Prepositions of Grace (Devoted to God Series)

Introduction

"I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me." — Galatians 2:20

In this sermon, we explore the absolute heart of Christian sanctification through Paul's words in Galatians 2:20. Drawing from Sinclair Ferguson's "Devoted to God," we examine how holiness doesn't happen apart from Christ. Holiness happens IN Christ.

Four Life-Changing Truths:

1. The Son of God Gave Himself FOR Me

Jesus didn't die near us—He died as us. Our sins were credited to Him, and His perfect life is now credited to us. Both justification and sanctification flow from this substitutionary work.

2. I Live by Faith IN the Son of God

Paul uses a unique phrase: we don't just believe in Jesus, we believe into Jesus. Faith transfers our trust and actually unites us to Him—we're IN Christ, not just observers from the outside.

3. I Have Been Crucified WITH Christ

When Jesus was crucified, we were crucified with Him—not symbolically, but positionally. The old you, the slave to sin, died on that cross. The claims of the old life are terminated, and the power of sin is broken.

4. Christ Lives IN Me

Jesus doesn't just save us and then coach from the sidelines. He walks with us because we're joined to Him. We're united with the Trinitarian God, seated with Christ in heavenly places.

Stop Living Like Spiritual Paupers

Most Christians live like spiritual beggars, unaware of the riches conferred upon them. You've been given union with the Son of God. Stop striving in your own strength. Stop trying to be holy apart from Him.

Instead, meditate daily on these truths: He loved me and gave Himself for me. I live by faith in the Son of God. I have been crucified with Christ. Christ now lives in me.

Sanctification isn't just turning away from sin, but is also turning TO Christ, basking in His glory, and moving in His resurrection life as we take hold of Him by faith.