And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
—Galatians 5:24
Concerning the flesh Paul taught us, “In me [that is, in my flesh] dwelleth no good thing” (Romans 7:18). And again he said, “The carnal mind [the mind of the flesh] is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be” (Romans 8:7). When Adam lost the Spirit of God, he became ruled by the flesh. “The flesh” is the expression for the evil, corrupt nature that we inherit from Adam. Of this flesh it is written, “Our old man is crucified with Him” (Romans 6:6). And here Paul put it even more strongly: “And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh.”
When the disciples heard and obeyed the call of Jesus to follow Him, they honestly meant to do so; but, as He later taught them what that would imply, they were far from being ready to yield immediate obedience. Likewise, those who are Christ’s and have accepted Him as the Crucified One scarcely understand what that includes. By their act of surrender, they actually have crucified the flesh and consented to regard it as an accursed thing, nailed to the cross of Christ.
But unfortunately, many Christians have never for a moment thought of such a thing! It may be that the preaching of Christ crucified has been defective. It may be that the truth of our being crucified with Christ has not been taught. They shrink back from the self‑denial that it implies, and as a result, where the flesh is allowed in any measure to have its way, the Spirit of Christ cannot exert His power.
Paul taught the Galatians, “Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16); “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God” (Romans 8:14). The Spirit alone can guide us as the flesh, in living faith and fellowship with Christ Jesus, is kept in the place of crucifixion.
Blessed Lord, how little I understood when I accepted You in faith that I once and for all “crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts”! I humbly ask You, teach me to believe and to live in You, the Crucified One, in such a way that, like Paul, I may always glory in the cross on which the world and the flesh are crucified.