9/20/14

Saturday, September 20 [by Keesha]

“Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires” (Galatians 5:24 NIV).

Paul told his Christian brothers and sisters to crucify their sinful nature (to put [it] to death by nailing or binding [it] to a cross). He knew that if they continued to live in the sinful nature that it came with a cost, a great cost.

Paul said, “The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God” (Galatians 5:19-21 NIV). No one who willfully decides to stay in these activities will inherit the kingdom of God. “And this is what some of you used to be. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God” (1 Corinthians 6:11). Once we begin that process, we have to choose to live that way each day. We daily have to pick up our crosses (Luke 9:23). 

There is a lot at stake when it comes to willingly giving into our fleshly, sinful nature. Paul not only gives the Gentiles a warning, but he tells them how to be overcomers. He says in Galatians 5:16, “So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want.” In so many words, Paul is basically telling us to live in close relationship with the Holy Spirit and to be obedient to what He wants us to do each day.

Although trying to overcome the sinful nature for us is impossible by ourselves, Jesus says in Luke 18:27, “What is impossible with man is possible with God." Thank God that He can help us supernaturally live an overcomer’s life. We are sons and daughters of the Most High King. Due to this incredible, merciful status, we have a Father that can help us overcome anything, including sin and no matter how painful it is.

Lord, please help us to live by the Spirit. Help us to desire and to do what the Spirit wants since it is the opposite of what our sinful nature desires. Please give us the fruit of the Spirit. Help us to crucify the sinful nature with its passions and desires every day. We love You, Lord. Thank You for helping us to always do the impossible. You are amazing God. We stand in awe of You and Your goodness. Amen.