Daily Devotional

One of the first Bible books I ever thoroughly studied (and preached) was Paul’s Letter to the Galatians. The following are some names given to this epistle by some of the great preachers:
 
• The Magna Carta of Spiritual Emancipation          
• The Christian Declaration of Independence          
• The Emancipation Proclamation against Spiritual Slavery          
• The Sword Flashing in a Great Swordsman’s Hand                    

However, my personal favorite is found in the simple words of Martin Luther, when he wrote: “The epistle to the Galatians is my epistle.” That was certainly my experience after spending over thirty weeks verse-by-verse in this amazing letter. I was struck by most every word. However, the passage that most impacted me was Galatians 2:20.

Let me lay it out in some “words to live by”:  

• “I have been crucified with Christ…”          
I am dead to the PENALTY of sin, I am being delivered daily from the POWER of sin, and in heaven, I will be delivered from the PRESENCE of sin. Salvation. Sanctification. Glorification. Thank you, Jesus!  

• “It is no longer I who live…Christ lives IN me.”            
The Son of God LIVES in me and will never leave me nor forsake me. What an incredible thought!  

• I can NOW “live by faith in the Son of God”            
I do not have to rely on my faulty human efforts and inadequate good works to stay in “the good graces of Christ.” I was not only saved by faith; I live by faith! Amazing grace!  

• He “loved ME and gave Himself up for ME”            
I will always be His “beloved” even though I am so sinful and undeserving. In the words of the old sailor, “Save a wretch like me; He shall never hear the end of it!”

New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation