Crucifying the flesh

Crucifying the flesh

Crucifying the flesh" is the New Testament metaphor for decisively putting to death the sinful nature, selfish desires, and carnal appetites of the human ego to live a life led by the Holy Spirit. In the Bible, "the flesh" (sarx in Greek) goes beyond literal skin and muscle; it represents human nature operating independently of God, heavily prone to sin and pride. The Scriptures present this concept through a dual lens: an accomplished spiritual position granted by God, and a practical daily discipline practiced by the believer. Paul uses the severe imagery of crucifixion rather than just "suppressing" or "managing" sin. Crucifixion was a public, painful, and completely final form of execution. By choosing this word, Scripture emphasizes that the old sinful lifestyle cannot be coddled or bargained with—it must be executed decisively. Galatians 2:20: "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me..."Romans 6:6: "We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin."

Spiritual WarFare

Spiritual warfare prayers are use to ask for divine protection, overcome temptation, and combat evil influences. The practice is often based on the New Testament description of spiritual armor and God's authority over evil forces. Prayers can be said aloud and often involve specific requests for protection and deliverance for oneself, family, and community.  My prayer In situations where you believe you or your family are under spiritual attack, a direct prayer can be used to rebuke evil influences and declare freedom: I take authority in the name of Jesus Christ over all spirits of darkness and evil influences directed against me and my family. By the power of your cross, your blood, and your resurrection, I command all evil to depart from us. I stand in the victory of Jesus, who has already defeated sin and death. I am reclaim any ground that may have been lost to the enemy and ask you to cleanse our minds, hearts, and emotions. I declare that we are free in Jesus and that our family will serve you. In Jesus's name, Amen.  Scripture's -Ephesians 6:10–18, Ephesians 6:12 stating the battle is against spiritual forces, not people.

Humbleness

Humility is one of the most central themes in the Bible. This selection of Bible verses about humility helps to show us why God values this virtue so highly. Because without humility, without us choosing of our own free will to voluntarily submit to God’s will, he cannot do the work he wants to do in us. There are so many verses about humility in the Bible because it is a crucial factor in us being conformed to the image of the Son. (Romans 8:29 [https://ref.ly/Rom%208.29;nkjv?t=biblia].) This is, of course, the goal of a true disciple, and for that to happen, we are utterly dependent on help and grace from God. And how do we get that help and grace? “But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: ‘God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.’” James 4:6 [https://ref.ly/James%204.6;nkjv?t=biblia]. “The humble He guides in justice, and the humble He teaches His way.” Psalm 25:9 [https://ref.ly/Ps%2025.9;nkjv?t=biblia]. “Then he said to me, ‘Do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard; and I have come because of your words.’” Daniel 10:12 [https://ref.ly/Dan%2010.12;nkjv?t=biblia]. “And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9 [https://ref.ly/2%20Cor%2012.9;nkjv?t=biblia].

Spiritual Growth

Spiritual growth Is the process of becoming more and more like Jesus Christ. When we place our faith in Jesus, the Holy Spirit begins the process of making us more like Him, conforming us to His image. Spiritual growth is perhaps best described in 2 Peter 1:3-8 [https://www.bibleref.com/2-Peter/1/2-Peter-1-3.html], which tells us that by God’s power we have “everything we need” to live lives of godliness, which is the goal of spiritual growth. Notice that what we need comes “through our knowledge of Him,” which is the key to obtaining everything we need. Our knowledge of Him comes from the Word, given to us for our edification and growth. There are two lists in Galatians 5:19-23 [https://www.bibleref.com/Galatians/5/Galatians-5-19.html]. Verses 19-21 list the “acts of the flesh.” These are the things that identified our lives before we came to Christ for salvation. The acts of the flesh are the activities we are to confess, repent of, and, with God’s help, overcome. As we experience spiritual growth, fewer and fewer of the “acts of the flesh” will be evident in our lives. The second list is the “fruit of the Spirit” (verses 22-23). These are what should characterize our lives now that we have experienced salvation in Jesus Christ. Spiritual growth is identified by the fruit of the Spirit becoming increasingly evident in a believer’s life. When the transformation of salvation takes place, spiritual growth begins. The Holy Spirit indwells us (John 14:16-17 [https://www.bibleref.com/John/14/John-14-16.html]). We are new creatures in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17 [https://www.bibleref.com/2-Corinthians/5/2-Corinthians-5-17.html]). The old, sinful nature begins to give way to the new, Christlike nature (Romans 6-7 [https://www.bibleref.com/Romans/6/Romans-chapter-6.html]). Spiritual growth is a lifelong process that depends on our study and application of God’s Word (2 Timothy 3:16-17 [https://www.bibleref.com/2-Timothy/3/2-Timothy-3-16.html]) and our walk in the Spirit (Galatians 5:16-26 [https://www.bibleref.com/Galatians/5/Galatians-5-16.html]). As we seek spiritual growth, we should pray to God and ask for wisdom concerning the areas He desires us to grow in. We can ask God to increase our faith and knowledge of Him. God desires for us to grow spiritually, and He has given us all we need to experience spiritual growth. With the Holy Spirit’s help, we can overcome sin and steadily become more like our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Spiritual Alignment

Being spiritually connected with someone requires a deeper level of understanding and connection between two people that goes beyond the physical and emotional realms. This connection can be felt on a spiritual level and can include shared values, beliefs, and spiritual practices. It can also be rooted in a sense of shared energy and purpose or unity and oneness. When two people are spiritually connected, they may feel a sense of familiarity and trust together, even if they have just met. They may also feel a sense of comfort and peace in each other’s presence, and they may be able to communicate and understand each other without speaking. Scripture- Galatians 5:17 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians+5%3A17&version=ESV] ESV For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.