Monday Devotional – April 11, 2022
I am crucified
‘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
Read:
'But suppose we seek to be made right with God through faith in Christ and then we are found guilty because we have abandoned the law. Would that mean Christ has led us into sin? Absolutely not! Rather, I am a sinner if I rebuild the old system of law I already tore down. For when I tried to keep the law, it condemned me. So I died to the law—I stopped trying to meet all its requirements—so that I might live for God. My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not treat the grace of God as meaningless. For if keeping the law could make us right with God, then there was no need for Christ to die.' Galatians 2:17-21
Reflect:
It’s Holy Week! I know Christmas gets most of the pomp and pageantry but this is the week we get to reflect on what Christ did for us. A brief recap? He came to earth, taught us the Fathers heart and expectation for how we should live. Then He sacrificed Himself, dying in a most gruesome way on a cross (crucified). His innocent blood shed willingly, paid for the sin of humanity once and for all. Hallelujah, thank You Jesus.
So what then does Paul mean when he declares “I have been crucified with Christ” in Gal 2:20? Well He explains in chapter 5:24. ‘Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. There is an element of choice here.
Christ died, our sins are paid for but it is my choice to accept the gift. It is also my choice to kill the passions and desires I have that are sinful. The good news is we don’t and can’t do this alone.
What does that look like practically?
- We pray for God’s help. ‘If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. ‘James 1:5
- We renew our mind daily. ‘Stop imitating the ideals and opinions of the culture around you, but be inwardly transformed by the Holy Spirit through a total reformation of how you think. This will empower you to discern God’s will as you live a beautiful life, satisfying and perfect in his eyes.’ Romans 12:2
- We make choices that reflect our decision to follow Christ. “… then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve…” Joshua 24:15
There is a super (beyond) natural element to walking in faith. When we accept Jesus He immediately makes us new. We spend the rest of our lives learning how to walk in that newness. The awesome news is Jesus walks with us as Emmanuel, the Holy Spirit stays within us as Comforter, Teacher and Guide. Don’t be fooled into thinking we can crucify our sin nature alone or by following a formula or rules. We nurture our relationship with Christ and allow our actions to flow out of that love relationship. Anything else is burdensome, ritualistic and empty religion. I beg of you don’t take His grace written plainly in blood for granted.
Song of the Week:
Journal Prompt:
- What desire, sin or issue do I need to crucify this week?
- Which Scripture should I store in our hearts to do that?
- How can I choose differently to prevent myself from going down the wrong path?
Pray:
Jesus, I pause to thank You for Your sacrifice. Your gift enables me to live free of my sinful nature. This week I commit my tendency to ________________. Forgive me Lord. Help me to do better. Show me what strategies I can use to help me overcome. In Jesus name
Affirmation:
My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.
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Have a great week!
See you next week for another Mocha Monday – a weekly Monday Devotional by Lady Kavan.
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