How can we live by faith, as described in Galatians 2:20, today? The Heart of Galatians 2:20 “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.” What Happened at Salvation • Your old self was literally nailed to the cross with Christ (Romans 6:6). • You truly died and your real life is now hidden with Christ in God (Colossians 3:3). • Christ’s own life now resides in you—this is not metaphor; it is reality (John 14:23). Living by Faith: Daily Mind-Set • Believe the facts God states, not the feelings you sense (2 Corinthians 5:7). • Wake up declaring, “Lord, today You live through me.” • Refuse any identity except “in Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:17). Practical Steps for Today 1. Trust His Word First ‑ Memorize and speak Scripture that anchors your identity (Proverbs 3:5-6; Romans 1:17). 2. Surrender Moment by Moment ‑ Consciously yield decisions—big and small—to His lordship (Luke 9:23). 3. Depend on His Power, Not Yours ‑ Ask the Spirit to produce what you cannot (Philippians 2:13; Galatians 5:22-23). 4. Act on What You Believe ‑ Obedience completes faith (James 2:17). Make the phone call, forgive the hurt, give the gift. 5. Stay Connected ‑ Abide in the Vine through prayer and the Word (John 15:5). No substitute sustains faith like fellowship with Jesus. Faith Expressed in Relationships • Family: Serve without demanding return, leaning on Christ’s love (Ephesians 5:25). • Workplace: Work “as unto the Lord,” trusting Him for reward (Colossians 3:23-24). • Church: Use your gift for others’ growth, relying on His strength (1 Peter 4:11). • Culture: Speak truth lovingly, confident that the gospel is “the power of God for salvation” (Romans 1:16). When Doubt Knocks • Rehearse the cross: “He loved me and gave Himself up for me.” • Remember past faithfulness: journaling helps trace His track record. • Reach out for fellowship: isolation weakens faith; community bolsters it (Hebrews 10:24-25). Living by Faith Bears Fruit • Peace that overrides circumstances (Isaiah 26:3). • Courage to obey when it costs (Hebrews 11:24-27). • Good works prepared in advance, done through His energy (Ephesians 2:10). Finish Well “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith” (Hebrews 12:2). Keep looking to Him—He started your faith, and He will bring it to mature completion as you walk each day convinced that Christ truly lives in you. |
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