Galatians 2:20 – Christ Lives In Me

Christianity - Relationship not religion - Galatians 2:20
Relationship not Religion - Galatians 2:20

Galatians 2:20

“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. 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

The King Is Coming

In the book Good morning Holy Spirit, there is a story about two singers at a conference. One afternoon a young, well-dressed man did the song called The King is coming. He had a beautiful, well-trained voice, and he sounded beautiful. When he was done, everyone gave great applause. Later in the evening, funny enough, a lady chose the same song. She didn’t look like much of a singer from a distance. Her voice was a bit nasal, dry and she sang a bit off key. Yet, she had something to make up for the multiple deficiencies; by the time she got to the second verse, people were all on their feet.

Their hands were raised to heaven worshipping with tears. The power of God had descended on the meeting. By the time she finished, people had continued adoring God and applauded his greatness. The second singer, without a doubt, had the anointing of God’s presence with her. This short story is the testimony of the many possibilities of a life yielded to Christ.

It’s No Longer I That Live

Brethren, we must fully allow Christ to live in us. It is not an easy feat to give up control and kingship over our lives, but that is what Paul was telling the Galatian Church. Like Peter in the bible, we are accustomed to specific ways of living even though they are contrary to the word of God. Peter felt uncomfortable sitting and sharing a meal with the gentiles (Galatians 2:11-13). Walking in Christ means less of us and more of Him (John 3:30). What brings Him joy must also be our source of joy and gladness.

The life we live in the flesh is not easy without the help of God. Any born again Christian who attempts to live right outside God is doomed to be disappointed. The righteousness shall live by faith and not by sight (Romans 1:17). Faith starts when we stop depending on our ability and instead focus on the power of God. A spirit-led temperament lives by faith. The person can speak to mountains and move them. The effectiveness of your service in Christ is in exact proportion to the measure of your surrender to Christ.

He Loved Us And Gave Himself

We are not our own because Jesus gave himself for us. He who knew no sin became sin so that we might be made right with God. Like the second singer, because of who is in us, we can shine in all circumstances and give glory to his name. Two bulls do not live in the same shade. In all of us lies a royal seat reserved for the king of the heart. Brethren, let us surrender to the one who holds everything together (Colossians 1:17). Walk circumspectly in Christ, and you will overcome the world.

King James Version (KJV)

“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.”

New International Version (NIV)

“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. 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.”

New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

“and it is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me. 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.”

New American Bible (NASB)

“I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.”

English Standard Version (ESV)

“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. 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.”

The Living Bible (TLB)

“I have been crucified with Christ: and I myself no longer live, but Christ lives in me. And the real life I now have within this body is a result of my trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”