Live
Today’s Verse:
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
As we begin a New Year, I am thankful to be alive! I am thankful for my salvation, the prospect of Heaven, good health, a good appetite, the blessing of being married, my children, my granddaughter, my church, and the privilege to serve the Lord. Paul uses the word “live” four times in Galatians 2:20, and if you count v. 19, a total of five times. The emphasis Paul makes is, “I live!” This morning, let us be exhorted to live.
We see a vital source.
“Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God.” Real living is found in a saving relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. The moment Christ is accepted by faith as Savior, he lives within us. To live means you are alive, cognitive, energized, functional, and purposed. Christ in us is the hope of glory! Christ in us is strength for every day. Christ in us is our motivation for accomplishing things. Christ living in us is our vital source.
We see a victorious secret.
The secret to continuous spiritual victory is Christ in us. First, it demands a dying to self. Paul declared, “I am crucified with Christ.” We must voluntarily nail the flesh with its lusts, desires, weaknesses, and cravings to the cross. It must be put to death. When the flesh is dead, it cannot bother us. Second, we live by the faith of the Son of God Who loves us and gave Himself for us. We must decide that without Him we can do nothing. However, with Him all things are possible to him that believeth. We have victorious success because we live in and by faith. The faith of the Son of God is faith in the priority He has given us. It is seeking first the kingdom of God and its righteousness. God does not set His children up for failure. Great success is always preceded by great faith.
We see a voluminous success.
Paul said, “I live.” Because He lives, we live as well. Our success is abounding and ongoing. It is bearing fruit, more fruit, and much fruit. It is the belief that the works that Jesus did, we will do also, and greater works than these shall we do. It is remaining steadfast in our conviction. It is an abundance of prayers that are answered. It is seeing God bless us and enlarging our coasts. It is getting a hold of God and not letting him go unless he blesses us. It is bearing fruit that remains. It is thriving even when we are in a fiery trial. It is going on in the meat he feeds us for many days and nights. It is voluminous success.
We see a viable sustainability.
Five times Paul says, “I live,” or “I now live”. Christ in us gives us a viable sustainability. He renews our inner man day by day. He keeps our joy cup filled and running over. He is the means by which “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” His sustaining power enables us to run and not grow weary, walk, and not faint. We can mount up with wings as eagles and soar the heavens. It is Christ that supplies all our need according to our riches in glory in Him.
I live! I live by the faith of the Son of God Who loved me and gave Himself for me! Start this New Year off by allowing the inner presence of our Lord to thrive and abound in you. Don’t quit, live! Don’t be weary, live! Don’t be pessimistic, live!
Have an abounding God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Genesis 4-7