When Your Way Isn't Working - a Study of Galatiansنموونە

What separates you from other people? How would you describe yourself (your identity) to someone else? We might highlight our personality or physical traits. Then, we might describe the essential roles we have as father, mother, son, daughter, husband, wife, or friend. Or maybe it's in the interests, values, and beliefs we hold. There are good ways God has wired you or perhaps a role he has called you to. But if we are honest, there are other things that we may attach to our identity that don’t honor God or are part of our sinful nature.

When we receive faith given to us by Christ, Paul says in Galatians 2:20, "It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me." So, what does it mean that “I no longer live?” Does it mean we no longer exist? No. Instead, the question becomes: What specifically needs to die for Christ to live in us?

The life we are called to crucify or die to is our “old life.” This refers to our natural tendency to sin, to do things our way, and to put other things in the place of God. The new life we are called to pick up is God’s way of living. In other words, we do as Jesus did, pursue what Jesus pursued, and submit ourselves fully to God’s will—not our own. It’s trusting that God’s plan is the best for our lives and his ways are better than ours. It's letting God build our character to reflect him to those around us.

Dying to self is not a one-time event when we initially put our faith and trust in Jesus. It’s a lifelong process as we grow and learn to surrender to Christ daily.

Reflection:

In what ways do others see Christ in the way I live?

In what ways do others not see Christ in the way I live?

Challenge for the week: Memorize Galatians 2:20

Bonus: Read Luke 9:23-27