Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered outside the gate. Therefore, let us go forth to him outside the camp, bearing his reproach. For we have no continuing city here, but we seek one to come.
Select a thought to read by choosing a collection, the month, and then the day:
I can still remember that day in the mid-1970's when I was kneeling on the floor, spending time alone with God. I knelt in front of a chair with my open Bible before me, praying for Jesus to help me understand what I was reading in Galatians.
I can still remember coming to chapter 5, verse 24, which reads, "And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts." And I can remember the great discouragement that I felt. Knowing that I still struggled with the "affections and lusts of the flesh", I collapsed before the Lord and said, "God, if those who belong to Jesus have crucified the lusts and affections of the flesh, then I just do not belong to Jesus." I was discouraged.
It wasn't long, however, before the right understanding of that verse was given to me. The Lord reminded me that he was crucified six hours before he died. Think about what that means. To be crucified does not mean to be dead. Every person who ever was crucified on a Roman cross remained alive after they were crucified-for a while. There are, in fact, a number of documented cases of crucified men who survived crucifixion. Some lived for several days in agony on a Roman cross, were then taken down, ministered to, and lived. If medical attention was given in time and nourishment provided, it was possible to survive crucifixion. However, if no aid was given, the crucified man most certainly would die.
When we receive the holy Ghost, our "old man" (Paul's phrase for the fleshly nature) is crucified, with all his lusts, ignorance, stubbornness, and pride. After Jesus crucifies him with the holy Ghost baptism, that old nature may still squirm for a while, but then, so did all crucified people. However, if we do not treat the "old man's" wounds with false doctrine, if we do not nourish him with worldly entertainments, he will certainly die. What a relief it was to learn that! I did belong to Jesus! "The affections and lusts of the flesh" had been crucified and were dying. They just weren't completely dead yet.
"Let patience have her perfect work," wrote James, "that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing." Do not be discouraged, my friends. If an old habit shows up occasionally, it does not mean that you are lost; nor does it mean that Jesus failed you. Just be careful not to feed the "old man" those things you used to feed him: ungodly companions and conversations, and ungodly things to read or to watch. Patiently continue to feed your "new man" on the Word of God; continue to love and communicate with the saints; continue to do righteousness. One day, you will notice that it has been a long time since that "old man" has moaned and begged for help. And you'll rejoice to know why.