A sermon idea based on Galatians 2:20 about how letting the old life die, leaving room for Jesus, and living by faith lead us to a life of victory.
Paul often spoke of the battle that was going on inside of him—the battle between good and evil, between darkness and light. He spoke of how difficult the battle was, but He also spoke of how we could win the battle!
Galatians 2:19-20 NRSV
For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ; 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.
We enjoy a position of being victorious by virtue of our union with the risen and enthroned King, Jesus. But living in practical victory each day isn’t automatic or accidental. there is a pattern we can follow.
This pattern can be lived on a continual basis. It’s a lifestyle, not a one-time event.
First, let the old life die away.
This letting go of the old life (or, false self) begins the moment we place our faith in Christ for salvation, but it certainly continues through daily confession, cleansing, and commitment.
1 John 1:9 NRSV
If we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
The word translated as “confess” is homologeo which means to speak the same word about our sins that God speaks – it is to agree with God about the nature of our sin.
God’s response to our confession is the word katharidzo, from which we get words like catheterize (to remove impurities) and catharsis (to release pent-up emotions).
The cleansing God offers in response to our agreement with him about our sin is to remove the impurity and relieve our pain.
Second, leave room for Christ’s leadership.
God’s Spirit will never prompt us to attempt what he will not also empower us to accomplish. To live the Christian life successfully, we must live under the guidance and direction of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 8:9,13 NRSV
But you are not in the flesh; you are in the Spirit, since the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. [13] for if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.
The Spirit of Christ empowers my walk, my work, and my witness.
Third, live in moment-by-moment faith.
And faith is not a matter of being certain about a particular set of doctrinal beliefs. Faith, rather, is a matter of yielding and trusting God. It’s about giving up the right to control our lives without God’s influence and believing that the more we seek to follow him, the more faithful he will be to lead us forward.
Letting the old life die, leaving room for Jesus to lead, and living in moment-by-moment faith are the essential, repeated processes of living in proper alignment with God.