How does Galatians 5:24 connect with Romans 6:6 about crucifying the flesh? Galatians 5:24 — The Statement “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” Romans 6:6 — The Foundation “We know that our old self was crucified with Him so that the body of sin might be rendered powerless, that we should no longer be slaves to sin.” One Work, Two Perspectives • Romans 6:6 describes what happened the moment we were united to Christ: our “old self” was crucified with Him. • Galatians 5:24 describes what believers actually do, in real time, because of that past event: we “have crucified the flesh” and continue to treat it as executed. • Same cross, same death, two angles—God’s accomplished fact (Romans) and our Spirit-empowered response (Galatians). Past Fact, Present Fight 1. Past Fact • Colossians 2:11-12 — believers were “buried with Him in baptism,” picturing the once-for-all death to sin. • 2 Corinthians 5:17 — “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.” The old man is not under renovation; he is dead. 2. Present Fight • Romans 8:13 — “If by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.” • Colossians 3:5 — “Put to death, therefore, the components of your earthly nature.” • Luke 9:23 — “Take up your cross daily.” The cross remains the believer’s daily instrument of execution for sinful desires. Why the Flesh Must Stay on the Cross • The flesh’s “passions and desires” (Galatians 5:24) are hostile to the Spirit (Galatians 5:17). • Sin’s power is broken (Romans 6:6), but its presence lingers (Romans 7:23). • Only continual reckoning—“consider yourselves dead to sin” (Romans 6:11)—keeps the flesh from reclaiming the throne. How Crucifixion Shows Up in Real Life • Choosing holiness over habit: clicking away from impurity, refusing gossip, turning off envy. • Yielding to the Spirit: letting love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23) displace every fleshly impulse. • Persevering under trial: suffering often nails self-reliance to the cross, allowing Christ’s life to shine (2 Corinthians 4:10-11). • Public identification with Christ: the world’s approval dies when the believer stands with the crucified (Galatians 6:14). Key Takeaways • Romans 6:6 gives the judicial reality—our old self is crucified with Christ. • Galatians 5:24 gives the practical outworking—we keep the flesh on that cross. • Both verses assure victory: sin’s rule is broken, and the Spirit empowers daily obedience. Living the Connection 1. Remember the fact: Christ’s cross already dealt the death-blow to your old self. 2. Rely on the Spirit: only He can keep the flesh where it belongs—crucified. 3. Reject fleshly desires immediately: execution is not negotiation. 4. Replace them with Spirit-born virtues: crucifixion clears the ground so fruit can grow. |
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