The Crucified Life - Introduction (Galatians 2:11-21)

by Pastor Rick Harris |  February 4, 2018
The Crucified Life - Introduction (Galatians 2:11-21) 2/04/18 R.P.Harris
Galatians 2:11-21
Many Christians live an up and down life. One day they have “the victory” and the next day they find themselves overcome in temptation. Sometimes they “spring back” right away, other times they have temptation so much that they wonder “What’s the use?” and stay in a more permanent state of sinful indulgence.
God never intended for His blood bought sons and daughters to live this up and down existence. While the “way of transgressors is hard” (Pr. 13:15), “the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.” (Pr. 4:8), or at least should be.
If ones we term as “great men and women of God” can be looked up to as shining examples, we must ask, “What sets them apart from us? Why can they live so successfully and not us? Are they something special? Do they have more will power? What do they have that we don’t have?”
We are all made from the same mud. Those that live above temptation have learned a secret. It is a secret that is not a secret at all. The enemy of our souls wants it to be a secret, but Jesus Himself demonstrated to us, told us, and encouraged us to be able to live above temptation. The way to live above temptation is just to follow Jesus instruction in Mark 8:34, “And when He had called the people unto Him with His disciples also, He said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.”
I. What is Temptation? James 1:12-15
A. Is temptation sin? – Who tempts me?
B. Why am I always tempted? – How am I tempted?
C. How can I live above temptation? – Killing rats or destroying their home.
II. Ground Zero of Temptation – The Flesh Galatians 5:19-21
A. What is the Flesh? Sarx
B. What does it mean to live after the flesh? 1 Cor. 15:50
C. Is there another way to live? Galatians 5:1, 7-9, 13-14, 16-18
III. How do I deal with the flesh? - The offense of the cross
A. Jesus victory was won on the cross.
B. The devil did not want Jesus to die on the cross.
C. The cross is the place where the flesh dies.
Conclusion:
  • As Jesus took up the cross, He has called each one that would follow Him to take up their cross.
  • Until your flesh dies, it will always have power over you.
  • While your flesh is alive, you will be under the law of sin and death.
  • Count the cost now. The price is your flesh. Luke 14:25-33