Galatians 5:24 Crucify the Flesh and Live

Galatians 5:24 Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

There is a clear mark of difference between Christians and nonbelievers: Christians “have crucified the flesh,” and thus bear the fruit of the Spirit while nonbelievers live in the “passions and desires” of the flesh. Notice, on the other hand, that Paul does not make any kind of distinction in Christians here. There are not two levels to Christians—those who bear the fruit (all nine characteristics), those who bear a few products (as the word translated “fruit” is singular), and those who are not bearing the fruit of the Spirit. Rather, all Christians are bearing the fruit of the Spirit (some more than others and some more in certain characteristics of the fruit of the Spirit than others) and in increasing degrees: “from faith to faith” (cf. Romans 1:17).

This is because “those who belong to Christ Jesus,” all of those whom Christ has laid hold of, “have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” Christianity does not have varsity and junior varsity levels like high school sports. Rather, Christianity is like professional sports, such as Major League Baseball or the National Basketball Association. All the players in those pro sports are playing at the same level, though there are differing degrees of talent. In the same way there are those who are further along in exhibiting the fruit of the Spirit because their sinful flesh is further along in the crucifixion process.[1] We are thus not to compare ourselves to one another, but to be concerned about our own progress in the faith.

Paul uses the word “crucify” here for a reason that may not be immediately evident to modern American audiences—or at least not its implications. This word would have evoked certain images and understandings in the minds of his first century readers to which we are not accustomed. Seeing the movie, The Passion of the Christ may help us to understand what Paul was conjuring up in the minds of his audience. A proper understanding of crucifixion will help us to know what Paul was saying and to apply it to our own lives.

First, crucifixion was reserved for only the worst criminals. Rome crucified people for murder, sedition, and treason (at least as a regular practice; at times they crucified people for less reasons, but we must remember that Rome was corrupt). Crucifixion was not for friends of the empire, and therefore it was unlawful for a Roman citizen to be crucified. Thus, when Paul is telling you to crucify your flesh, he is telling you that your flesh in absolutely corrupt and the most vile offender. Your flesh is murdering you, it is in absolute rebellion against you and God as an act of treason in league with your enemy, Satan. If you do not see your flesh in this way, you will not understand why it must be crucified. Your flesh is not your friend—it is your enemy, it keeps you from doing what you truly desire to do. It is taking you to hell.

Second, you must understand that crucifixion was the most painful death that was known. There is a reason why we no longer crucify people: it is inhumane. Realize that it is going to be painful for you as you crucify your flesh throughout your life. This process of crucifixion will cause you much pain and opposition, but the results are worth it. As the flesh dies, the pain (in that area of your life) will cease.

Third, crucifixion is a slow death. Those who were crucified were at times on the cross for days or even a week. Do not expect your flesh to die overnight; it is far too strong of an opponent for that. You must continually crucify your flesh throughout the remainder of your life. You will not accept Christ and be without sin tomorrow. That is not the way it works. Rather, you will be in a constant battle for the rest of your life.

Last, crucifixion amounted to certain death. Though it was very painful and slow, crucifixion was absolutely lethal. It never failed unless the one who was crucified were to be taken off the cross. Therefore you must never let your flesh off the cross until you are with the Lord in glory. Your flesh will die and you will be freed from it—this is a guarantee. Christians are those who have truly started the process. In the case of those who belong to Christ, the flesh is sure to die. They are certain that they will be liberated to bear the fruit of the Spirit and to never again commit the deeds of the flesh.

This process will be long, painful, and humiliating, but it is worth it. What gain would be yours if you let your flesh live and thus died to God and eternal life? Hell will be far worse than the pain of crucifying the flesh, and it is guaranteed to all who do not put to death the flesh in this manner (Mark 8:34-38). I therefore exhort you, brothers and sisters, crucify your flesh and that goes along with it and prove you belong to Christ.

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[1] Though unlike in professional sports there are no Christians who are sitting on the bench as substitutes. All Christians are constantly on the field of play in active duty, and they are to be exhibiting the fruit of the Spirit.