Blog post November 13, 2026
For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. Romans 8:13
Have you given much thought to this idea of putting to death the deeds of the flesh? Sometimes I have made mention of not feeding the flesh, letting it die off slowly. But to do so means there may be crumbs that you inadvertently feed it, thereby keeping it in a weakened, but still alive state.
The idea of this verse is that there is almost a malicious intent to "kill". Paul was greatly influenced by Roman culture and crucifixion was part of that culture. So he gives us a little insight into the nature of how we must put to death the deeds of the flesh.
Crucifixion was personal, focused on an individual. We must put to death the deeds of our own flesh by walking in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Crucifixion was painful. We fool ourselves if we think the habits and desires of the flesh will die without a struggle. They will not.
Crucifixion is pitiless. There is no turning back once the process begins. Victims of crucifixion were not removed from the cross until they were dead. We must be just as merciless in putting to death the deeds of our flesh.
Perhaps the greatest hope we have is that the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in us, and He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to our mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in us.
The Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead dwells in us. The same God who squeezed Himself into human skin to walk dusty roads with His disciples now walks through our day with us. Through His Spirit, Immanuel is still true: God with us. God in us!
Heavenly Father this is amazing. The Creator of the vast galaxies lives within us. What excuse do we have for not putting to death the deeds of the flesh. The same Power, the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead lives within us. It is more than enough. You are more than enough, for us to overcome.
AMEN AMEN
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