Not Christ But I

One way to sum up the Christian faith is with Paul’s words: “Not I but Christ” (Galatians 2:20). He knew the life he lived came by faith in the Son of God.

How tragic that we turn this around and make it: “Not Christ but I.”

It is doubly sad because Paul’s words were written in the context of a people who were tempted to start living by their works rather than God’s grace. Paul called them “foolish Galatians” because they had started  with Christ and were in danger of finishing with law (Galatians 3:1-5). He knew that to do so would have the Galatians quickly turning from grace.

Paul reminded them God’s work in him was a work of grace. Paul had not deserved anything. He knew Christ because he had identified with Christ in His death.

How do we tragically turn “Not I But Christ” into “Not Christ but I?”

First, we reverse the Christian faith by assuming we were saved by grace but we are kept by our works. Works neither save us nor keep us saved. This is the work of God not the work of man. We are saved and kept by His grace. Every good and perfect gift comes from God. Grace is at the top of the list of good gifts.

Second, we live “Not Christ but I” by substituting our work for the work of the Spirit. We seek what we can do and ignore the Holy Spirit’s work on our behalf. This is a a subtle temptation because human endeavor pleases God. Though God had given the land to Joshua and the people of Israel, they had to fight for the land and defend it. While we must give our best for God–hard work, careful planning–we must never presume that our work precedes His blessings. Presumptuous sins are condemned throughout Scripture.

Finally, we reject Christ when we do not cast all our cares on Him. God wants us to pray (1 Peter 5:7). He wants us to put everything in His hands. I am tempted–and it is a great temptation–to assume God is not interested in the entirety of my life. But He is! He cares about it all. Therefore, all of my life should be subjected to His direction. Nothing is too small for God. As I have often said, “Everything is small to God!”

Please go to www.waylonbailey.com tomorrow to read about a “Not I But Christ” way of living.

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3 Responses

  1. I really needed this message this morning. I love ur messages and look forward to reading them. I just wanted you to know how appreciated you are. I am so happy to be back and I enjoyed yesterday. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!!!!!

  2. I agree with the above with the comment.

    In prayer groups one often hears prayers for a cure for cancer. When one does a little research it is readily found there are remarkable cancer treatment statistics giving evidence for what appears to be cures, if one only had the ability/money to receive treatment. If this is true, for many cancer cases the cure has already been provided by God; as we (medical science) have been given knowledge to prevent certain types as well as knowledge for effective treatment. Now the problem seems to be the ability to know and to apply what already has been provided. I wonder about the paradigm and the effectiveness of a prayer for that which has already been provided, but is restricted by commercial interests. That is: the fleshly “well being” of the few placed before the well being of the many. This flesh condition (social struggle) has always existed per Scripture and world history accounts (Biological Psychology). Could it be you are challenging our perceptions of context: “the life which I now live in the flesh” with Galatians 2:20 this morning? Do “we make God a liar” if we “worry” about such things, especially as it relates to our loved ones?

    Since God is not a liar, perhaps failure on our part means we are denied access to His Riches on both sides of Heaven by only partly fulfilling His Purpose for the Body/Bride of Christ. In this context, a bit of anxiousness or worry is an expression of frustration (not unlike our Lord with His Disciples) with our own hard headedness and the other members (Ezekiel 3: 8-9 Adamant over flint) of our “Body” (Romans 12: 3-6); such “feelings” are not out of line as we Pray to the Lord of the Harvest for more workers. Would He not still (continue to desire to) gather us? Matthew 23:37 That seems too hard! Only He could take us/His Body-Bride… another step/level. Will we let Him? AMEN.

    Thank you Dr. Bailey!!!

  3. “Not Christ but I” Reminds me of something an old friend once told me.
    You never accomplish anything without God
    If you think you do you have quite an ego and ego stands for Edging God Out

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