Connect Romans 7:5 with Galatians 5:24 on crucifying sinful desires. Setting the Stage Romans 7:5 exposes the problem; Galatians 5:24 unveils the remedy. Both passages meet at the cross, showing how sinful passions die so new life can flourish. The Problem with the Flesh: Romans 7:5 “For when we lived according to the flesh, the sinful passions aroused by the law were at work in our bodies, bearing fruit for death.” • “Lived according to the flesh” – life directed by fallen instincts, not God’s Spirit. • “Sinful passions aroused by the law” – God’s good law, when faced by corrupt hearts, actually excites rebellion. • “Bearing fruit for death” – these passions never stay private; they mature into destructive actions and eternal separation from God. The Solution Offered: Galatians 5:24 “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” • “Belong to Christ Jesus” – union with Him through faith. • “Have crucified” – decisive, completed act; our old nature was nailed to the cross with Christ. • “Flesh with its passions and desires” – not just deeds but the inner drives behind them. How the Cross Breaks Sin’s Grip • Romans 6:6 – “our old self was crucified with Him so that the body of sin might be rendered powerless.” • Galatians 2:20 – “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.” • Colossians 2:14 – the cross canceled the record of debt and stripped the powers that held us. Result: the very source of sinful urges is judged and sentenced; believers now live from a new center—Christ Himself. Living Out the Crucifixion of Desires Practical outworking of Galatians 5:24: 1. Reckon it true (Romans 6:11). Count the old passions dead even when they clamor for attention. 2. Walk by the Spirit (Galatians 5:16). The Spirit supplies new desires that crowd out the old. 3. Starve the flesh (Colossians 3:5). Cut off whatever feeds lust, greed, bitterness, or pride. 4. Renew the mind (Ephesians 4:22-24). Scripture reshapes thought patterns so actions follow suit. 5. Present the body to God (Romans 12:1). Every faculty becomes an instrument of righteousness. Supporting Scriptures • Romans 8:13 – “If by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.” • 1 Peter 4:1-2 – suffering with Christ arms believers to “live the rest of their time… for the will of God.” • Titus 2:11-12 – grace teaches us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires. Takeaway Truths • Romans 7:5 describes life before Christ—dominated by passions that lead to death. • Galatians 5:24 declares what is now true in Christ—the flesh and its desires are crucified. • Believers actively apply this finished work by the Spirit, replacing old cravings with new, Christ-centered affections. |
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