"0I 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. 21I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain." (Galatians 2: 20-21)
Let us all praise God for His infinite wisdom and goodness for us. He infuses our daily walk with good things and makes all things ready for us to receive evermore.
Throughout many of his writings to the Body of Christ, Paul deliberately corrects himself, indicating what growth in grace is all about.
Here, in the above passage, Paul declares that he has died with Christ, as have all of us who believe in Him.
Then he declares: "Nevertheless I live, yet not I."
Wow! What is going on here?
Paul makes it abundantly clear to us: Jesus is our life and lives in us today.
We do not have to bring ourselves to life, nor do our efforts produce the living, lively results we desire.
Paul did not speak about "Our efforts through the Spirit" or "Our works with the Spirit's help."
Paul wrote:
" 22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 24And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts." (Galatians 5: 22-24)
Notice that Paul writes "the fruit of the Spirit".
This passages makes little sense to many Christians who still think that they must live "the Christian life".
He lives, and He lives in us, and Christ in us (Colossians 1: 27) lives the Christian life.
Just like Paul. we deliberately have to remind ourselves that He is very much alive and taking care of all things, including both to will and to do for His good pleasure (Philippians 2:12-13)
Amen!
ReplyDelete