If I take out a loan, whether for a car, a home, a business, or anything else, I am obligated to repay it. To be obligated means we must do something. An important point to understand as we look at today’s reading in Romans.
“So then, brothers and sisters, we are not obligated to the flesh to live according to the flesh, because if you live according to the flesh, you are going to die. But if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all those led by God’s Spirit are God’s sons. For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear. Instead, you received the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father!” The Spirit himself testifies together with our spirit that we are God’s children, and if children, also heirs—heirs of God and coheirs with Christ—if indeed we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him.” (Romans 8:12–17, CSB)
Prior to giving our lives to Christ, we were obligated to live according to the flesh. We were slaves to sin and death. We were selfish, self-centered, and looking out for number one in many different ways. We couldn’t help ourselves.
But now, after entering into a new life with Christ, we are no longer obligated to live that way. We, in fact, go further; we put to death the deeds of the body by following the Holy Spirit’s guidance.
The obligation of the flesh is slavery. But the obligation of living by the Spirit isn’t slavery but adoption. The Spirit testifies that we are God’s children. Our family has changed. We live by the Spirit and put to death the deeds of the flesh because of who we are in Christ.
And then Paul reminds us that it is not always an easy road. Heirs of God – if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him. Part of that suffering is putting to death the deeds of the flesh. Another part is giving of our time and treasure to fulfill God’s desires. A third part is laying down our own desires so that we may love one another well. Patience often requires a kind of suffering. But none of this is from obligation or slavery, but from belonging and adoption as sons and daughters of God.
Romans Applied: We all struggle at times with the desires of the flesh. Some of it is a matter of moderation and righteousness. Gluttony is a sin, but eating is necessary. That basic formula exists for many things. Following the Spirit. Praying about things. Turning to the Word of God. Getting Godly counsel. All of those help us live more in accordance with the Spirit and less in accordance with our flesh. Living by the Spirit glorifies God, and ultimately we will be glorified with Him.
- Romans Applied – Spirit of Adoption - July 8, 2026
- Romans Applied – Set Free - July 1, 2026
- Proverbs – Better Than Sacrifice - June 29, 2026
