No Longer I
“I have been crucified with Christ; 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 for me.” - Galatians 2:20
This year's Focus Conference theme will explore our identity as believers in Jesus Christ in the context of cultural mayhem.
In the letter to the Galatians, Paul writes these words: “it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.” Paul references this idea in many of his writings.
For those of us who have grown up in Christian households, we have probably grown accustomed to these words. But what did Paul mean by that radical statement?
As he writes the words “no longer I who live,” does he mean that Paul's identity is completely erased? Does it mean that Paul, as an individual with his likes and dislikes, strengths and weaknesses, temptations, no longer exists? Does that mean that from this point on there are no more mistakes in the life of a believer? In other words, did Paul, as an individual with his unique identity, really die?
Or was Paul referencing a paradigm shift in his life that happened after he met Jesus, which completely altered his perspective of reality?
We believe the latter to be true.
Just like in Paul's culture, identity was a “big deal”: Greek, Jew, Roman, Gentile, men, women, slave, free. So it is in our days: rich/poor, Republican/Democrat, black/white, Latino/Slavic/Russian/Ukrainian, immigrant/citizen, etc.
But Paul does not renounce his Jewishness or his identity as a Pharisee. What he does say in Galatians 2:20 is that his identity as a believer in Jesus Christ trumps any other. It was a radical 180-degree shift in Paul's perception of himself and the world around him that allowed him to bring the Gospel of Jesus Christ to any culture, any people, any nation! It was no longer Paul the Jew and Pharisee who persecuted the church, but Paul, a believer and follower of Jesus Christ, who also happened to be of Jewish descent and educated as a Pharisee.
Before Christ, Paul's identity used to divide. Now he is using it to reach as many people as he can.
- Paul didn't care to break bread with Gentiles and eat with sinners—just like Jesus.
- Paul wasn't offended when he was insulted—just like Jesus.
- Paul was okay with little and okay with much—just like Jesus.
- Paul was imprisoned, beaten, and executed for what he believed—so was Jesus.
“...It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me…”
- So what do we identify with today?
- When people interact with us, what or who do we represent to them?
- Our skin color? Our flag? Our unique language? Our political identity?
Or is it “no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me”?
Our Invitation
We invite you to spend the weekend with us to discuss these crucial questions. When you come to Focus Conference, you can expect to receive solid Biblical preaching, partake in Christ-exalting worship, and enjoy godly fellowship with other young adults from all over the country!
As followers of Jesus Christ, we aim to help young Christians think about their lives in light of the Gospel.
At First Slavic Baptist Church, we are genuinely excited to have you join us for a time of truth, worship, devotion, and fellowship.
We can't wait to see you.
