Galatians 5:24 – “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.”

Extended Explanation of the Verse

Paul is making a strong statement about what it means to truly follow Jesus. He says that those who belong to Christ—true believers—have “crucified the flesh” with its sinful passions and desires.

What does this mean?

1. “Crucified the flesh” – This does not mean literal crucifixion but refers to putting an end to our sinful way of life. Just as Jesus was crucified on the cross, our old sinful nature has been put to death when we come to Christ.
2. “With its passions and desires” – Sin is not just about bad actions; it comes from within. The desires of the sinful nature—pride, greed, lust, selfishness—must be put to death if we truly belong to Jesus.

Paul is emphasizing that being a Christian is not just about believing in Jesus—it is about dying to our old way of life and living for Him.

Historical Context

Paul was writing to the Galatian churches, which were struggling with two major problems:

1. Legalism – Some Jewish Christians (the Judaizers) were teaching that believers still had to follow the Old Testament law (like circumcision) to be saved. Paul had already made it clear that salvation is by grace, not by works (Galatians 2:16).
2. Lawlessness – Some Gentile believers misunderstood grace and thought they could continue living in sin since they were “free” in Christ.

Paul addresses both errors by explaining that true salvation leads to a transformed life. If someone belongs to Christ, their old sinful way of life has been put to death. They no longer live by their own selfish desires but by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Theological Implications

This verse teaches some critical spiritual truths:

1. Being a Christian means surrendering our sinful nature. We cannot belong to Jesus and continue living as we did before.
2. Crucifying the flesh is a lifelong process. While we are saved the moment we trust in Jesus, we must daily choose to reject sinful desires and live for Christ (Luke 9:23).
3. True faith leads to real change. A person who is truly saved will show evidence of a transformed life—by rejecting sin and following the Spirit.

Paul is making it clear: Christianity is not just about forgiveness—it’s about transformation.

Literary Analysis

Paul’s language in this verse is strong and decisive:

• “Those who belong to Christ Jesus” – This refers to people who have truly committed their lives to Jesus, not just those who claim to be Christians.
• “Have crucified the flesh” – Crucifixion was a brutal, final form of execution. Paul uses this image to show that believers must make a radical break with sin.
• “With its passions and desires” – Sin is not just external actions; it starts in the heart. Paul emphasizes that even sinful desires must be put to death.

Paul’s wording shows that following Jesus requires a total surrender of our old sinful ways.

Relevant Biblical Cross-References

• Romans 6:6 – “For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with.” Our old sinful nature was put to death when we came to Christ.
• Luke 9:23 – “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.” Crucifying the flesh is a daily decision.
• Colossians 3:5 – “Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature.” Paul uses similar language to describe the ongoing battle against sin.
• 2 Corinthians 5:17 – “If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” Believers are completely transformed through Christ.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse is a powerful challenge to every believer. Many people claim to be Christians but continue living in sin without repentance. Paul is clear:

1. Belonging to Christ means rejecting sin. If we are truly His, we cannot continue living in selfishness, pride, or immorality.
2. Spiritual growth requires daily surrender. We must continually “crucify” sinful desires and choose to live by the Spirit.
3. Real faith produces visible change. Being a Christian is not just about going to church or believing in God—it is about living a transformed life.

This verse calls us to examine our hearts and ask: Am I truly living as someone who belongs to Christ?

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

Some might wonder, “If God is loving, why does He require us to crucify our flesh?” The answer is simple:

• God knows that sin leads to destruction. He calls us to reject sin because He wants what is best for us.
• God’s love transforms us. He does not leave us in our sin—He changes us so that we can experience true freedom.
• God’s love gives us the power to overcome sin. He does not ask us to do this alone—He gives us His Spirit to help us (Galatians 5:16).

God’s love is not just about forgiving sin—it is about freeing us from it.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

1. Jesus literally died on the cross to defeat sin. When we “crucify the flesh,” we are identifying with His death (Romans 6:6).
2. Jesus gives us new life. When we belong to Christ, we are no longer controlled by our old sinful nature (2 Corinthians 5:17).
3. Jesus calls us to follow Him in self-denial. He said that to be His disciple, we must “take up our cross daily” (Luke 9:23).

A true Christian does not just believe in Jesus—they live as someone who has been transformed by Him.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. What does it mean to “crucify the flesh” in practical terms?
2. Are there areas in your life where sinful desires still have control? How can you surrender them to God?
3. How does this verse challenge the idea that being a Christian is just about believing in Jesus?
4. How does the Holy Spirit help us in the process of dying to sin and living for Christ?
5. What steps can you take to daily surrender to Jesus and walk by the Spirit?

Paul’s message in Galatians 5:24 is clear: If we belong to Jesus, we must put our old sinful nature to death. This is not just about avoiding sin—it is about being completely transformed by the Spirit and living a life that truly honors God.