02/04/2021
Our proclamation of faith, no matter what form we deliver it in, could not be any stronger than the Apostle Paul’s. In the first sentence of Galatians 2:20 he gives a powerful testimony as to his faith, and the gospel. Can we make the same set of claims he did; saying that we have been crucified with Christ, that we no longer live as we once did, and that we now live again in Jesus Christ? I hope so because This is the gospel message in short... but there is more!
“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me...”
Galatians 2:20 ESV
Paul says in amazing fashion that he believes enough in Jesus that his old life was forfeit on the cross alongside Christ. He then says that he has been transformed into who he is now, and given a new life through his belief, then finally, he tells us that although he died to sin on the cross as Jesus did... he is alive once more because Christ lives on in him. This is the gospel message of Paul’s belief, his death through crucifixion, and his resurrection as Jesus lives on in him, all stated in a single short sentence... but the second sentence of this verse continues on by telling us of the life he now leads.
“...And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
Galatians 2:20 ESV
As Christians we know, and profess, the gospel story, and claim it as our own just as Paul did in the first sentence we just read, but do we carry our faith fully into the second sentence of this verse? Does our faith propel us into loving our neighbors as we love ourselves, into washing the feet of new believers who mere moments ago were unrepentant sinners, forgive others as Jesus forgave Peter for denying Him, deliver the gospel message to those who have not heard it, or any of the other wonderful lessons in a living faith that Jesus taught us through His own amazing life?
“whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.”
1 John 2:6 ESV
So although we speak our faith in words, are we living it out each day, and proclaiming it by our actions? Does our gospel message of faith speak to believing, dying, and being resurrected, but fall short of the living, and loving, that comes between our believing and dying... and that continues on after our resurrection, and transformation? Let’s look closely at our faith today, and ask ourselves about what we have been doing in it since saying those wonderful words regarding our belief... our profession of faith. Are we doing God’s will, humbling ourselves with a towel and a pan of water to cleanse feet, feeding the hungry because our love for them propels us, and are we looking through the sin of a sinner into their heart as we deliver the gospel to them? Let’s think on this today and if our inaction convicts us then let’s repent, and seek forgiveness for not having loved Jesus enough to have lived a life such as His.
Prayer:
Father, thank you for sending your Son Jesus to redeem us, and for giving us the gospel message regarding his life, death, resurrection, and ascension, to deliver into the world, but Lord we thank you further for the lessons in living that He taught us through the application of faith in His life. Help us Father to be more like Him every day, and in every way. Give us the faith, and the courage to stand against temptation, resist sin, seek your will, and to obey it as we walk towards a much sought after righteousness. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who not only forgives us, but teaches us to grow in faith each day. We praise your name Lord for every lesson you have taught us in the life of Christ, and for the faith and courage it takes to apply that lesson in our own lives. Merciful are you to have sent your Son to redeem us, and we give you all the glory for the grace that flows through Him to deliver an eternity with you to us. Wash us to the bottoms of our feet in His blood Lord, and find us worthy in every way through Him to be judged righteous and holy before you on the day of judgement. Hear our prayers, and the intercessory prayers of Jesus, as you taste the tears of our contrition. Lift us up Lord as we lay prostrate before you in worship, and call us your own. In this moment of miraculous love, let all creation witness your glory, and sing to you.
Rich Forbes