LIBERTY UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF DIVINITY
The Crucified Life: Reflection Paper
Submitted to Dr. Gregory Faulls,
in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the completion of
EVAN 500-D01
Spiritual Factors of Growing Churches
by
Anita L. Chisolm
Contents
Introduction .....................................................................................................................................1
Reflection........................................................................................................................................1
Foundation and Dynamics of Crucified Life ......................................................................1
Perils and Blessings of Crucified Life.................................................................................2
Application and Implementation..................................................................................................3
Personal Ministry.................................................................................................................3
Corporate Ministry...............................................................................................................3
Conclusion ......................................................................................................................................3
Bibliography ...................................................................................................................................4
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Introduction
In this book, Tozer answers the question what is means to live a “crucified life”. He tells
us it is a life Christ ransomed on the cross, redeemed from the judgement of sin, and made a
worthy and acceptable sacrifice unto God.1 Jesus did not die on the cross just to save people
from hell, but that we may grow closer to Him. This should be the focus of all Christians to
strive to obtain spiritual perfection as defined by Paul in Philippians 3:12. Tozer defines a
Christian as on who sustains a right relationship with Jesus Christ and enjoys the union with
Him. The relationship with Jesus Christ supersedes all others. The Crucified Life, gives valuable
information and insight into the challenges, and benefits of a life, where you depend on God for
everything, trust in God for everything and have faith in God through everything.
Reflection
Reading this book made me think, Am I living a crucified life? Have I totally turned
every aspect of my life over to God? If not then, where do I need to make progress? I discovered
that I have some areas that need improvement, like putting things before God, and dealing with
my self-trust issues. I must develop a strategy to knock down the veils that stand between me and
God, so I can bask in His love. This journey has not been easy for me however, this book will
help me to move further on my journey faster.
Foundation and Dynamics of Crucified Life
During the section of foundation Tozer explains two basic reasons why some Christians
are not yearning for spiritual perfection. They are Bible teaching on a deeper Christian
1 A. W. Tozer, The Crucified Life: How to Live Out a Deeper Christian Experience, (Ventura: Regal, 2011)
6.
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experience where most churches don’t get beyond the basic things it takes to be a Christian. The
other is the fact that many are not willing to pay the cost associated with the victorious Christian
life. The soul must be cultivated like a garden for us to be sanctified and become a Christian
through and through. I think that I am dealing with the concept of the loneliness of a crucified
life, however know I know that this is not a bad thing. Because it is when I am alone and
praying that I feel His presence the most.
When the author dealt with the dynamics of a crucified life, he discussed the natural man,
the carnal man and the spiritual man. As Christians we should strive to operate more in the
spiritual than the carnal or natural man. It is the spiritual man that lives the crucified life, where
they are led, taught and influenced by the Holy Spirit. Tozer challenges us to turn wholly to the
Lord Jesus Christ and forsake everything contrary to Him.
Perils and Blessing of Crucified Life
Making positive changes in your life are not without their challenges, complications and
cost. Tozer asks, what are we willing to pay, sacrifice or surrender in order to advance in living
the crucified life? 2 Living a Christian life is not easy, but if you are in God’s hands no harm can
come upon you. To pursue this life, we must be willing to take down the veils, remove all the
obstacles between us and God. By spending personal time in prayer and practicing other
spiritual disciplines you will accomplish this goal.
We all know that living a crucified like does come with blessings from God, however,
don’t make this your only reason for deciding to change. Living a crucified life can bring us to
2 A. W. Tozer, The Crucified Life: How to Live Out a Deeper Christian Experience, (Ventura: Regal, 2011)
115.
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places of great spiritual victory. This can happen on the a personal level or a community level.
The ultimate reward for living a crucified life is obtaining a place in Heaven. It is also important
to have someone to guide you on the journey. Be sure that it is someone that is capable of truly
guiding you to God and not giving you false information. Beware of false prophets.
Application and Implementation
Applying the concepts of The Crucified Life will not be difficult, because I am already
practicing or experiencing some of them. I know that I should operate in the spiritual man and
not the carnal or natural. I pray daily for God to lead and guide me in everything that I do and
say. Although I may not reach spiritual perfection, I must strive to be more Christlike.
Personal Ministry
I will learn to trust God more and not rely on my own resolve when I real that I can not
accomplish my goals. Then recognize the veils that between me and God. Once I have
recognized them, I need to learn how to manage them or get rid of them all together.
Corporate Ministry
I would present this book to my Bible study or possibly the ministerial staff to read. So
that we can develop a plan to assist the congregation to grow spiritually or possibly creating a
series of sermons on how to live a more crucified life. It could be an opportunity to implement an
outreach program for new members or incorporate it into the new members classes.
Conclusion
I would recommend that preachers and laity read, The Crucified Life, because it provides
excellent information on how to get to know God on a deeper level. How important it is to
forsake the things of this world and cling to God and God alone. This book also provides us with
an assurance that one of the best things that we can do is give control of our lives to God.
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