As believers, we often talk about the importance of living a life that honors God. But what does that really mean? How do we live a life that is truly surrendered to Christ? In Galatians 2:20, the apostle Paul writes, "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me." This verse holds the key to understanding what it means to live a life that is truly crucified with Christ.
The Call to Crucifixion
When Paul says, "I have been crucified with Christ," he is not talking about a physical crucifixion. Rather, he is talking about a spiritual one. He is saying that he has died to his old self and is now alive in Christ. This is a call that is extended to all believers. We are called to die to our old selves and to live a new life in Christ.
The Old Self
So, what does it mean to die to our old selves? It means that we must let go of our old way of living. We must let go of our sinful habits and our selfish desires. We must let go of our need to control and our need to be in charge. We must die to our old self and be born again in Christ. The Bible says:
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV)
The New Self
When we die to our old self, we are born again in Christ. We are given a new heart and a new spirit. We are given a new way of living. We are no longer controlled by our sinful nature, but rather by the Spirit of God. We are no longer living for ourselves, but rather for Christ. According to Apostle Paul:
Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. (Romans 6:3,4 KJV)
Baptism is symbolizing the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. That means we are born again in spirit.
Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. (John 3:3 KJV)
A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. (Ezekiel 36:26 KJV)
Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. (Psalms 51:10 KJV)
Crucified with Christ
So, what does it mean to be crucified with Christ? It means that we have died to our old self and are now alive in Christ. It means that we have been united with Christ in his death and resurrection. It means that we have been given a new life, a life that is centered on Christ and lived for his glory. The main text for today is greatly emphasizes of what all these mean:
I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:20 KJV)
1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.
10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: (Colossians 3:1-4; 10KJV)
The Implications of Being Crucified with Christ
Being crucified with Christ has several implications for our lives. First, it means that we are no longer in control. We are no longer the masters of our own destiny. Rather, we are under the control of the Spirit of God. Second, it means that we are no longer living for ourselves. We are no longer seeking to fulfill our own desires and ambitions. Rather, we are living for Christ and seeking to fulfill his desires and ambitions.
There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. 11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. (Romans 8:1,9,11 KJV)
The Benefits of Being Crucified with Christ
Being crucified with Christ also has several benefits. First, it means that we have been given a new life. We have been born again in Christ and have been given a new heart and a new spirit. Second, it means that we have been forgiven of our sins. We have been washed clean by the blood of Christ and have been declared righteous in his sight. Third, it means that we have been given a new purpose. We are no longer living for ourselves, but rather for Christ.
For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's. (Romans 14:8 KJV)
The Challenge of Being Crucified with Christ
Being crucified with Christ is not easy. It requires us to die to our old self and to live a new life in Christ. It requires us to let go of our sinful habits and our selfish desires. It requires us to be willing to suffer and to sacrifice for the sake of Christ. But it is a challenge that is worth accepting.
For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. (Galatians 3:27; Ephesians 4:22-24 KJV)
The Reward of Being Crucified with Christ
The reward of being crucified with Christ is great. We have been given a new life, a life that is centered on Christ and lived for his glory. We have been forgiven of our sins and have been declared righteous in his sight. We have been given a new purpose, a purpose that is centered on serving Christ and advancing his kingdom.
He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. (Revelation 3:5 KJV)
Living Out Our Faith
So, how do we live out our faith in a way that reflects our crucifixion with Christ? First, we must be willing to die to our old self. We must be willing to let go of our sinful habits and our selfish desires. Second, we must be willing to live a new life in Christ. We must be willing to be controlled by the Spirit of God and to live for his glory. (See John 3:3-5, Ezekiel 36:26)
Surrendering to God's Will
Surrendering to God's will is not always easy. It requires us to let go of our own desires and ambitions and to trust in God's sovereignty. But it is a necessary part of living a life that is crucified with Christ. But if you loved God with all your heart and all your mind it is very easy for you.
Trusting in God's Sovereignty
Trusting in God's sovereignty is not always easy. It requires us to have faith that God is in control, even when things don't make sense. But it is a necessary part of living a life that is crucified with Christ. Again if you loved God with all your heart and all your mind it is very easy for you.
Living a Life of Obedience
Living a life of obedience is not always easy. It requires us to be willing to do what God says, even when it's hard. But it is a necessary part of living a life that is crucified with Christ. I say it to you again. If you loved God with all your heart and all your mind these things are very easy for you. The Bible says:
If ye love me, keep my commandments. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. (John 15:15; 15:14 KJV)
The Power of the Holy Spirit
The power of the Holy Spirit is essential for living a life that is crucified with Christ. It is the Holy Spirit who gives us the power to overcome our sinful nature and to live a life that is pleasing to God.
But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. (Acts 1:8 KJV)
But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. (John 1:12,13 KJV)
Moment by Moment Surrender
As we walk with Christ, we must learn to surrender to him moment by moment. This means being willing to give up our own desires and ambitions, and instead seeking to do God's will.
And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. (Luke 9:23 KJV)
The Power of Surrender
Surrendering to God's will is not a sign of weakness, but rather a sign of strength. It takes courage to let go of our own desires and ambitions, and instead seek to do God's will. God's strength is our strength:
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. (Philippians 4:13 KJV)
The Joy of Surrender
When we surrender to God's will, we experience a joy that is unlike anything else. This joy comes from knowing that we are doing God's will, and that he is working everything out for our good. (See Romans 8:28)
The Peace of Surrender
Surrendering to God's will also brings us peace. When we let go of our own desires and ambitions, and instead seek to do God's will, we experience a peace that passes all understanding.
Conclusion
In conclusion, being crucified with Christ is a call that is extended to all believers. It is a call to die to our old self and to live a new life in Christ. It is a call to let go of our sinful habits and our selfish desires. It is a call to surrender to God's will. It is a call to let go of our own desires and ambitions, and instead seek to do God's will. It is a call to be willing to suffer and to sacrifice for the sake of Christ (See 2 Timothy 3:12). But it is a call that is worth accepting, for the reward of being crucified with Christ is great.
When we surrender to God's will, we experience a joy and peace that is unlike anything else.
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on what it means to be crucified with Christ, let us remember that it is a call to die to our old self and to live a new life in Christ. Let us be willing to surrender to God's will, to trust in his sovereignty, and to live a life of obedience. And let us rely on the power of the Holy Spirit to give us the strength and the courage to live a life that is pleasing to God.
For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. (2 Corinthians 4:16 KJV)
May we be willing to take up our cross and follow Christ, no matter the cost. May we be willing to be crucified with Christ, that we might live a new life in him. And may we always remember that the reward of being crucified with Christ is great, for it is in Him that we find true life and true freedom.
I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:20 KJV)
Final Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, help us to surrender to Your will. Give us the courage to let go of our own desires and ambitions, and instead seek to do Your will. Fill us with your joy and peace, and help us to walk with You moment by moment. Please send Your Holy Spirit to help us in our daily lives as we walk according to Your will. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.
Crucified With Christ - Phillips Craig Dean
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