Not I, But Christ

A. INTRODUCTION

1. Easter Sunday, 1951, this verse changed my life. I realized Christ lived in me.

a. I knew I was saved by the Lord.

b. I knew I was called into full-time service.

c. I knew God answered prayer.

d. I didn’t know the peace and victory I would have by the indwelling Christ.

2. Galatians 2:20 has dozens of sermons.

3. Jonathan Falwell posted it the Sunday after his father died. It has been there ever since.

B. NOT I (THE GREAT DECEPTION)

1. There are two meanings of the I in scripture. First, it is the power of personality, the intellect, the emotions, and the will, i.e., self-perception and self-direction. “This I is good, and those with the strongest self-perception are healthiest and do the most for God in their culture. The second I is in rebellion against God. This is the I of ego, self-exaltation and self-deception.

a. Satan fell because of a selfish I. “I will ascend into heaven . . . exalt my throne . . . I will be like the Most High” (Is. 14:13-14). God says, “You shall be brought down to hell” (v. 15).

b. Nebuchadnezzar was judged by God because of his evil I. “I by my own mighty power have built this beautiful city . . . to display my majestic splendor” (Dan. 4:30, NLT).

“While the words were in the king’s mouth . . . the thing was fulfilled” (Dan. 4:31, 33).

c. “Pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall” (Prov. 16:18).

d. “Whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased” (Lu. 14:11).

C. BUT (THE GREAT DECISION)

1. When using the conjunction “BUT” in a sentence, it has three focuses. First, it means stop, the preceding is not correct. Second, it means, look the opposite direction, and third; it takes you on a journey in the opposite direction.

2. The conjunction “BUT” takes exception to what was previously written and said. You get spiritually healthy when you realize there is frustration and failure in self-effort apart from Christ.

a. Saved by grace, “not of your good works” (Eph. 2:8-9).

b. Grow by faith, “They who fulfill the self-centered flesh, focuses their life on self-satisfaction” (Rom. 8:5, ELT).

3. The conjunction “BUT” means to look at the opposite truth. “You were dead forever because of your many sins . . . obeying Satan . . . refusing to obey God . . . following the passions and desires of your evil nature . . . but God made us alive together with Christ” (Eph. 2:1-4, NLT).

4. The conjunction “BUT” means to begin living in the new direction. “So that the life of Jesus may be seen in our bodies” (2 Cor. 4:12, NLT).

D. CHRIST (THE GREAT DEDICATION)

1. He takes up residence in you. “Christ will be more and more at home in your hearts as you trust Him” (Eph. 3:17, NLT).

2. His presence in your life. “This is the secret, Christ lives in you” (Col. 1:27).

3. He gives you a new drive. “You won’t spend the rest of your life chasing evil desires” (I Peter 4:2, NLT).

4. He gives you a new purpose. “So He is first in everything” (Col. 1:18, NLT). “That in all things He may have the preeminence” (Col. 1:18, NKJV).

5. He gives you new power or energy. “I live my life in this earthly body by the faith – energy of the Son of God” (Gal. 2:20).

6. He gives you new help. “Whether we are dead or alive, we get spiritual life from Him” (1 Thess. 5:10, ELT).

7. He gives you a life-long commitment. “No longer live the rest of our time satisfying our flesh and lust, but doing the will of God” (1 Peter 4:2).

8. He makes us overcomers. “We never give up . . . for our present troubles are quite small . . . yet they produce for us a great glory that will last forever! . . . We look forward to what we have not seen. For the troubles we see will soon be over, but the joys to come will last forever” (2 Cor. 4:16-18, NLT).

If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:

Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.