In Galatians 5:24 Paul writes an amazing statement. From a number of angles, amazing!
Here’s the Verse … “And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.” This is indeed a statement of truth, one without doubt … the Greek verb translated “have crucified” being in the indicative mood, not the subjunctive. (The subjunctive expresses a wish or desire, whereas the indicative a plan FACT!)
The two terms “affections” and “lusts” are synonyms. “Pathema” (much like our word “passion”) and “epithumia” (burning hot desires) are strong descriptors!
And the “flesh?” Paul here does not merely mean the human body in the sense of hands and feet and ears. He does mean the “flesh” as a human tendency opposed to the “spirit,” really lethargic toward the “Holy Spirit” of God. Our “old sin nature,” one Preacher expresses it.
And since “crucified” is an aorist verb (one form of “stauroo”), Paul views this crucifixion as a past event, something finished, perhaps even at the moment of salvation! Or at least here he does so.
Though it is also true in Galatians 2:20 (but this time a perfect tense verb) … “I am crucified with Christ.” Something that happened in the past, but with continuing daily results in one’s life! Praise the Lord for this!
I am just seeing, noticing … Paul never uses the “crucify” verb in the present tense! Though he uses the “mortify” verb that way twice, in Romans 8:13 and Colossians 3:5. (One example of the two … “Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry.”) Mortify means “put to death!”
Maybe I am splitting hairs this morning, but I’m learning things too!
The Bible, what a Book! “Exceeding broad” says Psalm 119:96 of Scripture!
Now to the main “point” of the Lesson. Just his line …
“They that are Christ’s!”
He (Paul) means those of us who are saved!
The noun “Christos” (“Christ” in English, in our Text) means “anointed one,” or “Messiah!” That is Jesus our Lord, folks.
But here the Title is framed as a genitive (masculine) … indicating possession!
We belong to Him, to Jesus! He has “bought” us! “Redeemed” us! “Made us His!”
No wonder we live as He directs!
As His Spirit leads!
Here’s Paul full rationale on this theme: “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and YE ARE NOT YOUR OWN? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your BODY, and in your SPIRIT, which are GOD’S.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, life changing!
If you once realize you belong to Jesus … that fact alone will affect how you live!
His Mark, His Seal is on you, Christian friend!
— Dr. Mike Bagwell
Thrilled today!