Water Baptism

Dying to Self, Living for Christ

Galatians 2:20

Summary: Galatians 2:20 expresses the believer's identification with Christ in His death and the transformational impact this truth has on their life. It speaks of crucifying the self and living by faith in the Son of God who loved them and gave Himself for them.

Application: This passage challenges believers to die to their own desires, ambitions, and selfish tendencies, surrendering completely to the lordship of Christ. It calls them to live a life of faith, trusting in the indwelling power of Christ to guide, transform, and empower them for His purposes.

Teaching: In Galatians 2:20, Paul conveys the essence of the Christian life as a continual process of crucifying the self and allowing Christ to live through them. It emphasizes the profound exchange that takes place when a person becomes a follower of Jesus Christ, with their old self being put to death and their new identity found in Him.

How this passage could point to Christ: Galatians 2:20 reflects the redemptive work of Christ on the cross, highlighting the believer's participation in His death and the new life they receive through His resurrection. It underscores the centrality of Christ in the believer's identity, calling them to a life of self-denial and radical discipleship.

Big Idea: As believers are crucified with Christ and no longer live for themselves but for Him, they experience a profound transformation that enables them to walk in faith and surrender to His lordship, finding their true identity and purpose in Christ alone.

Recommended Study: To delve deeper into the theological implications of being crucified with Christ in Galatians 2:20, consult resources in Logos such as systematic theology books that explore the doctrine of union with Christ. Study the Greek terms used in this verse to grasp the nuances of identification with Christ more fully. Additionally, readings on Pauline theology from scholars like N. T. Wright and Richard Hays can provide valuable insights into the broader context of Galatians and Paul's emphasis on cruciform living.

1. Crucified with Christ

Galatians 2:20a

You could start by discussing the first part of Galatians 2:20, focusing on being crucified with Christ. This sets the stage for understanding the believer's identification with Christ's death, emphasizing the need for a transformative surrender to Christ's lordship. Perhaps highlight how this surrender is not a one-time act but a daily commitment to dying to self.

2. Christ's Life Within

Galatians 2:20b

Maybe move to the middle section of the verse, analyzing the phrase 'I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.' This can be an opportunity to delve into the mysterious exchange of the believer's life for the life of Christ. It's a chance to challenge the congregation to consider what areas of their lives they still cling to, which prevents the full manifestation of Christ's life in them.

3. Living by Faith

Galatians 2:20c

You could conclude with the final portion of Galatians 2:20, emphasizing 'the life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.' This is an excellent moment to draw everything together, showing how living by faith in Christ leads to a radically transformed life. Perhaps tie this back to the big idea, underscoring the necessity of faith in the daily surrender to Christ's lordship.