Crucifixion

“Keep in mind that we who belong to Jesus Christ have already experienced crucifixion. For everything connected with our self-life was put to death on the cross and crucified with Messiah.”Galatians‬ ‭5‬:‭24‬ ‭TPT‬‬

Do you not know crucifixion? Daily we must take up our cross and follow Jesus. What is our cross? For most westerners is dying to the rights we have believed to be ours: ‘right to an opinion’, ‘right to be treated fairly’, ‘right to decide what happens with our money’, right to go where and when we please’.

Our biggest enemy is our flesh, not Satan. Our flesh lusts after sinful things. Our flesh behaves like a baby wanting all the attention.

Paul lists fleshly behaviours, they are not pretty:

“The behavior of the self-life is obvious: Sexual immorality, lustful thoughts, pornography, chasing after things instead of God, manipulating others, hatred of those who get in your way, senseless arguments, resentment when others are favored, temper tantrums, angry quarrels, only thinking of yourself, being in love with your own opinions, being envious of the blessings of others, murder, uncontrolled addictions, wild parties, and all other similar behavior. Galatians‬ ‭5‬:‭19‬-‭21‬ ‭TPT‬‬

He then gives us a list of the fruit of the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives:

“But the fruit produced by the Holy Spirit within you is divine love in all its varied expressions: joy that overflows, peace that subdues, patience that endures, kindness in action, a life full of virtue, faith that prevails, gentleness of heart, and strength of spirit. Never set the law above these qualities, for they are meant to be limitless.”Galatians‬ ‭5‬:‭22‬-‭23‬ ‭TPT‬‬

He is battling with the Galatian’s who have allowed teachers to come in who are demanding they become circumcised. The whole chapter is a good read. When we are tempted to add to the free gift Jesus gave us we are falling under the law again. Paul’s argument is ‘if you partake in one aspect of the law you may as well submit to all of it’. However, he points out that the law cannot save. Jesus is the only saviour!

We demean Jesus when we thing His free gift is not enough. He is more than enough! Amen!