Where is Our Confidence?

As we start the journey of a New Christian Life, our main concern is how we can live a life that is pleasing to God. Some older Christians are even worrying about whether they can keep their faith in the increasing uncertainties and evil in the world.

It is best to get guidance from the Bible, especially from Paul. The book of Galatians (AD 49) was the earlier writing of Paul and 2 Timothy (AD 66) was his last. When Paul started his ministry, his motto for life was in Gal 2:20 as shown below:

The key to Christian Living is living by the faith of Christ in us. The mind map below shows an exposition of the verse.

By the end of his life, Paul gave the reason for his confidence and the driving force behind his life of victories - overcoming all the sufferings in various forms he described in 2Cor 11:23-28. It is in 2Tim 1:12 shown below:

After 17 years of living in Christ, Paul used the word "oido" for know - to know completely. According to Vines 'The differences between ginosko and oida demand consideration:

• ginosko, frequently suggests inception or progress in “knowledge,”
  while oida suggests fullness of “knowledge,” '.

We need to know Jesus Christ, believe in Him, and be fully persuaded and convinced that He is able to keep the work He has entrusted to us.

Our confidence is in our faithful Saviour - Jesus Christ to complete the work He has given to us. It is so simple - He gives and He ensures our victory in life. Let us rest on the fact that He is our assurance that we will live up to His calling for us. We work from this sure foundation of victory and success.

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A Summary:

Learning from Galatians 2:20:

Galatians 2:20 encapsulates the profound transformation that occurs in the life of a believer, emphasizing the Lordship of Christ and the essence of true discipleship. This verse provides a rich theological foundation for understanding the believer's union with Christ and the daily implications of living a crucified life.

1. Crucifixion with Christ:

   • “I am crucified with Christ:” This signifies the believer's identification with Christ’s death. The "old me," which includes the old nature, the ego, and the self-centered way of living, is considered dead. This death means:

     • No longer being one's own god.
     • No longer needing to justify oneself.
     • Surrendering the right to rule one's own life, handing it over to Jesus.

   • Romans 6:6 and Galatians 6:14 further illustrate this concept, highlighting the abolition of the body of sin and the believer's separation from the world's influence.

2. New Life in Christ:

   • “Nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me:” The believer now lives a new life empowered by Christ. This new life is characterized by:

     • Becoming a new creation in Christ (Galatians 6:15).
     • Receiving a new heart and a renewed spirit, which includes:
       • Intuition and communication with God.
       • An awakened conscience.
       • A new relationship where God and Christ are first and all.

   • The soul, which includes the mind, emotions, and will, undergoes transformation:

     • The mind needs renewal through the Word of God (Romans 12:2).
     • Emotions are stirred by the love of God, producing fruits like joy and self-control (Galatians 5:22-24).
     • The will learns to yield to the Holy Spirit.

   • The body becomes an instrument for good works in Christ, living as a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1, Ephesians 2:10).

3. Living by Faith:

   • “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.” This indicates that the believer's daily life is lived by the faith of Christ within them, not merely faith in Christ.
     • Philippians 2:13 supports this, stating that God works within the believer.
     • This faith brings confidence and assurance, as expressed in 2 Timothy 1:12 and Jude 1:24.

4. The Lordship of Christ:

   • The believer belongs to the Lord, whether in life or death (Romans 14:8-9).
   • Living is for Christ, and dying is gain (Philippians 1:21).
   • Christ died and rose again to be Lord of both the dead and the living.

5. Practical Application:

   • Colossians 3 outlines how this new life in Christ should be lived out:
     • Seeking things above and setting minds on things above (Colossians 3:1-4).
     • Getting rid of the old self and its sinful practices (Colossians 3:5-9).
     • Living out the new self by loving and building up one another (Colossians 3:10-17).
     • Embracing godly roles in various relationships (Colossians 3:18-25, 4:1).

By daily choosing Christ's way over our own, believers continually live out their new identity in Christ, growing in faith and reflecting His lordship in every aspect of life.