March 14, 2013 (Deuteronomy 25-27; Galatians 5)
From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:
Scripture: “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
Observation: Paul is addressing the Galatian church that was being led astray by false doctrine. They were trying to justify their salvation through Christ by obeying the Mosaic Law. Paul explained to them that Christ had come to set them free! Not free to sin without consequence, but rather set free from the bondage of their sinful nature. Notice that Paul did not tell them they were set free from the punishment of sin only, but they had been set free from the bondage of sin itself. A true Christian is no longer bound by their fleshly desires. Through the power of the Holy Spirit living in us we can crucify the sinful desires of the flesh and faithfully live for Christ.
Application: Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to His cross and crucified them there! Have you experienced such freedom? Sadly, the majority of people that claim they have accepted Christ have not enjoyed this freedom. Why? Because our culture, and often our preachers, are feeding people a steady diet of false doctrine. They are being conditioned to believe they can accept Christ as Savior, while rejecting Him as Lord. Repentance, obedience, and faithfulness are quickly becoming old fashioned, out dated “rules” that are no longer needed. Yet God’s word is clear, when Christ truly moves into a person’s heart old passion and desires are put to death and new passions and desires are birthed by the Holy Spirit Himself!
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for Your Spirit that fills me and provides new passions and desires within me! Thank You for Your mercy and grace that provide and protect me every day. May my passions and desires that are not pleasing to You be nailed to the cross of Christ and crucified there. May the passions and desires that please You fill my life completely, in Jesus name, Amen!