*When we think of crucifixion, we think of Jesus dying on the cross, but did you know that every born again believer has a crucifixion of their own? When James and John asked to be allowed to sit on either side of Jesus in his kingdom, Jesus said unto them,"Ye know not what ye ask: can ye drink of the cup that I drink of? and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?And they said unto him, We can. And Jesus said unto them, "Ye shall indeed drink of the cup that I drink of; and with the baptism that I am baptized withal shall ye be baptized." (Mk. 10:37-39)*The cup that Jesus would drink was the shame and suffering that he endured for our sake; the forsaking of his fleshly body so that crucifixion could take place. Remember his prayer in the garden?"O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt. (Mt. 26:39)*Because Jesus was God incarnate, the flesh had to kept under subjection to the Holy Spirit. That is why Jesus, even though he was God in the flesh (Emmanuel Mt.1:23), often prayed himself. His baptism was His death on the cross & His burial. ("And it was the third hour, and they crucified him." Mk. 15:25)
*Although many of us will not have to suffer for the name of Jesus, we still must be crucified in order to be Christ's.("And whosoever doth not bear
his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple." Lk.14:27 ")
And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts." Gal. 5:24)
*Our crucifixion is a 'figure' of Christ's death and burial. "For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin." (Rom. 6:5, 6) (with – alongside, into)
► First, we must repent of our sins. True repentance is more than just a feeling of regret, but it brings about an act of turning from sinful behavior and a genuine effort of righteous living. [Matt 3:8... Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance: / Acts 26:19 Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision: 20 But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.]
► Then, we must be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of our sins. This is the only way our sins are forgiven, and we are made clean (..."the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin." 1 Jn. 1:7)
► Then, we must receive the Holy Ghost ("...Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his." Rom. 8:9)
*This plan of salvation was commanded in Mt. 28:19 and carried out in Acts 2:38:
"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:"
"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost."
*So, what is painful about our crucifixion? Obeying Acts 2:38 is easy enough, but it's not always easy to keep the flesh crucified. It pains us to give up things we have enjoyed but now find to be sinful and displeasing to God. We have to be led by the Spirit now and not by our fleshly lusts and desires. Our flesh no longer comes first! We can no longer give in to our habits, vises, tempers, and lusts. Instead, we must strive to keep our bodies subject to this Holy Spirit that dwells in us. ("For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live." Rom. 8:13) *To put it simply, we must keep our flesh crucified daily in order for Christ to live in us. ("I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me." Gal 2:20)
*Crucifixion brings victory! Just as Jesus conquered death and rose victorious, we can be victorious by faith and obedience to God's Word. If you are finding it difficult to overcome the flesh, take inventory of your life, being completely honest. Have you sincerely repented? Have you made changes, or are you expecting God to take away all unholy thoughts and desires? Have you obeyed Acts 2:38? Take a second look in the mirror, go through your closet, and listen to your conversation. What are you doing in your spare time? Who are you spending time with? Do you have control of your flesh, or is your flesh controlling you? The flesh has to feel some pain or discomfort in order for the soul to feel joy.
Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. 2 Cor 7:1
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