10/11 GALATIONS 2:20

GALATIONS 2

“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.” (v. 20)

This, I consider my life's verse. It contains the gospel, if one will look, and it gives us much insight into ourselves and the Love of our Lord.

Note the first two words--"I AM". This connects us with the following statements, and enters us into their blessed realm. It reminds me though of a greater "I AM" the all-sufficient, Loving, Living God of gods, the Lord God Almighty.
Paul realized he was, and is, "crucified with Christ" as we all are when we accept His sacrifice of Himself for us on Calvary. We enter into His work there, and become a part of it too, as a thief, and not as a Savior. Though crucified, I live in Him, even as He was crucified and yet lives. What an amazing thought, and an even more amazing fact. We have died to sin in Christ, and are born again in Him.

Note secondly that the life I now live is lived "By the faith of the Son of God". Now this could mean two things: 1. That I live it by the faith He has given me; 2. That I actually live in His faith, which is far superior to any faith I might conjure up! I like them both, but I think I like the latter better than the former. If I have the same faith that Christ has, in me, I can do all things through Him, which strengthen me. I have no excuse for unbelief, (Lord help my unbelief). Oh that I might live as if I have His actual faith (and I do, it comes with Him!), and that I might live every day by the faith of Christ. The word “of” shows origin, so this is Christ’s faith that works in me.

I realize the "just shall live by faith." (Rom 1:17; Gal. 3:11; Heb. 10:38) and perhaps "his" faith (Hab. 2:4), but "his faith" may refer again to the faith of Christ in him, which becomes his, as Christ becomes his. We get the whole package! The point is made, the life I now live is Christ’s life in me! I have died, and He lives in me, what a wonderful thought; I am righteous because He is righteous, and justified by His blood.

Lastly it is in His ability that I live the life I live. When I say “I can’t do this or that” I am right! I can’t but Christ can do it through me. You see, it is not ability that the Lord honors, but availability; He honors those who make themselves available for Him to use them. When we say we can’t do some particular task that speaks of ability, but we are not chosen because of our ability, but because of our availability. His faith is sufficient in me. Dr. Bob Jones SR. used to say “The greatest ability is dependability”; Or perhaps better rendered, “The greatest ability is availability”, both are wise to practice, both are essential to the work.