Crucifying the Flesh

By Danny Saavedra

“Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.”—Galatians 5:24–26 (NIV)

Yesterday, we established that a heart surrendered to the Spirit will not engage in a sinful lifestyle nor will it produce the fruit of the flesh because the seeds being sown are of the Spirit. Today, we see the reason why and the daily call to action for the believer in Christ. Paul tells us, “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” 

This is a declaration of the state in which we as believers find ourselves. Earlier, in Galatians 2:20 (NIV), Paul tells us, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.” Not only that, but in Romans 6:4 (NIV), he tells us, “We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” When we surrender our lives to Jesus and receive the Holy Spirit, we are given new life. We who were once slaves to sin have been set free (Galatians 5:1). 

With the Spirit of God in us, guiding, leading, convicting, compelling, equipping, and empowering us, we can now say “‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions,” and “live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age” (Titus 2:12 NIV). The old way, the old life, has been buried through the washing and renewing of our souls by the Holy Spirit. 

That’s the why. Now, here’s the call to action that goes along with it: “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” Because of the Spirit, we’ve been renewed and set free from the chains of sin. But if we want to continue to walk in this newfound freedom and not give power to that which no longer has power over us, then we need to walk in step with the Spirit. We must daily die to self, align ourselves to the will and work of God in us, and grow deeper in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ. 

The Spirit is moving and working; He has amazing things in store for us. Not only that, but He gives us the power, strength, wisdom, and boldness to carry it out. All we need to do is walk hand-in-hand with Him! 

DIG: What does it mean to walk “in step” with the Spirit?

DISCOVER: What are things you can do daily to ensure you’re consistently walking in step with the Spirit?  

DO: In your prayer time, ask for a fresh outpouring of the Spirit in your heart and life as you seek to abide and align yourself to His will and work for your daily life.