What is it to "live by Christ within"? Another way that this truth can be phrased is "to walk in the Spirit". What does this really mean? Is it something I must do, or strive for, or is it something I surrender to and let the Holy Spirit control? Let's have a look at what the Bible tells us it is.
Romans 1:17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "The just shall live by faith."
From faith to faith simply means this; The same faith that was present when you got saved, is the faith that you live by day to day. To live by Christ within is to allow that faith to flow spontaneously out of you and produce the good fruits of the Spirit, Gal.5:22-23.
| For example: (from faith) | Likewise, (to faith) |
You heard the Gospel Your heart was convicted by gospel truth You chose to believe in the cross-work of Christ |
You hear the Spirit (a witness, peace, desire) Your heart is convicted by spiritual truth You choose to believe and respond to the working of the indwelling Spirit of life |
Another verse that confirms this process is,
Colossians 2:4 Now this I say lest anyone should deceive you with persuasive words. 5 ... 6 As [in the same way] you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord [by faith in the Gospel message], so [likewise] walk in Him [by faith in the voice of the Spirit],
Simply put, the way that you came to Christ in salvation is the same way that you continue to live. You simply respond to the dynamic flow and spontaneity of the Spirit's workings within you. Read the above scripture again, and let it take root in your understanding.
Are you ready for one more scripture about living by Christ within, or walking in the Spirit? Lets have a look at what Paul wrote to the Galatians,
Galatians 2:20 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. 21 I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain.
Do you see that part that says, "but Christ lives in me"?
Too often, "but Christ who lives in me" becomes "I must try harder to live for God", and too often, "I have been crucified with Christ", becomes "I need to crucify my sinful desires".
You cannot live the 'Christian life' yourself; it is all by God's strength, will and doing!
Being led by the Spirit is what He works within us, and not what we have to do for God.
Philippians 2:13 ...for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.
Hebrews 13:20 Now the God of peace, ..., 21 Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Many Christians fall into the trap of trying to walk by the Spirit in their own strength and ability. The natural human response is always to control a scenario and do something. Well this is the opposite. You CANNOT control or do it. It is a river of living water that wells up within you, and when it does, and you become aware of that river of life, you simply give in to it and respond to it in faith. It's the most beautiful and expressive experience when you give in to it. These are the moments throughout your day that you wait for, and when those moments come, you let them flow.
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