The Holy Spirit is not merely a mystical presence but the very breath, wisdom, and power of God working in and through believers. Isaiah 11:2 offers one of the clearest biblical outlines of the Holy Spirit's attributes, describing seven distinct manifestations—often called the seven powers or spirits of the Holy Spirit. These powers were fully embodied in Jesus Christ and are given to believers to live godly and victorious lives. Isaiah 11:2 (KJV) " And the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord. " Let’s look at each power in detail: 1. The Spirit of the Lord This is the foundational presence of the Holy Spirit—the sovereign power of God that rests upon a person for divine assignment. It represents God’s anointing, approval, and presence. ...
Living a crucified life is a spiritual concept drawn from Galatians 2:20, where the Apostle Paul says, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.” It represents a life of complete surrender to Christ, where self-will, pride, and worldly desires are set aside to allow God’s will to prevail. While this kind of life may seem challenging, the rewards are profound. Here are some key benefits of living a crucified life:
1. Deeper Relationship with Christ
When we surrender our lives to Christ, we grow in intimacy with Him. Jesus becomes our primary focus, and we develop a deeper understanding of His love, grace, and purpose for our lives. Just as Paul said, Christ begins to live in us, guiding our thoughts, decisions, and actions. The more we die to self, the more we experience His presence and power.
2. Freedom from Sin and Fleshly Desires
One of the greatest struggles believers face is the battle between the flesh and the Spirit. The crucified life helps us overcome this struggle by enabling us to die to sinful habits, selfish ambitions, and worldly temptations. Romans 6:6 states, “For we know that our old self was crucified with Him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with.” When we crucify the flesh, we gain victory over sin and live in the righteousness of Christ.
3. Spiritual Strength and Power
A life surrendered to God is empowered by the Holy Spirit. Instead of relying on our own strength, we lean on God’s power to face life’s challenges. When we give up our will and allow Christ to work through us, we experience supernatural strength, wisdom, and endurance. Philippians 4:13 reminds us, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” The crucified life ensures that we are not limited by human weaknesses but operate under divine empowerment.
4. Inner Peace and Contentment
One of the greatest benefits of living a crucified life is the peace that surpasses all understanding. The world teaches people to chase success, wealth, and approval, which often leads to stress and anxiety. However, when we surrender to Christ, we no longer strive for worldly validation. Instead, we find true peace in knowing that God is in control. Isaiah 26:3 says, “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast because they trust in you.”
5. Victory Over the World’s Influence
The world constantly pressures people to conform to its standards, but a crucified life helps believers resist these influences. When we are dead to the world, its temptations lose their grip on us. As Paul states in Galatians 6:14, “May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.” Living a crucified life allows us to focus on eternal values rather than temporary worldly gains.
6. Greater Love and Compassion
A self-centered life often leads to pride, selfishness, and a lack of concern for others. However, when we crucify our desires, we develop Christ-like love and compassion. We become more patient, forgiving, and selfless in our relationships. Jesus taught that the greatest commandment is to love God and love others (Matthew 22:37-39). A crucified life enables us to reflect this love in our daily interactions.
7. Eternal Rewards
While the crucified life may involve sacrifices, the rewards are eternal. Jesus promised in Matthew 16:24-25 that those who lose their lives for His sake will find them. Every act of obedience, every sacrifice, and every surrender to God’s will is an investment in eternity. By living for Christ rather than for ourselves, we store up treasures in heaven that will never fade (Matthew 6:19-20).
How to Live a Crucified Life Daily
Living a crucified life is not a one-time decision but a daily commitment. Here are some practical steps:
1. Surrender Daily – Start each day by offering your will to God and seeking His guidance.
2. Stay in the Word – Regularly read and meditate on Scripture to renew your mind.
3. Pray Continually – Develop a lifestyle of prayer, seeking God’s strength and wisdom.
4. Die to Self – Make conscious choices to put God’s will above personal desires.
5. Walk in the Spirit – Allow the Holy Spirit to lead you in every decision and action.
6. Serve Others – Follow Christ’s example of humility and service.
7. Trust in God’s Plan – Believe that God’s ways are higher and better than our own.
Living a crucified life is not about losing yourself; it is about gaining Christ. It is a journey of surrender that leads to freedom, peace, power, and eternal rewards. While it may require sacrifice, the joy of walking closely with Christ and fulfilling His purpose far outweighs any cost. As Jesus said in Luke 9:23, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.” When we embrace this call, we experience the fullness of life that only Christ can give.
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