What is the meaning of Galatians 5:24?

Those who belong to Christ Jesus

- To “belong” is covenant language. Christ’s sheep are His own (John 10:27-28).

- The Holy Spirit seals every believer, marking ownership and guaranteeing redemption (Ephesians 1:13-14).

- Identity change: “You are not your own; you were bought at a price” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).

- Practical outflow: allegiance now lies with our Savior, not with self. Paul reminds Timothy, “The Lord knows those who are His” (2 Timothy 2:19), underscoring security and responsibility.

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Have crucified the flesh

- Crucifixion describes a decisive, once-for-all break. At conversion our old self “was crucified with Him” (Romans 6:6).

- The verb is past tense—already accomplished—yet the picture demands daily application: “Whoever wants to be My disciple must deny himself and take up his cross daily” (Luke 9:23).

- “I have been crucified with Christ” (Galatians 2:20) links the believer’s union with Christ’s literal death, affirming freedom from sin’s mastery.

- This is not self-improvement; it is participation in Christ’s victory (Colossians 3:3).

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With its passions and desires

- “Flesh” refers to the fallen human nature that once dominated us (Ephesians 2:3).

- Passions are strong drives; desires are the thoughts that feed them. Both were nailed to the cross positionally and are to be rejected practically.

- The Spirit now produces different appetites—love, joy, peace, and the rest of the fruit listed in Galatians 5:22-23.

- Helpful practices:

• Keep in step with the Spirit (Galatians 5:25).

• Say no to worldly lusts through God’s grace (Titus 2:11-12).

• Wage war against “fleshly desires that war against the soul” (1 Peter 2:11).

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summary

Believers, purchased by Christ, have already executed a decisive judgment on their old, sinful nature. Because we belong to Jesus, our former way of life was put to death with Him at the cross, along with every corrupt passion and desire. Our calling now is to live out that accomplished reality by the Spirit’s power, choosing Christ-honoring desires and bearing His fruit daily.