“Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there.”
Galatians 5:24 NLT
This chapter of Galatians spells out what the passions and desires of the flesh are, but also what the fruits of the Holy Spirit are. It is more important to cultivate a relationship with the Holy Spirit than trying to crucify the flesh. This has been done in salvation. Our flesh is dead and as we walk in the Spirit it remains dead. I Imagine fights and quarreling and selfish ambition would be the desires and passions most prevalent in us. The whole chapter is a good read.
Last week as I travelled to another regional township I sensed the fleshly desire to speed and show off on the road. Yes even older people have to deal with this. I took my host out to dinner and asked if she wanted a glass of wine. I had one as well and thereafter determined that I should refrain in future. It causes my flesh to rise and I don’t need that.
The flesh looks for opportunity and by remaining in the Spirit and seeking things above we defeat it and keep it dead. Romans tells us:
“And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”
Romans 12:1-2 NLT
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