Galatians 5:24 - Homiletics

The distinguishing feature of Christianity.

It is manifest in the very nature of the case that a Christian has crucified the flesh by virtue of his union with Christ. Mark here—

I. THE MOST CHARACTERISTIC DESIGNATION OF TRUE BELIEVERS . " They that are Christ' s." The expression implies

They are not his merely by external profession. It is natural, therefore, that they should manifest the fruit of the Spirit.

II. THE MOST CHARACTERISTIC PART OF CHRISTIAN LIFE . "They crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts." This points to a past act, to their conversion, in which, by virtue of their union with Christ, they were baptized into his death ( Romans 6:4 ). The believer is "crucified with Christ" ( Galatians 2:19 ), but here the flesh, with its seventeen categories of evil, is crucified likewise: "Our old man has been crucified with him" ( Romans 6:6 ). Thus the flesh is robbed of its supremacy. Thus unison with Christ secures alike our salvation from the guilt and the power of sin. "When Christ came in the flesh, we crucified him; when he comes into our hearts, he crucifies us." The flesh, with its passions and lusts, represents vice on its passive and active sides.