How can we "crucify the flesh" in our daily Christian walk? Setting the Lens: Galatians 5:24 in Context “Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” (Galatians 5:24) Paul has just listed “the works of the flesh” (vv. 19-21) and “the fruit of the Spirit” (vv. 22-23). Verse 24 tells us that every true believer has already put the flesh to death positionally at conversion—and is called to keep that verdict active in daily life. What Does It Mean to “Crucify the Flesh”? • Crucifixion is decisive, not cosmetic. The flesh isn’t managed; it is sentenced. • Yet crucifixion is also gradual. Death came slowly on a Roman cross; likewise, the flesh keeps trying to wriggle free, so we keep it nailed down. • “Flesh” refers to the old, sin-dominated self—not the physical body but the rebellious nature inherited from Adam (Romans 7:18). The Moment of Conversion—The Old Self Executed • “I have been crucified with Christ; and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.” (Galatians 2:20) • “Our old self was crucified with Him so that the body of sin might be rendered powerless.” (Romans 6:6) At salvation, God counts the old person dead. That’s our position—fixed and unchangeable. The Daily Battle—Keeping the Flesh on the Cross • “Put to death, therefore, the components of your earthly nature.” (Colossians 3:5) • “If by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.” (Romans 8:13) • “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily.” (Luke 9:23) Position leads to practice. We live out what God has already declared true. Practical Ways to Walk in Victory 1. Recognize the flesh’s voice quickly – Any thought that contradicts Scripture is suspect (2 Corinthians 10:5). 2. Replace fleshly desires with Spirit-led choices – “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16) 3. Rely on the Spirit’s power, not sheer willpower – “For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose.” (Philippians 2:13) 4. Renew your mind daily in the Word – “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” (Romans 12:2) 5. Remove triggers whenever possible – “Make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.” (Romans 13:14) 6. Recruit accountability – “Exhort one another every day… so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” (Hebrews 3:13) Spirit-Filled Replacement Principle • Lust → cultivate purity (1 Thessalonians 4:3-4) • Pride → practice humility (1 Peter 5:5-6) • Anger → pursue forgiveness (Ephesians 4:31-32) • Greed → foster generosity (2 Corinthians 9:7) We don’t simply “say no”; we “put off” the old and “put on” the new (Ephesians 4:22-24). Encouragement from Fellow Passages • “He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:6) • “The One who calls you is faithful, and He will do it.” (1 Thessalonians 5:24) Crucifying the flesh is God’s work in us, yet we actively participate. Summary—Living a Cross-Shaped Life Crucifying the flesh starts at conversion and continues daily: we recognize the flesh’s pull, rely on the Spirit’s power, and replace old desires with new, Christ-shaped ones. Because Christ is alive in us, victory is not only possible—it is the normal Christian life. |
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