Living in Christ

10/02/12 Since we have such a sinful nature and everything we do is tainted then you may begin to think that it is hopeless. But I can assure you it is not. No sooner than Paul had written about the sinful nature than he penned Rom.8:2, “For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.” Paul knew well that the law of sin warred against his mind and brought him into captivity (Rom.7:23). He knew that in his own strength and will-power he was helpless (Rom.8:18). But there was another law that had set him free. This law was none other than the very Spirit of life. Paul knew that it wasn’t what was in him, but something on the outside that was put on his inside. If he was ever going to be fruitful for the glory of God, it would have to come from One greater than himself. The Spirit of Jesus would live His life through the person of Paul. This is what Paul meant when he wrote to the Philippians, “For me to live [really live] is Christ.” (Phil.1:21) This is what he meant when he wrote to the Galatians, “I have been crucified with Christ; 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 for me.” (Gal.2:20) This abundant life that Jesus promised (John 10:10) would not come from our resolve to do better or by our self-determination. It comes to the extent that we surrender to Christ. I must die daily in order to live! I must die to my efforts and my ways, and whatever else is mine. I must begin to see myself as a part of Christ’s body. I am his hands and His feet and His mouth and so on. When a skilled craftsman builds something that is a work of beauty, no one praises his hands, they praise him. When the Lord does His work through us, He is glorified and we are blessed. If we truly want our Lord to be glorified we must allow Him to will and work in us according to His good pleasure (Phil.2:13). Are you willing to go before the Lord and allow Him to examine your motives and attitudes? Is the Lord really working through you or are you simply trying to do the best you can? Remember your best, apart from Christ, is like the filthy rags that Joshua had on. Can you honestly say, “For me to live is Christ!” Prayer: Father, You do in me and through me as You wish. I surrender my all to You. In Jesus name, amen.