We are all familiar with Galatians 5:22-23: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” But how about verse 24, which says, “And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.”
This is a very powerful verse. It tells me as a Christian that I have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. The image of crucifixion is very public and final. It is not talking about the physical body but all the sinful natures of man.
Paul is telling us that sinful natures and desires should not have control over us any longer and that if we belong to Christ Jesus, we should be producing the fruits of the spirit in our daily walk with Christ.
Romans 6:6-7 says, “We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. For one who has died has been set free from sin.”
Sometimes Christians feel trapped in their sins. We can feel like there is no hope or no escape. These verses in Galatians and Romans tell us that sin’s power has already been broken; it can only have dominion over us if we allow it. James 4:7 says, “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” We have the strength through Christ to resist Satan and the many traps he will put before us. We will never be perfect in our walk with Christ, but we can be faithful.
Matthew 16:24 tells us to deny ourselves and our selfish desires and follow him. This is a daily task for us. As we start this New Year, let us be intentional in our walk with the Savior. Let us draw near to Him, and he will draw near to us (James 4:8)!