New Outlines Galatians 2:20-21 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me… Here is the whole sum of St. Paul's experience, the heart of his heart, the gem out of which his life grew. It was this inward conviction that made him what he was. And this is the one thing the world wants. You who work for God, keep your own consciousness of His love alive; if that gets dim, your word is poverty-stricken and empty. I. HERE IS REAL RELIGION: THE INWARD CONVICTION THAT THE SON OF GOD LOVED ME, AND GAVE HIMSELF FOR ME. After seeking religion for thirty-nine years, John Wesley stands in a little room in Aldersgate-street, London, reading the Epistle to the Galatians and Luther's notes on it; and as he reads it, he says, "I felt a strange warmth at my heart, and a blessed persuasion wrought into me, that the Son of God loved me and gave Himself for me"; and up he leapt, mighty, resistless, sweeping through this land like the flame of the fire of God. What does it avail to know all about the life of Christ, if. thy heart has not got hold of Him? 1. It is not knowledge that saves. A man in the desert may die for thirst, and yet he may know all about water and its properties. 2. It is not hope that saves. You must have a right foundation for your hope. II. THERE ARE THREE STEPS UP TO THIS. 1. Here is all majesty — "He;" and utter insignificance — "me." "He" stands over "me," and so redeems my life from its lowliness. 2. Here is all goodness, and all unworthiness. He draws us to His heart and tells us of His love. Claim this love, rest on it, exult in it. 3. Love alone cannot save. "He" must "give Himself for me." Here is the condemned prisoner in his cell, and there beside him is his Friend, who loves him; and the tears are flowing down His cheeks as He says, "I am so sorry for you." But that doesn't loosen the fetters and open the prison doors. But look! that Friend is gone, and the door is shut, and now hark! Without the prison walls is heard the shout, "Crucify Him." What does it mean? Now steps approach the door, and it is flung open, and the chains are knocked off. "Come forth; thou art free." How? Why? And the man is told, "Why, He who loved thee hath given Himself for thee, and hath satisfied the claims of the law." That is our Friend, Jesus Christ. Let the hand of thy faith claim Him now. (New Outlines.) Parallel Verses KJV: I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. |
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