What does it mean to belong to Christ according to Galatians 5:24? The Core Verse “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” (Galatians 5:24) Belonging Defined: United by Faith, Marked by Death to Self To “belong to Christ” literally means: • He possesses us—we are His purchased people (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). • We share His life by faith (2 Corinthians 5:17). • Our old, sin-dominated self is nailed to the cross with Him (Galatians 2:20). Paul emphasizes that ownership shows up in a decisive act: crucifying “the flesh,” the fallen, self-centered nature that once ruled us. Crucifying the Flesh: What Gets Nailed to the Cross? “Passions and desires” Paul speaks of are: • Sinful cravings (lust, greed, envy). • Self-exalting ambitions (pride, applause-seeking). • Indulgent impulses that disregard God’s will. They are not managed or pampered; they are executed. Romans 6:6 confirms: “Our old self was crucified with Him so that the body of sin might be rendered powerless.” Why Crucifixion Matters • It signals a clean break: “For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.” (Colossians 3:3) • It frees us from slavery: “We should no longer be slaves to sin.” (Romans 6:6) • It proves new ownership: We move from Adam’s lineage to Christ’s family (Romans 5:18-19). Evidence of Ownership: Walking by the Spirit Paul sets Galatians 5:24 between two Spirit-centered commands. 1. Fruit produced (v. 22-23): love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. 2. Lifestyle maintained (v. 25): “Since we live by the Spirit, let us walk in step with the Spirit.” Because the flesh is crucified, the Spirit is free to cultivate Christ-likeness. Practical Outworking in Daily Life • Daily reckon the flesh dead—agree with God’s verdict (Romans 6:11). • Feed the new nature by Scripture intake (Psalm 119:11) and fellowship (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Refuse to resurrect old habits; flee temptation (2 Timothy 2:22). • Submit choices to the Spirit’s leading—He now calls the shots (Romans 8:9-14). • Display tangible evidence: consistent love, joyful obedience, sacrificial service (John 13:35). Bottom Line To belong to Christ means He owns us entirely, and that ownership is proven by a once-for-all crucifixion of the flesh and an ongoing walk empowered by the Holy Spirit. |
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