"I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." Gal 2:20
The apostle Paul's words resonate with deep conviction, highlighting the profound change that takes place when one surrenders their life to Christ. Paul's statement "I have been crucified with Christ" emphasizes the crucifixion of our old self, the sinful nature that once held us captive. Just as Christ was crucified for our sins, our old self dies with Him. This act of surrendering our sinful nature leads to rebirth and spiritual transformation. "It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me." This declaration reflects the intimacy of our union with Christ. When we embrace faith in Him, His presence dwells within us. This concept is powerfully demonstrated in the life of Christ's ultimate act of love through His crucifixion. Paul reflects on the depth of this love, emphasizing that Christ's sacrifice wasn't merely an event in history but a personal act that was directed toward him. This recognition of Christ's love and sacrifice forms the bedrock of Paul's faith. By embracing Christ's love, Paul is transformed into a vessel of that same love, radiating it to others through his transformed life.
Living by faith involves trusting in God's promises and relying on His guidance. "And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God." Abraham's faith journey illustrates this, as he obediently left his homeland and believed God's promise of a son in his old age. "...who loved me and gave himself for me." God's love and sacrifice through Christ form the foundation of our faith. The story of the prodigal son demonstrates God's unconditional love and forgiveness, as the father welcomes his wayward son with open arms. Embracing this new life in Christ results in a transformed way of living. Just as the Israelites crossed the Red Sea, leaving behind their bondage in Egypt, we step into a life of freedom from sin and a journey towards spiritual maturity. The verse poignantly portrays the apostle Paul's deep conviction and personal transformation, symbolizing the death of his old sinful self. Paul's individual identity was no longer dominant; instead, Christ's presence took precedence within him, impling a profound spiritual connection where Christ's nature, values, and purpose become central to Paul's existence.
Living by faith doesn't exempt us from trials, but it equips us to face them with hope and trust. The story of Job exemplifies unwavering faith in the midst of suffering, as he holds onto God's goodness despite his circumstances. Our identity shifts from our old self to being "in Christ." Just as Saul became Paul after encountering Jesus on the road to Damascus, we're transformed and given a new purpose when we encounter Christ. Living by faith requires obedience to God's will. Abraham's willingness to offer Isaac as a sacrifice demonstrates his obedience, even in the face of a difficult command. Obedience becomes an expression of our faith and trust in God. The verse underscores the idea that the new life we live in our physical body is animated by unwavering faith in the Son of God. This faith isn't just a belief system but a deep reliance on God's promises and an unshakable trust in His guidance.
Galatians 2:20 invites us to reflect on our journey of faith. It urges us to continually surrender our old self, allowing Christ to live within us. As we live by faith, we are called to emulate the faith of those who have gone before us, trusting in God's love, walking in obedience, and experiencing the transformative power of a life lived in Christ. This verse highlights the importance of faith in the Christian tradition and provides insight into faith's role in one's relationship with God. May these reflections deepen your understanding of Galatians 2:20 and inspire you to live a life fully surrendered to Christ's love and guidance. In essence, Galatians 2:20 encapsulates a life bound by sin to a life crucified and resurrected with Christ. This metamorphosis brings about a new identity, a new way of living, and a new source of power through faith. It illustrates how faith, rather than being a passive concept, is an active force that shapes every aspect of life; decisions, actions, and attitudes. The verse beckons believers to seek a life immersed in Christ's love, driven by faith, and characterized by a transformed existence that reflects Christ's nature.
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Job 13:15 "Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him"
These words are a wonderful illustration of what Jesus says in Luke 6:45: “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good...for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks” Job’s words do not come from nowhere, out of the blue, but rather they show what Job prior to this had been storing up in his heart, and now, out of that treasure-house, his mouth speaks. Job’s words reveal that he is a man of great faith. We have the assurance of God's love and salvation in Romans 8:39. This reminds us that no matter what we go through, nothing can separate us from God's love. If we've trusted Christ as Savior, our salvation and eternity are secure. This promise is comfort for the soul when doubts and fears overwhelm.
Hardship lasts only for a season – When we're going through something really hard, at the time, it's difficult to imagine things will ever improve. And Satan considers these seasons an opportune time to whisper lies like "a loving God wouldn't allow this in your life" or "God doesn't care about you because he's not coming to your rescue." Don't believe Satan's falsehoods. God cares. He sees. He knows. And this season in your life will end. "To everything there is a season, and a time for every matter or purpose under heaven" Ecclesiastes 3:1. God is our hope. Job experienced heartache, adversity, acute physical pain, and mental anguish, but despite all he endured, he could still say;. Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him" Job 13:15!
Praise has great power to bring joy and break the power of the enemy. Whenever you give thanks to God, despite the most difficult circumstances, the enemy loses a big battle in your life. When you give thanks in the midst of difficulty, you bring pleasure to God's heart. He's looking for Christians who live in a realm of praise and thanksgiving where the enemy no longer has an ability to hold or manipulate that person. Satan is defeated when we have a thankful heart because praise and gratitude during difficulty is a sacrifice pleasing to God!
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