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."
The vine-branch metaphor illustrates the vital connection between Christ and believers. Just as branches draw life from the vine, we derive spiritual vitality from Christ. Abiding in Him results in fruitful living, while separation leads to spiritual barrenness.
2 Corinthians 5:17 (NLT): "This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!"
Union with Christ initiates a radical transformation, rendering us "new persons." The departure of the old life signifies the cessation of our previous sinful patterns, while the commencement of the new life points to our renewed nature and purpose.
Consider a hand in a glove. The glove by itself is lifeless, but when the hand enters, it becomes active and functional. Similarly, our lives, animated by Christ's indwelling, move according to His will and purpose.
Pastor Tim Keller remarked, "The gospel is not about choosing to follow advice; it is about being called to follow a King. Not just someone with the power and authority to tell you what needs to be done—but someone with the power and authority to do what needs to be done and then to offer it to you as good news."
Christ's life within us empowers us to live out this good news.
What a powerful and Spirit-filled truth from Pastor Tim Keller. That quote doesn't just stir the mind; it ignites the heart.
"The gospel is not about choosing to follow advice; it is about being called to follow a King."
This strikes at the very core of what it means to be a Christian. The gospel is not a motivational speech. It is not a self-help plan. It’s not a list of tips and tricks to improve your life. No, it’s the declaration of a divine rescue carried out by Jesus Christ, the risen King. And it calls not for consideration but for allegiance.
In today’s world, so many people treat Christianity like it’s one voice among many on a spiritual buffet table. Take a little Jesus, sprinkle in some mindfulness, maybe a pinch of good vibes, and voilà—a personalised path to peace. But Keller rightly reminds us that the gospel is not advice to be weighed—it is a royal summons to bow before the King of kings, the One who has already secured our salvation through His cross and His resurrection.
Then Keller continues, “Not just someone with the power and authority to tell you what needs to be done—but someone with the power and authority to do what needs to be done and then to offer it to you as good news.”
Church, let’s shout a Hallelujah right there! Because Jesus didn’t come to be another Moses giving us law—He came as the fulfilment of the law, the one who accomplished everything we never could. He didn't just come to give us instructions—He came to carry our burden, bear our punishment, and provide our righteousness.
This echoes what Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 5:21 (NLT): “For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.”
That’s not advice. That’s atonement. That’s not a suggestion. That’s salvation. That’s not a hint—it’s hope for the hopeless, strength for the weary, and life for the dead.
So, my dear brothers and sisters, when we respond to the gospel, we’re not just subscribing to a new philosophy—we’re surrendering to a Saviour. We’re following a King who wore a crown of thorns, who gave His life for ours, and who now calls us to walk not in fear, but in freedom—the kind only a risen King can give.
Let us never reduce the gospel to advice when it is the power of God unto salvation. Let us honour the King who did what needed to be done and now offers it to us—not as a demand, but as a divine gift of grace.
3. Living by Faith: The Daily Walk of Trust
Paul concludes, "So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." This emphasizes the necessity of faith in the believer's daily life.
Understanding 'Living by Faith':
The phrase ?? p?ste? (en pistei) translates to "by faith." This denotes the means by which we conduct our lives—through continual reliance on Christ.
Hebrews 11:6 (NLT): "And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him."
Faith is foundational to our relationship with God. Approaching Him requires belief in His existence and trust in His benevolence. This faith motivates us to earnestly seek Him, confident in His responsiveness.
2 Corinthians 5:7 (NLT): "For we live by believing and not by seeing."
Our journey is characterized by faith, not by reliance on physical sight. This means trusting God's promises and guidance, even when circumstances are unclear or challenging.
Walking in faith is akin to navigating a path in dense fog with a trusted guide. Though visibility is limited, confidence in the guide's knowledge ensures safe passage. Similarly, trusting Christ leads us securely through life's uncertainties.
Quote:
Author A.W. Tozer wrote, "Faith is the gaze of a soul upon a saving God."
What a powerful and poetic reminder of what genuine faith looks like. Faith isn’t blind; it’s not some abstract hope floating in uncertainty. No, faith is intentional. Faith is focused. Faith is the soul looking steadily, trustingly, and continually toward the One who saves.
Our daily walk involves fixing our spiritual eyes on Jesus, trusting Him to lead and sustain us.
As followers of Jesus, our daily walk—our journey through the ups and downs, the joys and the sorrows—is marked by where we place our gaze. The writer of Hebrews exhorts us in Hebrews 12:2 (NLT): “We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.” You see, Jesus isn’t just the starting point of our faith—He is its sustainer, its perfector, its finisher!
There is power in where we look. Just as Peter walked on water when his eyes were fixed on Christ—but began to sink when he looked at the wind and waves—so we, too, must keep our spiritual eyes locked on Jesus. He is our anchor in the storm, our guide in the wilderness, our strength in the valley, and our joy on the mountaintop.
Tozer’s quote reminds us that faith is not passive. It is the soul’s active, persistent gaze upon the One who rescues, redeems, and restores. When we look to Jesus—truly look—we find that He is more than enough. He is the author and the object of our faith, and He will never let us down.
So I encourage you, dear brothers and sisters: Go! And fix your gaze upon your saving God. In every situation, let faith lift your eyes to the One who reigns above all. Trust Him, walk with Him, and live each moment for His glory.
Conclusion and Call to Action:
As we come to the close of our time in the Word today, I want to remind you of the powerful truth we’ve explored together from Galatians 2:20. Paul’s declaration of having been “crucified with Christ” points us to the reality that in Christ, the old self has been put to death, leaving room for the new life He brings. This isn’t just theological theory—it’s a living, breathing reality for every believer.
In Christ, we no longer live for ourselves but for Him who loved us and gave Himself for us. His life now dwells in us, enabling us to live in victory, not by our own strength, but by His. And it is by faith—daily, moment-by-moment trust in His power, His promises, and His love—that we walk in this newness of life.
This crucified life, this life in Christ, is not just an event—it’s a journey. It’s the daily call to die to self, to live by faith, and to allow Christ to live through us in every moment. It’s not about striving to be good enough or to follow a set of rules; it’s about a living relationship with the risen Saviour who empowers us to live according to His will.
So, I urge you, brothers and sisters, let this truth become your reality. Go! And live the crucified life!
Call to Action:
Surrender Your Old Self: If you’ve never made that choice to surrender your life to Jesus Christ, I invite you today to lay down your old self. Come to the cross, where Jesus paid the ultimate price for your sins, and accept the new life He offers. Your old life—your sins, your failures, your burdens—can be laid down at His feet, and He will take them and give you new life in exchange.
Live by Faith: For those who have already placed your faith in Christ, I challenge you today to live by faith. Each day, surrender your will to His, trust Him for the strength to overcome temptations, and rely on His power to live the life He’s called you to.
Walk in His Presence: Remember, Christ is in you! He is the power that enables you to live differently. Every moment of every day, invite Him into your heart and your decisions. Seek His guidance, and lean on His strength. Don't try to live the Christian life by your own effort—let Him live through you.
Share the Good News: As you experience the crucified life, don’t keep it to yourself. Share the hope you have with others. As Paul wrote, “It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.” Let others see Christ in you, and be a witness of the transformation He’s made in your life.
As we leave here today, let us not forget that this life of surrender, this life of faith, is not just a one-time decision—it’s a daily, moment-by-moment commitment to follow the One who died for us and now lives in us. Go! And live the crucified life, empowered by Christ, walking in faith, and trusting in His love and strength. May His life shine brightly through you, to the glory of God.
Let’s pray.
