Go! And Live The Crucified Life - Galatians 2:20 Series

Go! And Live the Crucified Life - Galatians 2:20

Introduction:

Today we gather to explore a profound truth found in Galatians 2:20 (NLT):

"My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."

This verse encapsulates the essence of the Christian journey—a transformative union with Christ that redefines our identity and purpose. Today, we will delve into three pivotal aspects of this truth:

Crucified with Christ: The Death of the Old Self

Christ Lives in Me: The Reality of New Life

Living by Faith: The Daily Walk of Trust

May the Holy Spirit illuminate our hearts as we immerse ourselves in God's Word.

1. Crucified with Christ: The Death of the Old Self

Paul declares, "My old self has been crucified with Christ." This statement signifies the believer's participation in Christ's crucifixion, marking the end of our former way of life dominated by sin.

Understanding 'Crucified with Christ':

The Greek term s??esta???µa? (synestauromai) translates to "I have been crucified with." This verb is in the perfect tense, indicating a completed action with ongoing effects. Our co-crucifixion with Christ is a definitive event that continues to impact our present existence.

Romans 6:6 (NLT): "We know that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin."

Our "old sinful selves" refer to the unregenerate nature predisposed to sin. Through union with Christ's death, the dominion of sin is broken, liberating us from its bondage. This emancipation calls us to reject sinful habits and embrace righteousness.

Colossians 3:3 (NLT): "For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God."

"You died" signifies a decisive break from our past sinful existence. Our true identity is now concealed "with Christ in God," emphasizing security and transformation. This hidden life urges us to seek heavenly pursuits over earthly desires.

Imagine a caterpillar undergoing metamorphosis into a butterfly. The caterpillar's former existence ends as it transforms into a new creature. Similarly, our old self dies with Christ, giving rise to a renewed life in Him.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer profoundly stated, "When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die." This "death" is the surrender of our former selves to embrace the new life offered in Christ.

When we hear those words through the lens of Scripture and the power of the Holy Spirit, we’re reminded that the call of Jesus is not an invitation to comfort, convenience, or compromise. It is a call to surrender. A call to die—not physically, but spiritually—to self, to sin, to pride, to every idol that competes for the throne of our hearts.

To follow Christ is to let go of the illusion of self-sovereignty and to embrace the truth that Jesus is Lord. It’s not a partial commitment. It’s not a Sunday-only lifestyle. It’s a complete and total surrender—death to the old so that resurrection life may begin.

This "death" is not a loss, but a gain. Because as we surrender our former selves, we step into the fullness of life found only in Christ—eternal, abundant, Spirit-filled life. Jesus said in Luke 9:23 (NLT):

"If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me."

That’s not just poetic language—that’s the reality of discipleship. That’s the narrow road. That’s the life of one who has been truly transformed.

Bonhoeffer’s own life bore the marks of this truth. He literally gave his life in opposition to evil, standing firm for Christ in a world of compromise. And yet, even before that final sacrifice, he had already died daily to self. He lived a crucified life, so that Christ might be glorified through him.

So, brothers and sisters, let us not shy away from the cross. Let us not fear this holy death. Because on the other side of dying to self is the glorious reality of living for Christ. This is the call of the Gospel: die to live, surrender to reign, fall to rise, give all to gain everything—in Christ alone.

2. Christ Lives in Me: The Reality of New Life

Paul continues, "It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me." This reflects the profound mystery of Christ's indwelling presence within believers.

Understanding 'Christ Lives in Me':

The verb ?? (zei) means "lives." The present tense indicates an ongoing, continuous action. Christ's life within us is not a one-time event but a perpetual reality.

John 15:5 (NLT): "Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing."