Living from the Inside Out
ICS Daily Devotions
Galatians 2:20b (NKJV) 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.
When we believe in Jesus as our Lord and Saviour, we begin to live by faith that God has given us a new life—we are a new creation in Christ, created in holiness and righteousness.
Romans 8:11 (NKJV) But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.
We have risen to a new life. We live this new life through faith in Christ. If Christ lives in us, he gives us a new desire to live a godly and holy life. He has also empowered us through the Holy Spirit’s presence within us. A believer is to walk by faith as a new creature. When Christ lives in us, we have the fruit of the Holy Spirit—love, joy, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22).
The first step to a happy marriage is always Jesus Christ. He is our reference for love. Therefore, the greatest gift you can give your spouse is to reflect Christ in your relationship. Live the Christian life from the inside out, not from the outside in. Christianity is not about rules and performances, but through Christ living in us, which gives us unlimited resources, the fruit and power of the Holy Spirit, to live out the new life.
Romans 8:13 (NKJV) For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.
Therefore, live by faith that God has made you a new creation, created in righteousness and holiness. Christ lives in you, enabling you to live from the inside out. It is totally different from a legalistic life. It is not about methods but about a life from within—a new life from a new heart given by God.
We need to remember that our old man has been crucified with Christ and buried with Him. The old man, who is easily angered and offended, highly critical, sharp-tongued, negative, individualistic, and is given to foolish talk and gossip, is dead!
We have been resurrected with Christ into a new life, with a new nature—the nature of God, and He has given us precious promises pertaining to godliness.
Reflection: In what areas of your life are you reacting as the “old man”? How is God inviting you to allow Christ within you to transform your thoughts, words, and actions?
Sermon Series- Legalism or Life in Christ
