One of the messages heard at my church's summer retreat was about the crucifixion and how it applies to us today. I've been wanting to share about this since summer. I especially want to share about this is because I know it applies to everyone and it most definitely is something I'm going through right now.
I don't know how to quite express the experience except with the elegant use of these four words: IT'S SO FRIGGIN' HARD!
Yes, it is slow all because I am dealing with my sinful nature and sinful desires of my flesh. It is just soooo natural and I was born ready to sin, which is why it is such a long process.
Yes, it is painful all because every sin inside of me wants to push out and rebel against God. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that [I] do not do what [I] want (Galatians 5: 17).
Yes, it is humiliating all because what the Spirit does is not natural or common in a sinful world. It is the odd one out. That's right Jesus freaks!
So why do I still want this or why you would ever want this? All because there is power in the crucifixion. Not only was my sin and your sin nailed on the cross with Jesus, but He rose from the dead to overcome sin so that you and I are no longer slaves to our sinful nature, but have freedom in Christ as a new creation, born ready to live life by the Spirit (love, joy peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control) to reflect God's glory.
His will be done,
Amen!
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