In what ways can we identify and reject "passions and desires"? Setting the Scene: What Galatians 5:24 Says “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” Paul’s words are direct: being Christ’s means the old cravings are nailed to the cross. The command isn’t merely to restrain sinful impulses but to render them dead—irreversible, decisive, final. Spotting Counterfeit Passions and Desires • They tug you away from clear biblical commands (cf. James 1:14-15). • They promise quick gratification while ignoring eternal consequences (cf. Romans 8:13). • They thrive where secrecy, shame, or compromise flourish (cf. Ephesians 5:11-12). • They distort good, God-given longings—sex, ambition, appetite—into self-centred idols (cf. Colossians 3:5). • They dull your hunger for prayer, Scripture, and fellowship (cf. 1 Peter 2:11). Practical Ways to Identify Them 1. Daily Word Check – Compare desires to explicit commands (Psalm 119:105). – Ask: Does this align with love for God and neighbour (Matthew 22:37-39)? 2. Conscience Sensitivity – A Spirit-tuned conscience raises red flags early (Romans 9:1). – Notice lingering unease or rationalisations. 3. Community Mirror – Trusted believers can spot blind spots (Hebrews 3:13). – Welcome loving correction instead of isolation. 4. Fruit Inspection – Desires leading to the Spirit’s fruit (Galatians 5:22-23) pass the test. – Desires producing anxiety, impurity, or pride reveal fleshly roots. Rejecting Passions and Desires: The “Crucify” Process • Declare them dead: affirm the finality of the cross (Galatians 2:20). • Deny them daily: take up your cross every morning (Luke 9:23). • Displace them with stronger affection: set your mind on things above (Colossians 3:2). • Deploy Scripture out loud: Jesus countered temptation with “It is written” (Matthew 4:4-10). • Depend on the Spirit’s power: “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16) Helpful Habits for Ongoing Victory • Memorise key verses (Psalm 119:11). • Fast periodically to practice saying “no” to the body. • Keep short accounts—confess quickly (1 John 1:9). • Serve others; self-giving love chokes selfish cravings (Philippians 2:3-4). • Celebrate obedience; gratitude fortifies resolve (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Encouragement to Persevere Romans 6:6 reminds us our “old self was crucified with Him, so that the body of sin might be rendered powerless.” The battle is real, but the victory is secured. Keep nailing every rogue passion to the cross, walk in step with the Spirit, and enjoy the freedom Christ already purchased. |
    |