christ, as the Lord vicariously bore the sinner and his sins on the cross, so that the Law could have no more claim of condemnation and death upon the believer (cf. Romans 7 for a detailed explanation of this truth). Why did Jesus do this? So that "I might live to God." The death of Christ was not simply to put me, as a believer, into a legally righteous standing with God, it also provided the means for me to live unto God. Here is the sweet fruit of justification.
1. Historical
The first matter that confronts us in the application of the death of Christ is that it is the historical death of Jesus Christ to which Paul refers. He is not talking of something which Paul himself was doing. Certainly there are ample passages that refer to mortifying the deeds of the flesh, dying daily, taking up our cross and dying daily (Colossians 3:5; I Corinthians 15:31; Luke 9:23). Those verses speak of the action the believer takes in light of having been crucified with Christ, to die to his sinful passions and the ways of the world. Instead, Paul is speaking of a glorious wonder, a mystery so magnificent that we can hardly fathom it: the believer was crucified with Jesus Christ.
We must understand that he does not mean that when a person comes to faith in Christ they are at that moment crucified with Christ. That would be an impossibility, for the death of Christ is an unrepeatable event! It is a historical reality that occurred outside the walls of Jerusalem at a hill known as Golgotha, somewhere around 30 A. D. Jesus died 'once for all' (Hebrews 10:10). That is why the Roman Catholic practice of the sacrament of the mass is such an unbiblical, heretical act, for in it the priest continually crucifies again the body of Jesus Christ by means of the host or wafer, so that he views it as a propitiatory act [see Saving Faith: How Does Rome Define It? by William Webster, for the actual wording of the Catholic documents related to the mass]. Paul uses a perfect tense verb to describe the fact that "I have been crucified with Christ." The perfect tense refers to a definite point in time when the act of crucifixion occurred and the result of it continues. He "offered one sacrifice for sins for all time"--an unrepeatable event (Heb. 10:12).
If the believer has been crucified "with Christ," then the only time that could have happened was at Calvary when Jesus hung between two thieves, bearing our guilt before God. Do you see the implication the Apostle is making? Keep in mind he has been addressing a group who has been hanging on to self-justification through the works of the Law. They were promoting the laborious task of trying to produce righteousness through slavish adherence to the Law's demands. Paul says, 'Impossible! Can't happen! Need not happen either! When Jesus died, I died. The Law has no more claim on me, nor do I have to clamor in attempts to observe the Law for the purpose of justification. How can the Law condemn me anymore when I am dead to its claims of condemnation over my life? Why do I need to scramble endlessly trying to satisfy the Law's demands when I satisfied them in Christ as I died with Him?'
Charles H. Spurgeon preached a number of times on this text. One sermon was so magnificent, I was tempted to just read it to you today! Listen to how Spurgeon explains this wonderful reality.
The apostle of the Gentiles delighted to think that as one of Christ's chosen people, he died upon the tree in Christ. He did more than believe this doctrinally, however, he accepted it confidently, resting his hope upon it. He believed that by virtue of Jesus Christ's death, he had himself paid the law its due, satisfied divine justice, and found reconciliation with God. Beloved, what a blessed thing it is when the soul can, as it were, stretch itself upon the cross of Christ, and feel "I am dead; the law has killed me, cursed me, slain me, and I am therefore free from its power, because in my Surety I have borne the curse, and in the person of my Substitute the whole that the law could do, by way of condemnation, has been executed upon me, for I am crucified with Christ" [Metropolitan Tabernacle Pulpit, vol. XIII, 642].
2. Personal
This work of crucifixion with Christ is also personal, for the Apostle changed from his use of the first person plural to the multiple use of the first person singular, "I" and "me." "I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me." What a statement the Apostle makes! He is telling us that the vicarious work of Jesus Christ for the elect was so exacting, that He was such a perfect Substitute, that the believer can claim to have personally died with Jesus Christ. That says something for the Person of our Lord in terms of His being the Second Adam. While the first Adam was federal head and representative of the human race, so that all of us sinned in Adam and died in Adam just as if we were partaking of his sin, even so Jesus Christ is the federal Head of the redeemed race, so that every wound He bore was applied to us, every thrust of the divine wrath upon Him was upon us as well, every condemnation of the Law and consequent propitiation of the Law's demands through Christ was actually upon us as well (cf. Romans 5:12-21).
But I must not use the plural so much that we lose sight of what he is saying. He did not say, 'We are crucified with Christ; and it is no longer we who live, but Christ lives in us." While that may be true as far as the elect are concerned, the Apostle was concerned that we understand the personal, individual nature of the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. We are so accustomed to being lumped into a group or given a number to identify us, that we sometimes lose sight of this personal work of Jesus Christ: He elected me personally, He called me personally, He died for me personally, He rose for me personally, He justified me personally, He sanctifies me personally, He preserves me personally, He indwells me personally. When you find that you are having difficulty pressing on in the Christian walk, then pause to reflect upon the personal nature of this truth. God Himself came from Heaven, took on humanity, endured the opposition of men, and ultimately, bore His own wrath for you personally. When you came to faith in Christ, you did not come as part of the mass of humanity, but personally, individually. You cannot ride the group's train to Heaven, but you come singularly to Jesus Christ by faith.
While the Judaizers were trying to lump the Gentile Christians in with the professing Jewish believers and all of their national cultural practices, Paul corrects their thinking by pointing to the singular experience of being crucified with Christ. Why do I need to follow what the Jewish nation says I need to do for justification when "I have been crucified with Christ"? What benefit is there in going through all of the ceremonials and rituals when the price God demands for my justification has been fully paid, so that my debt before God has been satisfied in Christ?
3. Applicable
Therefore, since this death of Christ and my death with Him is historical and personal, then it is certainly applicable to me on a daily basis. "I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me, and delivered Himself up for me." Again, we find an insight from the language the Apostle used. "I have been crucified with Christ," is a perfect tense verb, as we saw, pointing to the historical reality of my death with Christ. But it also implies a continual result or effect due to the historical act of my death with Christ.
This is where we see the Apostle's wedding of justification and sanctification. The reality he stresses is that our crucifixion with Jesus Christ brings on a new relationship to everything we face. See what Christ has done. See your union with Him in being crucified. Now look at the demands of life through the eyes of one who has been crucified with Christ. Now face temptation in the strength of one who has conquered, having been crucified with Christ. Now look at the Law with all of its condemnations and know the peace and liberty that is yours because you have been crucified with Christ.
We must run from trying to practice sanctification apart from this great reality of justification. For the whole basis of our being made into the image of Jesus Christ in the present has its foundation in the death of Jesus Christ in the past--and your union with Him in that death. Live in that reality. Ponder the richness of it continually, that you have been crucified with Christ. Can you ever look at sin in the same way knowing this truth? Can you ever listen to the voice of condemnation by the Law in the same way knowing this truth?
II. The life of Christ experienced
As though the Apostle had not made a most shocking statement in the first place by saying that he had been crucified with Christ--the same experience of all who believe--he goes one step further. "I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me." I still remember when that glorious reality of Christ living in me settled in my own heart. I was about nineteen years old and struggling through my Christian life, having little doctrinal grounding in the faith. As I read this truth, I saw everything differently! I was overwhelmed to the point of tears to know that Jesus Christ lived in me! Yes, in me! A mere man; a sinner; an unworthy vessel; but by the grace of God, one who had entered into union with Jesus Christ by faith. On the basis of that union by faith, I joined Jesus Christ in His crucifixion so that all of the power of the cross was applied to my life, "that I might live to God." And indeed I can, not because of any special ability that I might have or any special privilege that is mine above other believers. I can live to God because "Christ lives in me."
1. Radical change
Paul is not changing subjects and entering into a lengthy discussion of sanctification. He is still describing justification and its sweet fruit in the life of the believer. Keep in mind the Judaizers whom Paul had alluded to throughout the first two chapters of this epistle. They had no life nor joy in the Lord. They were legalists. They were bound by the ceremonial traditions of the Law. They had gone from one form of legalism--the practice of Judaism--to another in their syncretistic practice of a Judaizing-Christianity. What changes had been made in them other than a few new associations and a slight change in vocabulary? Paul was saying, 'No, the Judaizers just do not understand what I am describing in justification. They think that their law-works provide them merit in God's sight. They have not known the sweet fruit of true justification, when a sinner embraces Jesus Christ alone by faith. They have not known the reality that Jesus Christ lives in everyone who comes to Christ by faith'.
It is quite a common experience that when a person dies, he quits living! Life as he has known it has ended and he enters into a new realm in eternity. What kind of life do we live apart from faith in Christ? We are bound by the curse of the Law and all its condemnation. We are throttled by the power of sin over our lives. We have no capacity, other than sheer will-power, to say "no" to any kind of temptation. Mores of society govern our behavior rather than the life of God. Our conscience, seared to some degree by our own sinfulness and perhaps influenced by others, offers a little guidance in behavior toward mankind. We are shaped by the voice of the world that tells us how to dress, what to say, where to go, what to do. Then we meet Jesus Christ by faith! Everything changes! Life is radically different because you have been crucified with Christ, so that it is no longer you living, rather Christ lives in you.
Obviously this is a startling passage! Does Paul mean that you have physically died and that Jesus Christ has taken over your body? Certainly, that is not the case, for he clarifies, "and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me, and delivered Himself up for me." He uses "flesh," not in its negative sense as he does on some occasions, but here simply to refer to living in a human body. That is, the life which I am now living in this human body, I live differently, I live by faith in Jesus Christ.
But he does mean to infer that something so radical, so powerful has happened to me that I cannot say that I am the same person. For if I am, then I have not known the power of union with Jesus Christ! My desires, my ambitions, my pursuits have all been affected. That is why Paul could testify to the Corinthians, a church racked by questionable behavior, "If any man is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old things passed away; behold new things have come" (II Corinthians 5:17). You cannot help yourself at this point. If you are in Christ, then the power of the cross has so affected you that not only is your standing with God one of righteousness, but now you live as though you were dead to the world and Christ is living through you. That's the sweet fruit of your justification.
2. Union personalized
When we use the word "union," we are referring to two or more people or things joined together as one. In marriage, a man with one personality and a woman with normally a totally different personality, are joined together in union with one another. Yes, they still have their different personhoods and personalities, but there is now a mysterious new relationship designed by God, making the marriage a union (cf. Ephesians 5:21ff.). In our text, the Apostle is describing the personalized nature of our union with Christ. Jesus Christ still remains Jesus Christ. You still remain you in terms of your personality and physical nature. But a mysterious union has taken place, one that we can only hope to begin to understand in this life, in which Jesus Christ is living in you and through you. "I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me, and delivered Himself up for me."
This union does not mean that I no longer have any responsibilities in the Christian life. I do not go on automatic pilot when I am converted. Paul is saying, 'Yes, I live, indeed I still get up every morning, still eat my meals, still require sleep, still face the normal demands of human existence. But there is something so different about life, for Christ lives in me. It is not me, alone, facing the demands of life. It is not me, alone, trying to live out the demands of the gospel. It is Christ in me, living in me, living through me His glorious life'. As Leon Morris wrote, "This is a forceful way of making the point that his conversion to Christianity meant a complete change in his way of life" [Galatians: Paul's Charter of Christian Freedom, 89].
How can we describe this union which we have with Jesus Christ? Martin Luther put it like this, "...thou art so entirely joined unto Christ, that He and thou art made as it were one person: so that thou mayest boldly say, I am now one with Christ, that is to say, Christ's righteousness, victory, and life are mine" [Commentary on Romans, 90].
John Calvin follows by stating, "The word death is always hateful to man's mind. Having said that we are nailed to the cross along with Christ, he adds that this makes us alive. At the same time he explains what he meant by 'living to God'. He does not live by his own life but is animated by the secret power of Christ, so that Christ may be said to live and grow in him." He clarifies this by adding, "For, as the soul quickens the body, so Christ imparts life to His members" [Calvin's New Testament Commentaries, 42].
All of life is lived with the strength and presence of Jesus Christ united with us. We are to live with this consciousness of Jesus Christ in us! Those who were trying to justify themselves through the Law were working and scratching to meet the demands of that impossible task-master. So Paul contrasts that scene with the reality of the believer. By faith, in union with Jesus Christ, we have died to the Law and all its demands; and Jesus Christ, our Righteous Lord, is now living His life through us. That is a radical life. That is real Christianity.
III. The work of Christ believed
It is so vital that we seek to understand the work of Christ in our lives. For as our understanding increases, so does our capacity to believe and apply truth to our lives.
Here we are challenged to see that the justifying work of Christ is not simply "legal fiction," but a living reality that is filled with sweet fruit. Notice how the Apostle works this out.
1. Present condition
Paul is insisting that he is not slipping into some kind of mysticism with his statement, "and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me." He hurriedly adds, "and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me, and delivered Himself up for me." Yes, I am still living. No, I am not having an out-of-body experience. The word "now" gives emphasis to the reality of the believer's present condition. He is not dealing in strange mysteries for a few select saints. He is talking about the spiritual condition of all believers. As we come to understand more of the work of Christ on our behalf, more of what took place in justification, we will find ourselves living in greater dependence upon Jesus Christ in daily life.
How are you living "now"? We are not in any respect bordering upon "New Age" thinking of god-consciousness or being a god. Paul says, 'No, I'm still living in this body. I am flesh and blood. But I am not living in this body the same way I used to live'. That is because of the reality that the old Paul was crucified with Christ. The old Paul with his animosity and hatred, with his pride and covetous spirit, met the judgment of God at the cross. There is a new resident in his life: Jesus Christ. "Christ lives in me!"
I remember reading someone's definition of a Christian a number of years ago, as 'a Christian is a person in whom Jesus Christ lives'. That is the essence of Paul's explanation of a Christian in II Corinthians 13:5, "Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you--unless indeed you fail the test?"
I often ask those professing faith in Christ, 'Do you know that Jesus Christ lives in you?' How do you know this? In short, the reality of His life will keep showing up in your thoughts, your desires, your longings, your obedience, your tongue. Everything that Jesus Christ touches is affected in some way. Yes, we do grow in this--that is our sanctification--but the reality that He is in me, affecting all of my life, is the reality of a child of God.
2. Dependent upon Christ
Paul clarifies this whole matter of our being in union with Christ, our dying with Him, our being indwelled by Him. "And the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me, and delivered Himself up for me." The Christian life is a faith-life, from start to finish. We begin in faith; we continue in faith; and thank God, we finish in faith! (Colossians 2:6-7).
The Apostle makes use of the present tense to emphasize this truth. 'The life which I am now presently and continually living in the flesh (human body) I am continually living by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and delivered Himself up in a propitiating death for me'. Timothy George is right in remarking, "Not only are we justified by faith, but we also live by faith. This means that saving faith cannot be reduced to a one-time decision or event in the past; it is a living, dynamic reality permeating every aspect of the believer's life. As Calvin put it nicely, "It is faith alone that justifies, but the faith that justifies is not alone"" [NAC, 201].
Here is where we see the practical, functioning reality of Christian living. We are to live daily in dependence upon Jesus Christ as those who are in union with Him. Paul states two aspects of faith's focus in order for us to flesh-out this practice of faith. First, we are to live in dependence upon the mighty Son of God who loved us. His love is an everlasting love. His love is unconditional. His love was before the foundation of the world. His love ushered forth in electing grace by which He chose us for Himself before the foundation of the world (Eph. 1:3-14). My Christian friend, you are never to live with the idea of trying to achieve Christ's love or even to keep His love, as though He was a fickle friend. Live with the consciousness of His constant love. Rest in that love. Face all of life with that wonderful reality, that though the world oppose you, though Satan assault you, though all forsake you, the love of Jesus Christ was proved for you when He died in your place and took the wrath of God on your behalf.
Second, my faith in Christ is to be focused upon Jesus Christ being delivered up personally for me. The term, "delivered Himself up for me," points to the cross and all the suffering our Lord experienced for our justification. Paul's confidence was not in his work of personal righteousness. It was not found in his degree of yieldedness. It was not in his labors on behalf of God's kingdom. It was a faith that continually focused upon the sacrificial, atoning, propitiatory death of Jesus Christ by which he was justified. This is why he later wrote, "But may it never be that I should boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world" (6:14).
The Apostle's ability to live unto God came through a faith that gave him confidence in Christ's unfailing love and the sufficiency of Christ's atoning, justifying work. He did not run to find some new experience or new gimmick for living as a Christian. He saw that the work of Christ and the love of Christ was personal, his very own. With that confidence, he lived as a Christian. Perhaps we spend too much time trying to find some new experience or angle on the Christian life, when we ought to go back to the cross, to see the love of Christ for us and to see the sufficiency of the death of Christ in our stead. That is the foundation of holy living, so that by faith we daily rest in Jesus Christ and Him crucified.
Conclusion
What the Apostle described does not "nullify the grace of God." Indeed, it magnifies the grace of God. "For if righteousness comes through the Law, then Christ died needlessly." But it doesn't come by the Law. Righteousness comes by faith in Christ. The kind of righteousness that is sufficient to satisfy God's demands and find acceptance before the throne of God, is not a paper righteousness. It radically affects everything in your life.
Do you know the righteousness of Jesus Christ as your very own? Or, as we saw in this text, do you know the reality of Jesus Christ living in you? My friend, it is only by faith in Jesus Christ.
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Introduction - Single, Stand Alone Scripture Series
The Bible contains powerful:
Books...Genesis, John, Romans, Revelation
Passages...Genesis 1; Psalm 23; Isaiah 53.
Verses...Too Many to List
Most all Scripture needs a context for correct interpretation. Isolated verses are often the source of misinterpretation and ultimately heresy. The fact is, most Bible verses are not intended to stand alone.
But there are some single scripture that are so powerful, so clear, so complete that they are able to stand alone. There are three things we are intending to do with each of these “single, stand alone” scriptures.
Memorize...Psalm 119:11 - “Thy word have I hid in mine heart that I might not sin against thee.” We will assigned the scripture a week in advance to memorize.
Message...Organize and discuss these single scriptures.
Meditate… Psalm 1:2 - ”But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.”
2 - Single, Stand Alone Scripture Series<-> "Galatians 2:20: A Living Scripture"
We are presently looking at some single scriptures that are so powerful, so clear, so complete that they are able to stand alone. It is our intention to ...
1. Memorize in advance. Then I will bring,
2. a Message; And then during the week we will,
3. Meditate on this verse.
Galatians 2:20 is one of the all-time great Bible verses about life and living.;I live...liveth... the life...I now live...I live....; In 44 words the Apostle Paul gives the simple secret to the Christian life.
I cannot tell you how many times I have read or quoted this verse in the past 40 years. But then recently it was as though an entirely new phrase came out in this old verse. "The life which I now live. The life which I now live. The life which I now live." What kind of life is it that we now live?
1. Crucified-life.
I am crucified with Christ...
This speaks of the termination of our old life. Our past sinful life has been blotted out!
The cross of Christ was a double-cross. First, Christ was crucified for our sins. And we were crucified with Christ where we died to sin. I am crucified with Christ. This establishes the time of your death. You died 2,000 years ago with Christ on the cross.
God sees every man either in Adam or in Christ. If He sees us in Adam,
He sees us dead in sin. If He sees us in Christ, He sees us dead to sin. At this very moment as God watches me, He sees me dead, buried and risen with Christ!
Died to the law, v. 19. Christ's death satisfied the law. To go back to the law is to go back to Moses. Romans 6:3-8; Colossians 2:20; 3:3.
Died to sin, 1 Peter 2:24. - Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness.
It is this fact that saves me from the penalty of my sin. Since I am dead I can never be brought to trial to account for my sins.
During the Civil War a man by the name of George Wyatt was drawn by lot to go to the front. He had a wife and six children. A young man named Richard Pratt offered to go in his stead. He was accepted and joined the ranks, bearing the name and number of George Wyatt. Before long Pratt was killed in action. The authorities later sought again to draft George Wyatt into service. He protested, entering the plea that he had died in the person of Pratt. He insisted that the authorities consult their own records as to the fact of his having died in identification with Pratt. his substitute. Wyatt was thereby exempted as beyond the claims of law and further service. He died in the person of his representative. There we have the truth of identification in a nutshell. God's way of deliverance is through death; through identification with our Substitute in His death and resurrection; (L. E. Maxwell, Born Crucified, p. 13).
If Christ died for us, then we died. If we died, then we are no longer alive. We are then to reckon ourselves to be dead to sin and alive to God through Christ. We are not called to a process of self-crucifixion but to the acceptance of a crucifixion already accomplished.
If I am going to truly follow Christ then I will follow Him to His death and my death. It is though we are sent to the electric chair for execution. Beside that chair is a sign: Wired for 220;Galatians 2:20.
The cross is God’s answer for the self problem. Song: I am crucified with Christ
2. Christ-life.
Nevertheless I live, yet not I, but Christ liveth in me.
This speaks of the regeneration and identification of our life.
The death and resurrection of Christ are not only historical events (He gave himself and now lives), but by faith we share in them, we benefit from them. We are crucified and risen with Christ. Our old life was taken away at the cross and a new life was given - the very life of Christ. If we ever really understand this and truly discover this we can never remain the same.
Yet not I...; How much of your life is all about you and your plans, your ambitions, your influence, your opinions?
What is the distinctive mark of those who are saved and have the Christ-life? Reading their Bibles? Praying? Going to church? Giving their tithes? Those are all great things - things Christian ought to be doing.
The Christian life is not a life of imitation = W. W. J. D. "What would Jesus Do?"
The Christian life is a life of impartation. The distinctive mark is that Christ lives in us.
2 Corinthians 13:5 - "Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?
1 Corinthians 6:19 - "What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?"
Christianity is "Christ-in-you-ity" and "Christ-in-me-ity." This is not a reformation of our old life, but the impartation of God's life to us and in us. Ours is not an "Old Adam Improvement" plan; do better, try harder, give up this, give up that.
Once you receive Christ you can say, "Jesus Christ lives in me."
You may not fully understand it.
You may not feel it all the time.
But it is so because it is so!
Do we understand this?
Christ for us is a wonderful thought.
Christ with us is even more thrilling.
Christ in us is unspeakably glorious!
3. Changed-life.
"And the life which I now live in the flesh..."
This speaks of the sanctification of our life.
Spend time with me thinking about that word "now." The opposite of the word "now" is "then." The life we now live is not the same as the life we once lived. We still live in the flesh, but now we do not live after the flesh.
Sometimes the life we now live is not a lot different from the life we use to live. That was not true of the man who was inspired to write this verse.
Saul, before the Damascus road change --- Pharisee, Christian-killer, blinded by his religion.
After the Damascus road change --- Devoted Christian, zealous preacher, missionary, church planter.
2 Corinthians 5:17 - "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."
How do we experience this "changed" life?
Our efforts are worthless. It is not through reformation.
Even if we could change ourselves, we would mess it up because we would take the credit.
As long as we do our best we prevent God from doing His normal.
The change we so desperately need and want comes by the residence and the release of the person of Christ.
Ephesians 3:17 - "That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith..."
1 John 4:4 - "Greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world."
Song: What a wonderful change in my life has been wrought since Jesus came into my heart.
"Christianity then is simply Jesus Christ living in our bodies minding His own business." -- Jack Taylor.
Christ gives us a new desire for holiness, for God and for heaven. It is not that we cannot sin again; we can. But we do not want to. The whole attitude of our life has been changed.
There is an immediate change in our heart when we are saved.
There is a progressive change in our way of living. "But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord." -- 2 Corinthians 3:18.
There is an ultimate change at the resurrection. "Behold, we shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed." - 1 Corinthians 15:51. "If a man die, shall he live again? all the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come." - Job 14:14.
4. Controlled-life.
"I live by the faith of the Son of God..."
Do you see how all of this fits together? If we are not experiencing a changed life, its because we are not cooperating with the Christ-life and are ignoring our crucified-life in allowing sin to be alive in us, instead of dead.
Controlled by what? "By the faith of the Son of God."It was the simple act of faith, trust in Christ, that put us "under new management."
Proverbs 3:5, 6 - "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."
5. Confident-life.
"Who loved me and gave himself for me."
This takes us full circle --- back to the cross. What started at the cross, "I am crucified with Christ,"ends with the cross, "Who loved me and gave Himself for me."
Do you know this? Christ really loves you! It is one thing to know "for God so loved the world," and "Christ loved the church," but how awesome it is to know Christ "loves me." Paul looked at this so personally that to him it was as though he were the sole object of the love and sacrifice of Christ.
Jack Taylor illustrates it this way. "Here is a cup of water and by it a tea bag. The water is not the tea and the tea is not the water. They are two separate items. The water is heated and the tea bag placed in the water. A strange thing takes place...the water changes color and nature. It becomes indwelt by a new and dominate nature. The rich tea-color swirls around in the cup until the fluid is tea, not water. For the water to exist now is for tea to exist. The water could say, "It is no longer I that lives, but tea that lives in me." Not many people I know drink hot water. There isn't much demand for it. But if that water, heated in preparation, can be made to become a wholesome and stimulating drink, then it is worthwhile.
So the Christ is just a cup of water, which when heated with faith and entered by the Savior, becomes something else. The Christ nature comes into him and with his consent dominates. He becomes more and more like Christ and less and less like himself. Just as the "tea in the water is the hope of taste," Christ in the Christian is the hope of glory!
I am crucified with Jesus, And the cross has set me free;
I have risen again with Jesus, And He lives and reigns in me!
It is sweet to die with Jesus, To the world, and self, and sin.
It is sweet to live with Jesus, As He lives and reigns within.
The Bible contains powerful:
Books...Genesis, John, Romans, Revelation
Passages...Genesis 1; Psalm 23; Isaiah 53.
Verses...Too Many to List
Most all Scripture needs a context for correct interpretation. Isolated verses are often the source of misinterpretation and ultimately heresy. The fact is, most Bible verses are not intended to stand alone.
But there are some single scripture that are so powerful, so clear, so complete that they are able to stand alone. There are three things we are intending to do with each of these “single, stand alone” scriptures.
Memorize...Psalm 119:11 - “Thy word have I hid in mine heart that I might not sin against thee.” We will assigned the scripture a week in advance to memorize.
Message...Organize and discuss these single scriptures.
Meditate… Psalm 1:2 - ”But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.”
2 - Single, Stand Alone Scripture Series<-> "Galatians 2:20: A Living Scripture"
We are presently looking at some single scriptures that are so powerful, so clear, so complete that they are able to stand alone. It is our intention to ...
1. Memorize in advance. Then I will bring,
2. a Message; And then during the week we will,
3. Meditate on this verse.
Galatians 2:20 is one of the all-time great Bible verses about life and living.;I live...liveth... the life...I now live...I live....; In 44 words the Apostle Paul gives the simple secret to the Christian life.
I cannot tell you how many times I have read or quoted this verse in the past 40 years. But then recently it was as though an entirely new phrase came out in this old verse. "The life which I now live. The life which I now live. The life which I now live." What kind of life is it that we now live?
1. Crucified-life.
I am crucified with Christ...
This speaks of the termination of our old life. Our past sinful life has been blotted out!
The cross of Christ was a double-cross. First, Christ was crucified for our sins. And we were crucified with Christ where we died to sin. I am crucified with Christ. This establishes the time of your death. You died 2,000 years ago with Christ on the cross.
God sees every man either in Adam or in Christ. If He sees us in Adam,
He sees us dead in sin. If He sees us in Christ, He sees us dead to sin. At this very moment as God watches me, He sees me dead, buried and risen with Christ!
Died to the law, v. 19. Christ's death satisfied the law. To go back to the law is to go back to Moses. Romans 6:3-8; Colossians 2:20; 3:3.
Died to sin, 1 Peter 2:24. - Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness.
It is this fact that saves me from the penalty of my sin. Since I am dead I can never be brought to trial to account for my sins.
During the Civil War a man by the name of George Wyatt was drawn by lot to go to the front. He had a wife and six children. A young man named Richard Pratt offered to go in his stead. He was accepted and joined the ranks, bearing the name and number of George Wyatt. Before long Pratt was killed in action. The authorities later sought again to draft George Wyatt into service. He protested, entering the plea that he had died in the person of Pratt. He insisted that the authorities consult their own records as to the fact of his having died in identification with Pratt. his substitute. Wyatt was thereby exempted as beyond the claims of law and further service. He died in the person of his representative. There we have the truth of identification in a nutshell. God's way of deliverance is through death; through identification with our Substitute in His death and resurrection; (L. E. Maxwell, Born Crucified, p. 13).
If Christ died for us, then we died. If we died, then we are no longer alive. We are then to reckon ourselves to be dead to sin and alive to God through Christ. We are not called to a process of self-crucifixion but to the acceptance of a crucifixion already accomplished.
If I am going to truly follow Christ then I will follow Him to His death and my death. It is though we are sent to the electric chair for execution. Beside that chair is a sign: Wired for 220;Galatians 2:20.
The cross is God’s answer for the self problem. Song: I am crucified with Christ
2. Christ-life.
Nevertheless I live, yet not I, but Christ liveth in me.
This speaks of the regeneration and identification of our life.
The death and resurrection of Christ are not only historical events (He gave himself and now lives), but by faith we share in them, we benefit from them. We are crucified and risen with Christ. Our old life was taken away at the cross and a new life was given - the very life of Christ. If we ever really understand this and truly discover this we can never remain the same.
Yet not I...; How much of your life is all about you and your plans, your ambitions, your influence, your opinions?
What is the distinctive mark of those who are saved and have the Christ-life? Reading their Bibles? Praying? Going to church? Giving their tithes? Those are all great things - things Christian ought to be doing.
The Christian life is not a life of imitation = W. W. J. D. "What would Jesus Do?"
The Christian life is a life of impartation. The distinctive mark is that Christ lives in us.
2 Corinthians 13:5 - "Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?
1 Corinthians 6:19 - "What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?"
Christianity is "Christ-in-you-ity" and "Christ-in-me-ity." This is not a reformation of our old life, but the impartation of God's life to us and in us. Ours is not an "Old Adam Improvement" plan; do better, try harder, give up this, give up that.
Once you receive Christ you can say, "Jesus Christ lives in me."
You may not fully understand it.
You may not feel it all the time.
But it is so because it is so!
Do we understand this?
Christ for us is a wonderful thought.
Christ with us is even more thrilling.
Christ in us is unspeakably glorious!
3. Changed-life.
"And the life which I now live in the flesh..."
This speaks of the sanctification of our life.
Spend time with me thinking about that word "now." The opposite of the word "now" is "then." The life we now live is not the same as the life we once lived. We still live in the flesh, but now we do not live after the flesh.
Sometimes the life we now live is not a lot different from the life we use to live. That was not true of the man who was inspired to write this verse.
Saul, before the Damascus road change --- Pharisee, Christian-killer, blinded by his religion.
After the Damascus road change --- Devoted Christian, zealous preacher, missionary, church planter.
2 Corinthians 5:17 - "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."
How do we experience this "changed" life?
Our efforts are worthless. It is not through reformation.
Even if we could change ourselves, we would mess it up because we would take the credit.
As long as we do our best we prevent God from doing His normal.
The change we so desperately need and want comes by the residence and the release of the person of Christ.
Ephesians 3:17 - "That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith..."
1 John 4:4 - "Greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world."
Song: What a wonderful change in my life has been wrought since Jesus came into my heart.
"Christianity then is simply Jesus Christ living in our bodies minding His own business." -- Jack Taylor.
Christ gives us a new desire for holiness, for God and for heaven. It is not that we cannot sin again; we can. But we do not want to. The whole attitude of our life has been changed.
There is an immediate change in our heart when we are saved.
There is a progressive change in our way of living. "But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord." -- 2 Corinthians 3:18.
There is an ultimate change at the resurrection. "Behold, we shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed." - 1 Corinthians 15:51. "If a man die, shall he live again? all the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come." - Job 14:14.
4. Controlled-life.
"I live by the faith of the Son of God..."
Do you see how all of this fits together? If we are not experiencing a changed life, its because we are not cooperating with the Christ-life and are ignoring our crucified-life in allowing sin to be alive in us, instead of dead.
Controlled by what? "By the faith of the Son of God."It was the simple act of faith, trust in Christ, that put us "under new management."
Proverbs 3:5, 6 - "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."
5. Confident-life.
"Who loved me and gave himself for me."
This takes us full circle --- back to the cross. What started at the cross, "I am crucified with Christ,"ends with the cross, "Who loved me and gave Himself for me."
Do you know this? Christ really loves you! It is one thing to know "for God so loved the world," and "Christ loved the church," but how awesome it is to know Christ "loves me." Paul looked at this so personally that to him it was as though he were the sole object of the love and sacrifice of Christ.
Jack Taylor illustrates it this way. "Here is a cup of water and by it a tea bag. The water is not the tea and the tea is not the water. They are two separate items. The water is heated and the tea bag placed in the water. A strange thing takes place...the water changes color and nature. It becomes indwelt by a new and dominate nature. The rich tea-color swirls around in the cup until the fluid is tea, not water. For the water to exist now is for tea to exist. The water could say, "It is no longer I that lives, but tea that lives in me." Not many people I know drink hot water. There isn't much demand for it. But if that water, heated in preparation, can be made to become a wholesome and stimulating drink, then it is worthwhile.
So the Christ is just a cup of water, which when heated with faith and entered by the Savior, becomes something else. The Christ nature comes into him and with his consent dominates. He becomes more and more like Christ and less and less like himself. Just as the "tea in the water is the hope of taste," Christ in the Christian is the hope of glory!
I am crucified with Jesus, And the cross has set me free;
I have risen again with Jesus, And He lives and reigns in me!
It is sweet to die with Jesus, To the world, and self, and sin.
It is sweet to live with Jesus, As He lives and reigns within.
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