November 07, 2019: SOAP #3626:  Job 31, 32; Galatians 5,6

Scripture:  Galatians (NIV) 5:24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.

Observation:   It is not those to whom Christ belongs, but those who belong to Christ.  I hear in this scripture not an emphasis on me possessing Him, but Him possessing me!

When we belong to Him, He is Lord.  He is Master.  It is His life we are living.  We are no longer our own.  We have been bought with a great price.  And so, we have died to ourselves.  As Christ was crucified to His earthly life, so those belonging to Him have crucified the sinful nature.  They count it as dead!  The soul was crucified at the cross.  Now the crucified soul is to put to death, crucify, the flesh and its lusts.  Before the soul was crucified with Christ on the cross, I did not have the power to crucify the flesh, but the life that has been crucified is one now living in the power of the Spirit.  And as I walk in the Spirit there is power enough to deny the flesh!

When the flesh is crucified, there must be something to take its place.  To deny the flesh without setting one’s self to please the Spirit is futile.

Application:   As I slack off in what I eat, I pick up bad eating habits.  My appetite becomes accustomed to things and amounts that are unhealthy.  When I realize the danger of continuing to eat unhealthily, I start making changes.  With my mind, I know it is best to choose healthy food, but the flesh has grown accustomed to unhealthy habits.  I often need help, like a diet or eating plan, to make good eating choices.

And I need help to crucify the flesh and please God.  That is where the indwelling Holy Spirit brings motivation and assistance.

Prayer:   Holy Spirit, The Heavenly Father knew that I would be helpless to live this life without you.  After Jesus died for my sins, He sent you to live in me.  Thank you for being my Counselor and Helper. Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!