Crucified & Alive: Living through Christ


“Crucified & Alive: Living through Christ”

> “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.” — Galatians 2:20 ESV 



1. What this means

Paul’s bold statement invites us into a radical identity-shift. “I have been crucified with Christ” means that the old self — flaws, failures, self-reliance, trying to earn acceptance — is laid to rest with Christ’s death. As the commentary notes, Christ is our head and representative, and we participate mystically in His death and resurrection. 

Then: “It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.” The centre of life is no longer our striving, our performance, our fear — but Christ Himself, dwelling in us.

And then: “The life I now live … I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Our present, everyday living is not by our power, but by faith — faith in Christ, empowered by His love and sacrifice.

2. Why this matters

Freedom from self-performance: We’re no longer under the burden of “prove myself, earn favour, hide my failures.” Our identity is secured in Christ living in us.

Empowered living: Because it’s Christ living in us, our daily life is infused with His presence, His power, His purpose.

Faith as the way: The verse emphasises “by faith” — not by willpower or self-improvement alone. We live by trusting the Son of God.

Love-rooted: The foundation isn’t self-condemnation or trying harder, but the love of Christ who “loved me and gave himself for me.” (Gal 2:20)


3. How this shapes our story

When you wake up, you’re invited to remind yourself: I don’t live by my strength, my fear, my past — Christ lives in me.

In moments of temptation, discouragement, or identity crisis, you can say: The “old me” was crucified; I live now by faith in the Son.

In service and mission, you’re not simply doing for God; you’re living from Christ in you, relying on Him.

In setbacks (loss, failure, relational brokenness), this truth remains: your identity isn’t tied to success or failure but to the One who lives in you.


4. Application Ideas

Daily reminder: Write out “Christ lives in me” on a sticky note by your mirror or desk.

Prayer of surrender: In the morning, say: “Lord, I surrender this day to You. I no longer live for myself; Christ live in me.”

Faith check-in: Whenever you feel you’re relying on your own ability, ask: “Am I living by faith in the Son of God or by my own striving?”

Gratitude for the cross: Spend a few minutes remembering what Christ gave “for me” — His love, His sacrifice — and thank Him.



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Reflection Questions

1. What does it mean for you that “it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me”?


2. In what areas of your life are you still trying to “live by myself” rather than by faith in Christ?


3. How does knowing “Christ loved me and gave himself for me” transform the way you view your identity and worth?


4. What is one practical way this week you can live from Christ in you, rather than for Christ by your own strength?


5. When you face a challenge, how will you remind yourself of this truth and anchor your faith?




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Short Prayer

Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the cross of Your Son, Jesus Christ. I acknowledge that my old self has been crucified with Him, and I invite Christ to live in me today. Empower me by faith to live in the flesh this week not by my strength, but by Your Son who loved me and gave Himself for me. Help me to walk in the freedom, identity and purpose You’ve secured for me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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