From the beginning of creation, it is the will of God for man to be united with Christ Jesus (Ephesians 1:4), to set mankind free from the power of sin and walk in righteousness (Romans 8:12).
The scripture helps us understand that the power of sin is expressed in the soul and flesh of a man (Romans 7:18).
*How does sin find expression in the soul and the body of a man?*
Man was created as a tri-partie being; Spirit, soul and body (1 Thessalonians 5:23). Sin found expression in man when man disobeyed God and ate the fruit of the knowledge of good and evil (Genesis 2:17). Since then, man has been conscious of the desires of his flesh and soul (natural life) more than spiritual things (Matthew 6:19-20).
Apostle Paul explained in Romans 8:5, _that those that live according to the spirit set their minds on the things of the spirit and those that set their mind on the things of the flesh set their mind on the things of the flesh._
Investing in spiritual things is investing in the Word of God; having the consciousness of eternal life (John 6:63). Investing in fleshly things is investing in things that gratifies/satisfies our flesh or our selfish interests (soul). Examples of investing in fleshly things can be found in Galatian 5:19-21; idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulation, wrath, strife, sedition, heresis, envying, murder, drunkiness, and ravellings.
These are activities and strategies of Satan, in order to compel man to commit sin against God and walk in disobedience against the Word of God.
It is very important for a believer to have a deeper revelation of the crucifixion, resurrection and ascension of Jesus, by seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Apostle Paul said in Galatians 2:20 _’I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me’._
This scripture confirms our union with Jesus in the crucifixion, ressurection and ascension. To further our understanding, I will be discussing our union with the crucifixion of Jesus.
Through the help of the Holy Spirit, we must be aware of how to crucify our flesh and soul and live in obedience to the Word of God, as believers. The Holy Spirit communicates to our human spirit and the human spirit passes the informarion to our mind (soul realm) and our body (1 Thessalonians 5:23).
It is very important to have a deep understanding of how our soul and body is linked to the crucifixion.
With this understanding, we will be able to surrender our mind, will and emotions to the cross and be conscious about walking in accordance to the Word of God and not the ways of the world (Romans 12:2).
By renewing the mind, a believer will be becareful to not be influenced by the world, but rather by the Word of God.
Our will and emotions must also be surrendered to the cross in the same pattern. With emotions, we must becareful to not be influenced or impacted by our environment (what can be seen or heard), but rather be influenced by the promises of God written in the Word.
The Word of God says _”the Joy of the Lord is our strength”_ so this highlights that our emotions should be influenced by God and not by our environment (Nehemiah 8:10).
Our flesh must also be surrendered to the cross in the same manner, by the Word of God through the help of the Holy Spirit. A believer must be careful not to do things by “works” or their own “human ability” when subduing fleshly desires, but depend on the Holy Spirit.
For example, when crucifying fleshly desires, we must consciously focus on what the Word says rather than focusing on how to avoid the desire of our flesh in our own ability.
*How do you crucify the flesh?*
Let’s look at fear for example, we know that fear comes from Satan which occurs in our mind (Soul realm). Crucifying the spirit of fear as a believer, will involve declaring your dominion and authority over fear using the Word of God (2 Timothy 1:7) Jesus has taken away our fears and worries and nailed it on the cross.
It is very important to know the promises of God for your life, written in the Word of God, in order to avoid believing the lies of Satan. The moment the lies of Satan becomes intrusive in our soul, spiritual warefare begins and must be dealt with using the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God (2 Corinthians 10:4-5).
Stay blessed & be encouraged!
Written and composed by Ayo Akingbala
Edited by Shola Akingbala