“For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live to God. 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. I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose.”
Galatians 2:19-21
Commentator Bob Utley writes, “Somehow when Jesus died on our behalf, we died with Him (cf. 2 Cor. 5:14-15).” And if we were buried with Him, then we have also been raised with Him (see Rom. 6:1-7:6). I no longer live for myself; it is the Holy Spirit, not my self-serving flesh, who sets my priorities. Therefore, I am free to obey God’s Law out of joyful gratitude, for His pleasure, and not in any sense to earn favor or assuage a guilty conscience.
So, what might it look like for you to die to the flesh and walk in the Spirit today? Bring that question to Him in prayer. Also, take time to meditate on the song linked below, “Yet Not I But Through Christ in Me.” We will sing it together on Sunday, so come prepared to own every word as your own.
Verse 1
What gift of grace is Jesus my redeemer
There is no more for heaven now to give
He is my joy my righteousness and freedom
My steadfast love my deep and boundless peace
To this I hold my hope is only Jesus
For my life is wholly bound to his
Oh how strange and divine I can sing all is mine
Yet not I but through Christ in me
Verse 2
The night is dark but I am not forsaken
For by my side the Saviour he will stay
I labour on in weakness and rejoicing
For in my need his power is displayed
To this I hold my Shepherd will defend me
Through the deepest valley he will lead
Oh the night has been won and I shall overcome
Yet not I but through Christ in me
Verse 3
No fate I dread I know I am forgiven
The future sure the price it has been paid
For Jesus bled and suffered for my pardon
And he was raised to overthrow the grave
To this I hold my sin has been defeated
Jesus now and ever is my plea
Oh the chains are released I can sing I am free
Yet not I but through Christ in me
Verse 4
With every breath I long to follow Jesus
For he has said that he will bring me home
And day by day I know he will renew me
Until I stand with joy before the throne
To this I hold my hope is only Jesus
All the glory evermore to him
When the race is complete still my lips shall repeat
Yet not I but through Christ in me
Ending
When the race is complete still my lips shall repeat
Yet not I but through Christ in me
Yet not I but through Christ in me
Your brother,
Ryan
CCLI Song # 7121852
Jonny Robinson | Michael Farren | Rich Thompson
© 2018 CityAlight Music; Farren Love And War Publishing; Integrity’s Alleluia! Music. CCLI License #692967