The Substitution of the Body of Christ

1. Read: Galatians 2:20

2. About the Text:

1) Paul was one who dedicated his life to Christ.

2) The death of Christ has implications for how he was to live and act.

3) For Christ to die meant for him to live or rather for Christ to live in him.

4) Christ took our place on the cross so we could take his gospel into the world.

3. Ref. to S, T, P, O, and A.

1. Jesus’ hands.

i. During Jesus death, the Romans took a 6-7-inch tapered iron spike and drove it through his wrist.

ii. This pierced the median nerve causing great pain and the inability to use His hand.

iii. The same hands that were used for . . .

1) Healing (Mark 6:5).

2) Blessing little children (Matt.19:13)

3) Praying to the Father (Luke 24:50).

4) Washing the disciples’ feet (John 13:5).

5) Many mighty works (Mark 6:2).

iv. These hands were taken away so that we might use OUR hands for Him.

2. Our hands.

i. What are we doing with our hands today?

ii. Hands of Ministering? Paul wrote, “Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me.” (Acts 20:24).

iii. Hands of fellowship? “And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.” (Gal.2:9).

iv. Hands of benevolence? “Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.” (Eph.4:28)

v. Praying hands? “I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.” (1 Tim.2:8)

3. In light of the sacrifice of Jesus’ hands, how are you using your hands today?

1. Jesus’ feet.

i. Another 6-9-inch spike was taken and nailed to Jesus’ feet.

ii. This severely injured the peroneal and lateral plantar nerve causing severe pain.

iii. The artery pierced permitted much blood to flow out of the feet.

iv. In a matter of minutes, the feet would no longer be able to function.

v. These were the same feet . . .

1) At which multitudes cast their sick to be healed (Matt.15:30).

2) At which the disciples worshipped him (Matt.28:9).

3) That went and ate in the houses of publicans and sinners (Matthew 9:10, 11).

4) That were washed by a penitent woman (Luke 7:36-40).

5) At which the word of God was taught (Luke 10:39).

6) Jesus’ feet were feet that went to preach the gospel to sinners.

2. Our feet.

i. Guided by God’s word? “To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” (Luke 1:79).

ii. Walk in the steps of Christ? “For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:” (1 Peter 2:21).

iii. Teach and preach the gospel to others?

1) “And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;” (Eph.6:15).

2) “And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!” (Romans 10:15).

iv. Our feet need to be used to go forth into the world (Matthew 28:19-20).

3. In light of the sacrifice of Jesus’ feet, how are you using your feet today?

1. Jesus’ heart.

i. Very soon after the death of Jesus on the cross, a Roman soldier came by.

ii. This soldier was skilled in the art of death.

iii. His purpose was to break Jesus’ legs if he was not dead.

iv. To ensure Jesus’ death the soldier pierced Jesus’ side with his spear.

v. This spear went through Jesus’ right lung and right ventricular wall of the heart.

vi. John writes, “But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water.” (John 19:34).

vii. He was a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief according to Isaiah (53:3).

viii. He was wounded for our transgressions and bruised for our iniquities (Isaiah 53:5).

ix. The chastisement of our iniquities was upon Him (Isaiah 53:5).

x. Jesus literal and spiritual heart was pierced for our sins.

2. Our heart.

i. Are we responding to God’s word properly with our heart? Jesus said, “But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.” (Luke 8:15).

ii. Are using our heart to keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace? “And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,” (Acts 2:46).

iii. Are we drawing near with a true heart? “Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.” (Hebrews 10:22).

iv. Are we loving one another with a pure heart? “Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:”

v. Are we loving God with all our heart? “Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.” (Matthew 22:37).

vi. More than anything, God wants us to give Him our heart. If the heart is dedicated there will be no question as to whether the rest of us is dedicated.

3. In light of the sacrifice of Jesus’ heart, how are you using your heart today?

1. Jesus gave his hands, feet, heart, and life for us on the cross. What are we giving to him today?

i. Will you give your hands to the work of Christ?

ii. Will you give your feet to spread the gospel of Christ?

iii. Will you give your heart to magnify the love of Christ?

2. Invitation