24.
I am crucified with Christ. What greater act of identification could we possible achieve. To follow Christ in His sufferings is most certainly to become one with Him. Paul established an ideal goal for the Christian life. He was not speaking of a literal crucifixion as far as the physical body was concerned. There were certain elements which had been at work in his life before he was saved, which no longer controlled him. They no longer held any appeal to him. Gal. 2:18 Having reached this goal in his life, Paul made it to be a norm for the Christian life. Those who belong to Christ, who have gained Christ in their lives have crucified the flesh. Crucifixion speaks of death and death speaks of the cessation of the activities of the old life. Now, when we enter this same experience we find the victory over the desires of the flesh, the old carnal life. The affections and lusts of the flesh with which there is a constant battle cease, where the individual has died to them. Gal. 5:24.
Paul also wrote that he was active in keeping his natural man, the desires of the flesh, in subjection. Things which he knew were contrary to the will and desire of the Lord toward a good strong Christian life were brought under control. Through Christ, he was in control of his Christian testimony. 1 Cor. 9:27 He compared his life in Christ to that of the running of a race. A matter which would require preparation and training. Also to that of one who was in a fight, not swinging wildly but with precise aim and purpose. 1 Cor. 9:26 Hence we know that we are in a warfare and that the battle is not for the faint of heart. Victory is for those who plunge into the fray with their whole being.
The Christian life is enriched by death, that is, death to self, to the base desires of the flesh. To die to the flesh and its strong desire is to come to life spiritually. Contrary wise, to live according to the will and wants of the flesh is to die spiritually. There is no gray area, no twilight zone. Either we reign in the flesh and live in the Spirit or we become permissive, self gratifying and die to the things of the Lord. Rom. 8:13
The goal of the New Man’s life is to make the Spirit of God, the Holy Spirit welcome in our spirit nature. To do those things which are pleasing to Him. Making certain that we do not offend Him in any fashion by actions contrary to the Word of the Lord.