Today’s reading is full of the promise of dozens of different possible sermons… In order to choose just one, I will focus on just one verse (technically, one and a half verses!)
In Galatians 2:19-20, Paul writes, “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith 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 look at 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.
Paul declares, "My old self has been crucified with Christ."
The Greek for “I have been crucified with” (synestauromai) 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.
As Paul writes in Romans 6:6: “We know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be destroyed, and we might no longer be enslaved to sin.”
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. As Jesus said, "If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves, take up their 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.
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.
Union with Christ transforms us, making 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. Christ's life within us empowers us to live out this good news.
This is at the 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 commitment.
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 Savior. 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 honor 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.
Paul writes, "And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith 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.
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 that he hears us.
Recall this familiar verse from 2 Corinthians: "For we walk by faith, not by sight." 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.
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.
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.
This 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: 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.
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 Savior 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!