Paul – Crucifying Our Flesh

In this Bible teaching by Matthew Vander Els from Founded In Truth Fellowship, the focus is on the Apostle Paul’s emphasis on the cross of Yeshua (Jesus) and the concept of believers crucifying their flesh. It addresses why Paul centered his message on the crucifixion and what it means for followers of Yeshua in their everyday lives. The teaching begins by establishing the historical context of Paul’s writings, particularly the environment of the Roman Empire and the prevalent worship of the emperor.

The Roman Context and Caesar’s Claims

The Roman Empire, shaped significantly by figures like Julius Caesar and his adopted son Augustus Caesar, exerted immense influence over the first-century world. Augustus Caesar was even deified and referred to as the “Son of God” and the “savior” who brought “peace on Earth,” claims that directly parallel the titles and roles attributed to Yeshua. Paul wrote his letters to major cities within this empire, where temples dedicated to the emperor existed, and the worship of Rome and Caesar was a unifying social and religious force.

Against this backdrop, Paul boldly proclaimed that Yeshua, not Caesar, is the true Savior and the Son of God. The speaker highlights that Paul concentrated his message on Yeshua Messiah and His death on the cross, even amidst other important aspects of the Jewish faith. This emphasis on the cross was deliberate and powerful within the Roman context.

The Significance of the Cross

The cross, the teaching explains, was not merely a Roman invention but a form of capital punishment used by various ancient kingdoms, including the Persians, Macedonians, and Carthaginians. However, Roman crucifixion was particularly brutal and designed to inflict maximum suffering, humiliation, and serve as a deterrent to rebellion. It was reserved for slaves, prisoners of war, and revolutionaries, not typically for Roman citizens.

The public nature of crucifixion served as a “status degradation ritual,” stripping the condemned of honor through beatings, nudity, and being mocked. Victims were often forced to carry their crossbeam and were left to die slowly, sometimes for days, without honorable burial. The speaker emphasizes that the depiction of Yeshua’s crucifixion in popular culture often fails to capture the full extent of the shame and suffering involved.

The crucifixion of 800 Pharisees by the Hasmonean king Alexander Janus around 90-80 BCE illustrates that crucifixion was also used within Judea as a means of suppressing dissent, further highlighting its association with rebellion and shame. This historical event provides a local context for understanding the Jewish perspective on such a death.

Why the Cross?

The teaching explores why Yeshua had to die on a cross. Given the Roman context, Yeshua’s crucifixion as a rebel against Caesar becomes clear. He was crucified between insurgents, as some translations of the Gospels indicate. The claim that Yeshua was the Son of God and King directly challenged Caesar’s authority, making Him a perceived threat to Roman rule.

Paul’s message, however, goes beyond simply acknowledging the historical method of Yeshua’s death. He emphasizes the power of the cross in God’s plan. While the cross was Rome’s ultimate weapon of power and shame, God used it to bring about salvation and victory through Yeshua’s resurrection. Yeshua faced the ultimate display of worldly power and overcame it.

Philippians 2:5-11 is highlighted to show how Yeshua, though being in the form of God, humbled Himself by taking the form of a servant and becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross. Because of this humility and obedience, God highly exalted Him. The title “Kurios” (Lord), used for both Caesar and Yeshua, underscores the contrast Paul draws between earthly and divine authority.

Acts 2:22-24 and 36 are cited to show that Yeshua’s crucifixion was part of God’s plan, and through it, God made Him both Lord (Kurios) and Messiah. The gospel, according to Paul, is not primarily about adherence to the Torah but about becoming part of God’s kingdom through faith in Yeshua, who was crucified and resurrected.

1 Corinthians 1:17 emphasizes that Paul’s mission was to preach the gospel, centered on the cross of Christ, not with eloquent speeches that might detract from its power. The cross, therefore, is central to the message of salvation and reconciliation with God.

Crucifying Our Flesh: Application for Everyday Life

The teaching then delves into the practical implications of “crucifying our flesh” for believers, drawing from Galatians 5:24. This is not a literal act but a spiritual one, following the example of Yeshua’s faithfulness and obedience unto death. It means putting to death the passions and desires of our sinful nature that are contrary to God’s will.

• Unforgiveness: Just as Yeshua bore the ultimate act of injustice on the cross, believers are called to crucify unforgiveness in their hearts.
• Jealousy and Envy: Coveting what others have is a desire of the flesh that needs to be put to death.
• Provoking Others: Engaging in behavior that stirs up anger and division should be crucified.
• Shame and Impure Thoughts: These internal struggles need to be confronted and put on the “cross” in our lives.
• Hatred and Refusal to Love: Believers are called to love others, even those who are difficult, mirroring Yeshua’s love.
• Refusal to Live Righteously: Following Yeshua’s example means striving for a lifestyle that aligns with God’s standards.

Romans 6:6 speaks of our old self being crucified with Christ so that we might no longer be enslaved to sin. This underscores that crucifying our flesh is about breaking free from the dominion of sin in our lives. The speaker connects this to the upcoming observance of Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement), a time for reflection and acknowledging sins before God. Just as the high priest offered sacrifices for the forgiveness of sins, believers are called to confront and “crucify” the sins in their lives, seeking reconciliation with God through Yeshua’s sacrifice.

The teaching concludes by urging listeners to examine their own lives and identify the things of the flesh that they need to crucify, emphasizing that true faith is evidenced by a genuine willingness to follow Yeshua’s example of faithfulness and obedience. The power to do so comes from the same God who raised Yeshua from the dead.

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References

• Matthew 28:18
• 1 Corinthians 1:17
• Philippians 2:5-11
• Acts 2:22-24

Books and Resources Mentioned

• Paul and the Empire
• Christ and Caesar
• Rooted in Torah