Not I but Christ in Me {Philippians 2:1-11]

~ Philippians 2:1-11

 "Have this same mindset among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus."- (Philippians 2:5).

What immediately comes to you mind when you think of revival?

According to Roy Hession, “Revival is just the life of the Lord Jesus poured into human hearts.” BUT “The Lord Jesus cannot live in us fully and reveal Himself through us until the proud self within us is broken."

“To be broken means to have no rights before God and man. It does not mean merely surrendering my rights to Him but rather recognizing that I haven't any, except to deserve hell. It means just being nothing and having nothing that I call my own, neither time, money, possessions nor position.” ― Roy Hession, The Calvary Road

The perfect example of all of this is found in the life of  Peter. The night of Jesus arrest Peter expressed his desire to be arrested and and even die for Jesus, yet Jesus knew better and told Peter that instead that night he would deny Jesus three times,

Peter said to him, “Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death.”  Jesus said, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow this day, until you deny three times that you know me.” (Luke 22:34-35)

We all know that Peter wasn’t ready at that moment (Luke 22:54-62), but notice what happens later on,

And Peter directed his gaze at the beggar, as did John, and said, “Look at us.”  And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them.  But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!”  And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong.  And leaping up, he stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God.(Acts 3:4-8)

Peter, no longer fearful of what others might think or do to him, begins boldly addressing all those in the temple that day and immediately:

"... as they were speaking to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple and the Sadducees came upon them,  greatly annoyed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection from the dead.  And they arrested them and put them in custody until the next day, for it was already evening. But many of those who had heard the word believed, and the number of the men came to about five thousand.” (Acts 4:1-4)

The contrast between Peter on the day of Jesus’ arrest and this day is amazing! Peter is no longer concerned about what others will think, say or do. He stands boldly in the Temple courts and proclaims the gospel and look what happens! Yes, he is arrested, but many who heard him put their faith in Christ. 

I desire to make a difference for Christ Jesus, just as Peter did that night of Jesus' arrest, but Peter was still full of himself that night. Peter needed Jesus to come take over just like the rest of us do. I believe all of us who know and love the Lord, Jesus desire to make an impact in this world for Him, but how many of us will truly surrender our will and rights? I know I personally battle with surrendering all the time!

There's so much I'd like to say, but I truly believe Mr. Hession's has said it best in his book, The Calvary Road:

If, however, we are to come into this right relationship with Him, the first thing we must learn is that our wills must be broken to His will. To be broken is the beginning of Revival. It is painful, it is humiliating, but it is the only way. It is being "Not I, but Christ" (Gal. 2:20), and a "C" is a bent "I." The Lord Jesus cannot live in us fully and reveal Himself through us until the proud self within us is broken. This simply means that the hard unyielding self, which justifies itself, wants its own way, stands up for its rights, and seeks its own glory, at last bows its head to God’s will, admits its wrong, gives up its own way to Jesus, surrenders its rights and discards its own glory that the Lord Jesus might have all and be all. In other words it is dying to self and self-attitudes.

If you'd like to read more from The Calvary Road you can click on this link , or pick up a copy of the book. It's another book that I don't like to lay down for long.

Blessings,
sue