Real Life
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
Galatians 2:20 could be called the purpose statement of the Christian life. Many Christians struggle to find balance, joy, and peace, and they fail because of the struggle between the flesh and the Spirit. Paul found the victory by recognizing Christ living in him. This morning, let us see how Paul could confidently say, “I live.” Let us see what Paul describes as “Real Life.”
We see the pressure.
The pressure is "the life which I now live in the flesh." The flesh is the appetite, craving, and desires we have for this life. Our flesh battles with the Spirit daily. “The flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh.” Our flesh wants to be satisfied. Our flesh wants affirmation. Our flesh wants to be accepted. Our flesh wants the praise of man and compromise in order to keep peace. Paul relates the struggles that even his fellow apostles dealt with. We face the pressure of the flesh every day and every moment.
We see the priority.
“I am crucified with Christ....” The priority is putting "I," or the flesh, to death. We must die to self every day. Paul settled the battle with the flesh by identifying with Christ in his crucifixion. “I” represents my pride, my ego, my selfishness, my self-aggrandizement, my self-worth, my self-esteem, my self-promotion, and everything having to do with what benefits me. Real life cannot occur until there is the death of self. Jesus said, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.” Real life starts with the crucifying of our flesh.
We see the power.
“Nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me." The power by which we experience real life is Christ living in us. I live! I live because Christ is living in me! His power enables me to overcome my appetite and cravings. His power enables me to say no. His power sustains me when I am weak. His power gives me grace to help in time of need. Christ living in me gives me peace in the midst of my storm. It is His power that gives me joy unspeakable and full of glory when I undergo a fiery trial. His power gives me boldness, courage, and the steadfastness to stand for Him. Real life is found in the power of Christ.
We see the possibility.
“...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.” Paul said three times, “I live.” We can live because of Jesus’ love for us. He gave His all so that we can receive His all. “I live” means greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world. “I live” means “this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.” “I live” means I can witness of my faith unashamedly. “I live” means I can trust God for my future. “I live” means “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” “I live” means Christ is all I need! The possibilities of what can be done through me are endless because Christ liveth in me. Are you experiencing real life? Take time today to die to self and let Christ have complete control in you. Then, experience real life as God wants you to have.
Have a “living” God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Job 35-37