CRUCIFIED WITH CHRIST
Galatians 2:20
Paul knew that our biggest enemy is "I" --- It has been the problem since the beginning of time.
(Note Isa. 14: 12-15) "I" has been the problem since the Fall of Man! --- BUT PAUL SOUNDS THE VICTORY NOTE WHEN HE SAID.... I AM CRUCIFIED WITH CHRIST! --- Why did Paul say,
"I am crucified with Christ? Why didn’t he just say I am dead with Christ? --- Because a death of Crucifixion can only be administered by some one else.... You cannot crucify yourself.... You can kill yourself many ways but you cannot crucify yourself.... Someone has to do it for you.
I Cor. 15:31 - Paul said, I die daily! --- In Luke 9:23 - Jesus said, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. Jesus said again in Mt. 16:24 -
If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
Note, Jesus did not say My Cross, But His Cross, A Personal Cross --- Luke 14:27 - And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.
Taking up the cross always means... The emptying of Self! --- We have the tendency to brag on our self.... How we overcame a sinful life, How we overcame booze, cursing, anger, malice, jealousy...etc... BUT WHAT ABOUT SELF? WE HAD BETTER BE CAREFUL OF SELF AND GIVE JESUS ALL THE HONOR AND GLORY! --- S I N --- S O N!
1. BEWARE OF SELF ENERGY
Zechariah 4:6 - "Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit saith the Lord of hosts."
Remember when we start saying "I" did this and "I" did that.. I will never do this or that ... remember John 15:5 - Jesus said, Without me ye can do nothing. --- When problems arise... Self is on the throne..... Crucify self and put Christ on the throne. --- God will not bless us until we say "Not my will but thy will be done."
(Some examples - First sermon at Valley Falls -- Sherry in Wilson, NC. -- Dads sickness)
2. BEWARE OF SELF-COMPLACENCY
When we get satisfied with what we have done and stop working. "I" is in the way!
Our work for Jesus is never don until we rest with Him in heaven! --- I Samuel 16:11 - Let us not sit down until the King comes! (Work, Work, Work)
"I" does not want to work. "I" does not want to go to Church. "I" does not want to pray or read the Bible or go soul winning... BUT I AM CRUCIFIED WITH CHRIST! (No eyes, ears, or legs, they are not mine, they belong to Jesus)
3. BEWARE OF SELF-GLORY
I Cor. 10:13 - Whether therefore ye eat or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all for the glory of God!
Many times we do things for a pat on the back... to be praise or recognized! --- I Peter 1: 24,25 -
For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away; But the Word of the Lord endureth for ever.
II Cor. 4:5 - WE PREACH NOT OURSELVES, BUT CHRIST JESUS! --- WHEN WE PREACH, PEOPLE SHOULD NOT SAY MY WHAT A MESSAGE..... BUT MY WHAT A SAVIOUR!
The Lord did not say.... Let him deny his sins, nor certain exterior things, but went deeper than actions into the very centre of man and said.... LET A MAN DENY HIMSELF!
LET US DECLARE A NEW AND A FRESH..... "I" AM CRUCIFIED WITH CHRIST."
*Luke 12: 16-19 - The man with six eyes but could not see - The Rich Farmer
