Life in the Spirit
A devotional reflection on leaving the old life at the cross and learning to walk daily with the Holy Spirit
This short series invites us to look at the Christian life as Scripture describes it: the old flesh brought to the cross, the new life lived by the Spirit, and the beautiful fruit that the Spirit grows in a surrendered heart. Each devotional is a reminder that we do not overcome sin or become like Christ by our own strength, but by staying near to Jesus and yielding ourselves to His gracious work within us.
“They that are in Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with the passions and the lusts thereof.” — Galatians 5:24
The Bible teaches that the flesh is the old sinful nature we were born with. It is the part of us that wants its own way, resists God, and is drawn toward what is wrong. Paul says there is no good thing in the flesh, because it does not want to submit to the Lord. This means our problem is deeper than a few bad habits or weak moments. We need more than self-improvement. We need the saving and changing power of Christ to work deeply within us.
Galatians 5:24 says that those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh. In other words, when we came to Jesus, we were not only asking Him to forgive us; we were also surrendering the old life that once ruled us. We were agreeing with God that our sinful way of living deserves the cross. The flesh is not something to excuse, protect, or make peace with. It must be brought to the cross and left there under the judgment of Christ.
Many believers do not fully understand this at first. We receive Christ with joy, but we may not realize how deeply following Him calls us to deny ourselves. We often want the comfort of salvation without the cost of surrender. Yet Jesus calls us to take up our cross daily. That means we say no to the old desires that fight against God, and yes to the new life the Holy Spirit gives.
This is why we cannot live the Christian life in our own strength. If we let the flesh have its way, the Spirit’s work in us is hindered. But when we keep the flesh in the place of crucifixion, we make room for the Spirit to lead us. As we walk in the Spirit, He gives us power to turn from sinful desires and to live in a way that pleases God. The victory does not come by trying harder, but by staying close to Jesus and yielding to His Spirit.
This truth humbles us, but it also gives us hope. We do not have to be controlled by every passion, craving, or impulse that rises up within us. In Christ, the flesh has been sentenced to the cross. When temptation comes, we can bring it to the Lord and remember that we belong to Him. Day by day, as we surrender again, He teaches us to live in freedom, purity, and deeper fellowship with Himself.
Prayer: Blessed Lord, I confess that I have often been too gentle with the flesh and too slow to deny myself. Teach me what it means to belong fully to You. Help me not to excuse what You have called to the cross. Strengthen me by Your Spirit to say no to sinful desires and yes to Your will. Let the power of Your cross work deeply in me, so that I may follow You with a whole heart. Amen.
Reflection: Jesus said, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me” (Luke 9:23). What desire, habit, or attitude do I need to bring back to the cross today? Where is the Lord asking me to choose surrender over self?
Minister A Francine Green I May 2026