[Galatians 2, Proverbs 8]

H – 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.”

E – No Longer The Same!

Paul’s letter to Galatians was addressed to a group of churches in the region of Galatia. He had preached the Gospel to these churches were he had seen lives changed. But, he had to write to them burdened by many quickly deserting the Gospel of grace and clinging again to earned salvation, specifically being circumcised (1:6). 

Paul’s letter implored these churches that salvation could only come through faith in Jesus Christ (2:16). And, when there was true justification by the working of God’s grace through His death, burial, and resurrection then there was freedom (2:4). 

Freedom was knowing that his former self was dead. He was not the same person. He had allowed and believed the crucifixion of Christ was the atonement for his sins. 

Freedom was knowing that Christ lived within him. He know longer had to lord over his own life and justify himself by his religion or zealous actions (1:13-14). Rather, he was now justified through Christ and the Holy Spirit of God lived within him. Now, Christ directs and empowers him. 

Freedom is knowing that faith in Christ means that he know longer lives for himself. It has been said that faith is the principle that unlocks the life of Christ in a believer. The more we exercise faith in Christ the more He is free to live through us. Therefore, there is freedom in walking in faith instead of choosing the flesh. 

Freedom is knowing that I’m loved, regardless of how bad I’ve messed up. Because of God’s great love for me He gave His one and only son, to die for my sins, that I may have abundant and eternal life through Him. Freedom is clinging to His great love, knowing that He is the God of countless second chances. 

When I walk in His freedom I no longer walk the same!

A – I’m not who I used to be. Continue to submit to Christ as Lord. Allow Him to direct and empower. Let grace abound in and through faith. Live by the Spirit and do not gratify the desires of my flesh. Cling to His love. Be changed anew, each day. 

R – Lord God, thank you for loving me in that while I was still yet a sinner you sent Jesus to die for me. Lord thank you for your great grace. Lord, I want to walk in your freedom today. I die to my selfish desires today. Lord, fill me anew with your Spirit. Help me to walk each moment in faith to you. Change me anew Lord. I never want to be the same. 

In Jesus Name!