Galatians 2:20

NASB	NLT	VOICE
20 I have been crucified with Christ; and 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 up for me.	20 My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.	20 I have been crucified with the Anointed One – I am no longer alive – but the Anointed is living in me; and whatever life I have left in this failing body I live by the faithfulness of God’s Son, the One who loves me and gave His body on the cross for me.

Faith in Life Through Death

Paul is connecting himself with Christ’s crucifixion, showing that the person that we were before we developed a relationship with Christ was no longer who we are. The old self and its sinful behavior are now dead. Christ’s presence that lives in us is alive to guide us through life.

Faith is how we live out our new identity. Our faith is a constant, current trust in Jesus. Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the belief of things that are not seen. The historical context of the entire sacrificial systems in the Old Testament, where offerings were made for atonement, is truly fulfilled through Christ’s death.

REFLECTION CHECKPOINT: How have you understood the sacrifice Jesus made and the impact it had on your life?

Sharing Our New Identity

Our identity is no longer shaped by our past or failures. It’s very easy for our lives to be labeled through our mistakes. These are major moments that often label key parts of our lives. Even when we reflect, we tend to remember the negative moments over the positive moments. Our relationship with Christ redefines our identity. We begin to ground ourselves in who Christ is, what Christ teaches, and how we can reflect Christ’s presence to the world through how we love, serve, and seek justice. Our thoughts should align with God’s will. Our actions should align with God’s compassion for His creation. Our interactions should align with God’s character. Our lives are called to align with God’s will for us and for the world, to utilize the gifts that are developed in us, and to work to share our role in Christ to all people.

REFLECTION CHECKPOINT: How can we share our identity in Christ with those around us this week?

PRAY Action

Praise God for our new lives. That our old lives are no longer our identity and that our new selves, created through our relationship with Him, lives on.

Read 2 Corinthians 5:17

Ask God for ways to develop your new identity. Learn about what it means to be a “child of God” and a “new creation.” Seek ways to strengthen how you can live a godly life.

You are a new creation. You are not your past. You are a child of God.

Next slice of manna: How to Pray with Faith || Mark 11:24 || Manna for the Mind #330