There comes a moment in every believer’s journey where we must recognize that salvation is not just believing in Christ—it is learning to live through Christ. Paul makes a powerful declaration in Galatians 2:20. He announces that his old life ended, and a new life began. Not a life powered by personal willpower or fleshly decisions, but a life governed and sustained by Christ Himself.

Point 1: We Must Die to Live

Paul says, “I am crucified with Christ.”

This is not a physical death, but a spiritual surrender.
The old attitudes, the old desires, the old habits, the old self-centered nature—they must die.

You cannot hold onto your old self and expect new life to flow.

• If we want Christ’s peace, our pride must die.

• If we want Christ’s direction, our independence must die.

• If we want Christ’s power, our self-reliance must die.

You cannot live for Christ while still living for yourself.
Two rulers cannot sit on one throne.

Point 2: Christ Lives Through Us

Paul says, “Nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me.”

This is the mystery and the miracle of salvation:

Christ does not only save us—He indwells us.

His Spirit:

• Strengthens us when we are weak

• Guides us when we are uncertain

• Convicts us when we drift

• Empowers us to do what we could never do on our own

When people encounter you, they should encounter the character of Christ:

• His gentleness in your responses

• His patience in your trials

• His love in your interactions

• His righteousness in your decisions

We don’t just imitate Jesus.
We allow Jesus to fully express Himself through us.

Point 3: Our New Life Is Motivated by Love

Paul continues:
“…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.”

The Christian life is not powered by fear, guilt, or religious pressure.
It is powered by love.

Jesus did not just die for mankind.
He died for you.
He saw your name. He saw your struggle. He saw your worth.

And because He loved you enough to give His life, we should love Him enough to give Him ours.

This is not forced obedience, but loving surrender.

Closing Illustration

A man once asked a pastor:

“What does it mean to give your life to Christ?”

The pastor said:

“It means exchanging your life—your weaknesses, failures, sins, and fears—for His strength, forgiveness, righteousness, and peace.”

That’s the exchanged life.

Conclusion

Galatians 2:20 teaches us:

1. We die to our old self.

2. Christ now lives through us.

3. Our new life is motivated by His love.

This is not about trying to be better—
It is about allowing Christ to be your life.

Call to Action / Prayer

Lord, today we surrender.
Crucify our old ways.
Live through us, speak through us, move through us.
Let our lives be a reflection of Your grace and Your glory.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.