The Power Of 2 Little Verses – Scripture Dissection

Think for a minute. What is your most valuable and effective daily resource? In fact, what are your top two tools you rely on most to effectively navigate your day? Your phone? Car? Washer and dryer? Backyard grill? To-do list? Cup of coffee? Bread machine? Google maps? What if I told you about two powerful tools that help you navigate the territory of your soul each day? Interestingly, that’s where the power of 2 little verses comes in.

Let’s explore.

Let’s Tear Into – The Power Of 2 Little Verses

We always explore four categories in Scripture dissection:

1. What Does It Say?
2. What Does It Mean?
3. Make It Personal.
4. Make A Commitment.

 

1. What Does It Say?

1. “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.” (Gal. 2:20)
2. “I can do all things through Him who gives me strength.” (Phil. 4:13)

 

That’s what those two powerful verses say. 

2. What Does It Mean?

Those two little verses are packed with meaning and personal application. In fact, volumes have been written about these 2 little verses.

Interestingly, they are reasonably short. Actually, you can easily memorize them. Subsequently, that keeps them right at your fingertips to apply in practical ways each day.

Additionally, those 2 little verses are packed with power. In other words, there’s no way you can ever go wrong as you apply them. They will always deliver the punch of power you need in any scenario you are in.

Finally, as you meditate on those 2 little verses, you find a deep richness that encourages, nurtures, and lifts your heart up as you take them into your life by faith.

So, let’s dive into their power and richness. Join me to ask God for insight into a fresh look at these well-known 2 little verses.

The Power Of 2 Little Verses

The riveting truth in these 2 little verses is the idea of discipleship. Plus, they each have very unique messages. Equally, they are rather easy to apply – by faith.

Before we go further, I have a couple of questions for you.

1. What is discipleship?
2. What comes to your mind when you think about that word – “discipleship?”
3. Does it seem too theological to spend your time on?
4. In what way would you apply that word to your life?

 

Simply put, (and I like simple) discipleship is the process of –

1. First, getting to know Jesus and loving Him deeply.
2. Next, nurturing His character in your heart.
3. Plus, obeying Scripture.
4. Finally, reaching to others to make your community and the world a better place.

 

Actually, that’s pretty simple. Just four points anyone can remember. However, it requires yielding completely to God in all issues of your life. Afterall, discipleship means intimate relationship with Jesus. Remarkably, it also means making a difference in the world!

Interestingly, when you apply these 2 little verses, you open a portal in your soul to power you need each day. Subsequently, that’s what those 2 little verses mean.

3. Make It Personal

Personal, Practical, Powerful Faith

First, we’re going to explore the unique message in each verse.

Second, these verses require you to engage personal faith.

Third, these 2 little verses launch you immediately on a journey of personal relationship with Christ.

Incidentally, these two powerful verses can take you through every day. Actually, they guide you, providing wisdom for the nitty-gritty details of your life.

Finally, they are super practical in application.

Explore Each Verse

So, let’s explore each verse and find out how to make each personal.

1. “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.” (Gal. 2:20) There is so much power in this verse! Jesus is the Creator of all things. Yet, He lives in your spirit – when you choose to believe and obey Him. Essentially, you are crucified (to self) like Christ died to accomplish God’s purposes for you. Remarkably, you now live in Christ (by faith) and He lives in you. (Jn. 14:20) Interestingly, you no longer live. Jesus, who loves you, lives in you!
2. “I can do all things through Him who gives me strength.” (Phil. 4:13) Look at it this way. First, what things are you struggling with? Next, what do you do to overcome? Consider – have you ever truly turned to Jesus in full surrender to allow His power to activate in your struggles? It’s a personal relationship – with power. He promises to give all you need to overcome, even in your struggles. So –
   1. • Claim this verse!
      • Memorize it.
      • Meditate on it.
      • Apply it by faith to your struggles.
      • Big surprise! You’ll find you have strength to do what is good and right.

 

Incidentally, when you claim these 2 little verses – and perhaps fail applying them, don’t give up! Get back in the race and work at this. Afterall, you’re not a quitter. Trust God’s Word and become the person He designed.

Steps To Make It Personal

At this point, you see there are promises from God that help you face difficulties in your life. Now, let’s explore steps to make these verses personal.

 1. Believe

Believe God’s words, actions, and intentions toward you. Also, believe His eternal love for you. Essentially, rest in Him. It’ll change your heart and life.

 2. Make Christ Your First Love

This is about intimate relationship with God. Rev. 2:4 says, “Yet, I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first.” Subsequently, consider this. Apparently, God holds it against His children when they forsake the closeness of His love.

 3. Depend On God’s Spirit

Believe it or not, Jesus had to “learn” this aspect of depending on God as a human, and He practiced it perfectly. So, why not nurture the same dependence on God Jesus developed? He’ll help you.

 4. Live Inside His Love Daily

We already explored enjoying God’s love and loving Him back. (#1 and #2 above) However, this is a daily thing. In every detail. Moreover, no other friend can offer this to you. Only Emmanuel (God With You) – every day.

 5. Give Up Your Own Agenda, Will, And Interests

Willingly, substitute your own – with God’s agenda, will, and interests. Put Him first always. As you do this, He promises to strengthen you and make you effective each day.

 6. Die To Self

In other words, be crucified with Christ. Interestingly, it’s the original design. Incidentally, it came very naturally before sin entered the human race. Now, it comes again through the sacrifice of Jesus. All your sins transferred onto Jesus on the cross. As you trust Him for forgiveness and eternal life, He transitions you back into original design by transferring the purity of Christ into your life. Remarkably, it’s God’s intended pattern for humanity. For you.

Treasures

When you adopt this approach to life, you find treasures you otherwise would not. Moreover, you find keys to a successful life. In fact, you “find” your true designed self. After believing Jesus, trust God to also raise you into righteous living. Afterall, Christ did not die in vain! He is your hope for original design, even in details of each day.

Jesus is hope – for you and everyone.

As you rely utterly on Christ, you understand a new way of living for God’s glory and being intimately close to God. Everything else becomes less.

Your life is safely tucked in Christ. This is fascinating. A verse I claim this year is – “I am in My Father, and you are in Me, and I am in you.” (Jn. 14:20)

Let me illustrate with a story a gentleman shared with me. His wife has suffered many months with a debilitating disease. He said, “The fact is – Jesus is living in my wife. Christ is experiencing her pain with her, suffering with her.” This man understands Christ lives inside a believer.

There is closeness, fellowship, and oneness each moment. Our 2 little verses are true!

This is God’s intention for you. So, make it personal!

4. Make A Commitment- Application Thoughts And Questions

I urge you to embrace God’s grace!

1. Do you believe God loves you? Even in your difficulties?
2. Are you crucified with Christ? Do you remember He lives inside you?
3. Do you believe you can do all things through Christ’s power?
4. What will you do today to draw closer to Jesus?
5. Why not be who God designed?

 

A Helpful Resource

* Portions of this content come from my book – More e-Pistles For An i-Generation: Relevant In A Digital Age – a devotional book that takes you through all Paul’s letters that follow 1 and 2 Corinthians. You’ll find practical action points that help you know God better and nurture personal growth. You can find this book in our bookstore: www.aliveandactivelife.org/store.

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