Crucifying The Flesh

Title: CRUCIFYING THE FLESH

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Galatians 5:24

"And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts."

Supporting Texts: Romans 6:6, Colossians 3:5, Luke 9:23, Galatians 2:20, Matthew 16:24

INTRODUCTION:

As believers, one of the fundamental aspects of following Christ is the call to crucify the flesh. The flesh represents our sinful nature, desires, and inclinations that oppose the will of God. In Galatians 5:24, Paul emphasizes that those who belong to Christ must crucify the flesh with its affections and lusts. This Bible study explores the process of crucifying the flesh, its significance in the life of a believer, and how we can live in victory over the sinful desires that seek to control us.

1. UNDERSTANDING THE FLESH

The flesh represents the sinful nature of humanity, which is contrary to the Spirit of God.

a) The Flesh and Sinful Desires

The flesh is the natural inclination toward sin and disobedience, which seeks to fulfill its own desires contrary to God’s will (Romans 7:18).

b) The Flesh Opposes the Spirit

The flesh is in constant opposition to the work of the Holy Spirit in the believer’s life, seeking to lead us away from holiness (Galatians 5:17).

c) The Flesh Is Corrupt and Defiled

The flesh is not just the physical body but includes the sinful tendencies that corrupt the heart, mind, and actions of a person (Romans 8:7-8).

d) The Flesh Leads to Death

Living according to the flesh leads to spiritual death, as it separates us from God and His purposes (Romans 8:13).

e) Biblical Example:

Adam and Eve gave in to the desires of the flesh in the Garden of Eden, which led to their fall and separation from God (Genesis 3:6-7).

2. THE CALL TO CRUCIFY THE FLESH

The Christian life requires a daily decision to deny our sinful nature and surrender to God’s will.

a) Crucifying the Flesh Means Denying Ourselves

Jesus calls us to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him (Luke 9:23). This means choosing to say no to the desires of the flesh and yes to the will of God.

b) Crucifying the Flesh Means Mortifying Sinful Desires

To crucify the flesh is to put to death the sinful desires and passions that seek to control us (Romans 8:13). This involves actively resisting temptation and rejecting anything that leads us away from God.

c) Crucifying the Flesh Requires Self-Control

We must exercise self-control and discipline over our minds, bodies, and desires, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us in holiness (1 Corinthians 9:27).

d) Crucifying the Flesh Means Transformation

The process of crucifying the flesh leads to transformation, as we are conformed more and more into the image of Christ (Romans 12:2).

e) Biblical Example:

The Apostle Paul exemplified crucifying the flesh by stating, “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me” (Galatians 2:20).

3. THE ROLE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IN CRUCIFYING THE FLESH

The Holy Spirit empowers us to live a victorious life over the flesh.

a) The Spirit Enables Us to Resist the Flesh

The Holy Spirit gives us the power to resist the flesh and walk in the ways of God (Galatians 5:16).

b) The Spirit Produces the Fruit of the Spirit

As we crucify the flesh, the Holy Spirit produces fruit in our lives, such as love, joy, peace, and self-control, which help us to overcome the flesh’s desires (Galatians 5:22-23).

c) The Spirit Strengthens Our Inner Man

The Holy Spirit strengthens us in our inner being, helping us to endure temptation and live in alignment with God’s Word (Ephesians 3:16).

d) The Spirit Guides Us in Righteousness

The Holy Spirit guides us in making decisions that honor God, and empowers us to walk in righteousness and holiness (Romans 8:14).

e) Biblical Example:

Jesus, after being filled with the Holy Spirit, overcame the temptations of the flesh in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11).

4. THE BENEFITS OF CRUCIFYING THE FLESH

Crucifying the flesh leads to spiritual freedom and victory in Christ.

a) Freedom from Sin’s Power

When we crucify the flesh, we no longer live under the dominion of sin, but we live in the freedom that Christ has won for us (Romans 6:6-7).

b) Victory Over Temptation

By crucifying the flesh, we gain victory over the temptations of the world, the flesh, and the devil (1 Corinthians 10:13).

c) Living in Holiness

Crucifying the flesh enables us to live a life that is pleasing to God, reflecting His holiness in our daily walk (1 Peter 1:16).

d) Greater Intimacy with God

The more we crucify the flesh, the closer we draw to God, experiencing His presence and fellowship in deeper ways (James 4:8).

e) Biblical Example:

The Apostle Paul describes the victory that comes from crucifying the flesh, saying, “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14).