Daily Devotions
Galatians
"I have been crucified with Christ..."
Text: Galatians 2:20a
A PROFOUND APPLICATION
The apostle Paul went further in his investigation concerning what it means to be truly justified by Christ.
I have been crucified with Christ;
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
gave Himself for me.Galatians 2:20
1. The justification that is found in Christ
a) It took Jesus’ death to make justification possible at all.
b) The death of Christ was by crucifixion.
2. Identification with Christ
a) Paul went deeper than just appreciation of justification by Christ.
b) He wanted to be fully identified with Christ (which is outstanding).
i) This means being “crucified” with Christ.
ii) This is, of course, not a literal idea.
iii) It is a strong figure of speech.
3. “I have been crucified with Christ”
a) Once again the idea of being “dead to the law” must be noted.
b) Death frees one from “the law”
4. “It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me”
a) Christ takes up residence in our heart when we believe in Him.
b) The life that we have should reflect Christ living in us.
5. “I live by faith”
a) In Christ who is the Son of God.
b) In Christ’s love.
c) In conscious awareness and gratitude of Christ’s death.
IMPORTANT CHALLENGES
Only true faith in Christ brings about justification. This faith in Christ should see us living consciously for the Lord Jesus Christ. His life’s power should be coursing through our veins. The love of Christ should enable us to crucify ourselves with Christ.
Our faith in Christ should see us exhibit the very life of Christ. Our social interaction (Jews and Gentiles are in mind here) should also reflect the beauty and glory of Christ!