Living The Crucified Life Series

LIVING THE CRUCIFIED LIFE

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Galatians 2:20

Supporting Texts: Romans 6:6-11, Luke 9:23, Colossians 3:1-5, Philippians 3:10, 2 Corinthians 5:15

INTRODUCTION:

The crucified life is the essence of true discipleship. It is a life fully surrendered to Jesus Christ—a life that no longer seeks to please self, but one that lives solely for the will and glory of God. Paul’s declaration in Galatians 2:20 is the hallmark of Christian maturity: a life where Christ lives in and through us.

In our world today, many desire the benefits of salvation but resist the demands of the cross. Yet, Jesus clearly stated that anyone who would follow Him must deny themselves and take up their cross daily. The crucified life is not optional—it is the standard for every serious believer.

Living the crucified life means dying daily to sin, selfish ambition, fleshly desires, and worldly enticements. It is a continuous journey of putting off the old man and putting on the new nature of Christ. In this message, we will explore how to live this life that brings glory to God and leads to victorious Christian living.

1. DYING TO SELF IS THE FOUNDATION OF THE CRUCIFIED LIFE

You cannot live for Christ if you are still living for yourself.

a) Self Must Be Denied Daily (Luke 9:23)

Christ calls us to deny ourselves, take up the cross, and follow Him every day.

b) The Old Man Was Crucified with Christ (Romans 6:6)

Through Christ’s death, our sinful nature has been defeated.

c) Living for Self Opposes the Life of the Spirit (Galatians 5:24)

Those who belong to Christ crucify the flesh with its passions.

d) Self-will Must Submit to God’s Will (Matthew 26:39)

Jesus gave us the perfect example by surrendering His will to the Father.

Biblical Example: John the Baptist declared, “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30), showing the heart of one who lives the crucified life.

2. A CRUCIFIED LIFE SEEKS HEAVENLY THINGS

Living crucified means setting your mind on things above, not below.

a) Our Affections Must Shift to the Eternal (Colossians 3:1–2)

We must love what God loves and hate what He hates.

b) The World Has Been Crucified to Us (Galatians 6:14)

We are no longer bound by worldly standards or desires.

c) We Live by Faith in the Son of God (Galatians 2:20)

Our lives are now anchored in Christ, not in fleshly logic.

d) Spiritual Vision Replaces Carnal Ambition (Philippians 3:7–8)

Paul counted all things as loss for the surpassing worth of knowing Christ.

Biblical Example: Moses forsook Egypt’s riches to follow God’s calling (Hebrews 11:24–27).

3. THE CRUCIFIED LIFE BRINGS VICTORY OVER SIN

It is impossible to overcome sin without dying to self.

a) Reckon Yourself Dead to Sin (Romans 6:11)

Sin loses its power when you see yourself crucified with Christ.

b) Crucifixion Cuts the Power of the Flesh (Romans 8:13)

Through the Spirit, we put to death the deeds of the body.

c) Victory Comes from Identification with Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17)

We are new creations; the old has gone, the new has come.

d) Grace Empowers Us to Live Above Sin (Titus 2:11-12)

God’s grace teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness.

Biblical Example: Joseph resisted sin in Potiphar’s house because he had a fear of God and had disciplined his flesh (Genesis 39:7-12).

4. THE CRUCIFIED LIFE GLORIFIES CHRIST

When you are dead to self, Christ is seen in your words, walk, and works.

a) Christ Must Be Evident in Our Lives (Philippians 1:20-21)

To live is Christ; to die is gain.

b) Our Lives Become a Living Testimony (Romans 12:1)

We are called to offer ourselves as living sacrifices.

c) People See Jesus When We Are Dead to Self (2 Corinthians 4:10-11)

The life of Jesus is revealed through our mortal bodies.

d) The Crucified Life Produces Lasting Fruit (John 12:24)

A grain must die to produce much fruit.

Biblical Example: Stephen, even while being stoned, reflected Christ by forgiving his persecutors (Acts 7:55–60).

CONCLUSION:

The crucified life is not for the faint-hearted; it requires total surrender and a deep desire to become like Christ. It is a life that says "no" to the flesh and "yes" to God. When we live crucified, we gain victory, clarity, and intimacy with God that cannot be found elsewhere.

Though the crucified life may seem painful at first, it leads to abundant life, peace, and glory. It is the only way to truly fulfil your purpose and glorify God. May we embrace the cross and live daily in the power of Christ’s death and resurrection.

PRAYER POINTS:

1. Lord, help me to die daily to self and live for Your glory.

2. Father, crucify every desire in me that opposes Your will.

3. Help me to set my affections on things above, not on earthly things.

4. Empower me by Your Spirit to walk in victory over sin.

5. Let Christ be fully formed and revealed through my life.