Text: “I have been crucified with Christ; and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20)
Introduction
Dear brothers and sisters, the Christian life is not just about attending church, singing songs, or changing a few outward practices. The Gospel calls us to something much deeper: a radical and complete transformation from the inside out.
The apostle Paul summarizes this reality in Galatians 2:20: “I have been crucified with Christ; and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.”
This means that the old life is behind us, and now we live a new life in Christ.
1. Crucified with Christ: the old life is gone
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When Paul says he is “crucified with Christ,” he shows that the old life, dominated by sin, no longer has power over us.
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The cross was not only the place of Jesus’ death, but also the place where our old nature was condemned.
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This means our old habits, thoughts, and attitudes can no longer define who we are.
Romans 6:6 says: “For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin.”
2. Christ lives in us: the new identity
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A Christian no longer lives for himself, but now becomes a dwelling place for Christ.
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This completely changes the way we think, act, and make decisions.
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We are no longer guided by the passions of the flesh but by the living presence of the Holy Spirit within us.
2 Corinthians 5:17 confirms: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”
3. Thinking with the mind of Christ
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Conversion does not only change the heart, it also changes the mind.
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In 1 Corinthians 2:16, Paul declares: “But we have the mind of Christ.”
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This means we now see life from a new perspective:
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Where there was hatred, now there is forgiveness.
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Where there was selfishness, now there is love.
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Where there was fear, now there is faith.
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Romans 12:2 also reminds us: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
4. New habits, new conduct
Life in Christ produces visible changes:
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New habits – we pray, read the Word, and pursue holiness.
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New mind – we no longer think as the world thinks but as Jesus thinks.
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New attitudes – we treat others with love, grace, and mercy.
The world must see in us the difference that Christ makes. Our life is the greatest testimony of the Gospel.
Conclusion:
Brothers and sisters, living the new life in Christ is not always easy, but it is possible because Christ lives in us.
We no longer walk alone. He guides us, strengthens us, and transforms us day by day.
May we all declare with Paul: “It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.”
And may every step, every word, and every action show the world that we now live with the mind and the heart of Christ.
Closing Prayer:
“Lord, thank You because on the cross our old life was left behind. Help us to live each day in newness of life, with new thoughts, new habits, and new attitudes. May the world see Christ in us, and may we always think with the mind of Christ. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
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