The Process of The Process of Discipleship # 1Discipleship # 1

Crucified with ChristCrucified with Christ

Galatians 2:15-21Galatians 2:15-21

We are Jews by birth and are not We are Jews by birth and are not sinners like Gentiles. But we know sinners like Gentiles. But we know

that God accepts only those who have that God accepts only those who have faith in Jesus Christ. No one can faith in Jesus Christ. No one can

please God by simply obeying the please God by simply obeying the Law. So we put our faith in Christ Law. So we put our faith in Christ

Jesus, and God accepted us because of Jesus, and God accepted us because of our faith. When we Jews started our faith. When we Jews started

looking for a way to please God, we looking for a way to please God, we discovered that we are sinners too. discovered that we are sinners too.

Does this mean that Christ is the one Does this mean that Christ is the one who makes us sinners?who makes us sinners?

No, it doesn't! But if I tear down something and then build it again, I prove that I was wrong at first. It was the Law itself that killed me and freed me from its power, so that I could live for God. I have been nailed to the cross with Christ. I have died, but Christ lives in me. And I now live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave his life for me. I don't turn my back on God's undeserved kindness. If we can be acceptable to God by obeying the Law, it was useless for Christ to die. (Galatians 2:15-21 CEV)

1. “Do” Religion is UNTHINKABLE (verses 15, 16)

"We ourselves, who are Jews by birth and not Gentile sinners, yet who know that a man is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ . . . "

2. Sin must be ADMITTED (verse 17)

Now why are you trying to make God angry by placing a heavy burden on these followers? This burden was too heavy for us or our ancestors. But our Lord Jesus was kind to us, and we are saved by faith in him, just as the Gentiles are. (Acts 15:10-11 CEV)

3. Legalism is TORN down (verses 18 and 19)

4. Self has been CRUCIFIED(verse 20)

"I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me; and the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."

"Christ in you, the hope of glory" Colossians 1:27

Response

Two final questions

1. Which circle represents your life this morning?

2. Which circle would you like to represent you life this morning?