Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do.
Romans 8:12 (NLT)
Romans 8:12 is a verse from the N T from the Holy Bible, written by the apostle Paul to the believers in Rome. In this verse, Paul reminds the Christians that they have a new identity and a new obligation in Christ, not in their sinful nature.
To try to really understand what this verse means, we need to look at the context of the whole chapter of Romans 8. In this chapter, Paul contrasts two ways of living: according to the flesh and according to the Spirit. The flesh refers to the human nature that is corrupted by sin and opposed to God.
Ostensibly -the Spirit refers to the Holy Spirit, who is God’s Presence and power in the lives of those who believe in Jesus.
Paul explains that living according to the flesh ultimately leads to death. However- living according to the Spirit leads to life and peace, into the Eternity.
Paul also says that those who belong to Christ have the Spirit of God living in them, and they are no longer controlled by the flesh. They are adopted as God’s children and heirs of his glory.
They have a hope that surpasses the sufferings of this present world, and they have the assurance that God works all things for their good. They are also more than conquerors through Christ, who loves them and gives them His eternal security.
Therefore, based on these truths, Paul says in Romans 8:12 that the Christians have an obligation–but it is not to the flesh, and not to live according to the flesh. This means that they are not bound by their old nature, which is weak and sinful. They do not have to follow its desires and impulses, which lead to death. They are not indebted to the flesh, as if they owe it anything. Rather, they are free from its power and influence.
Instead, they have an inherent obligation to the Spirit, to live according to Him. This means that they are empowered by the new nature, which is holy and righteous. They have to follow His guidance and commands, which of course- lead to life everlasting.
They are indebted to the Spirit-and they owe Him everything. He is the one who gave them life, and He is the one who enables them to live for God.
In closing- Romans 8:12 teaches us that as Christians, we have a new identity and a new obligation in Christ. We are no longer slaves to sin, but children of God. We are no longer living according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. We are no longer headed for death, but for everlasting life. This is the good news of the gospel, and it’s a great open motivation that warrants our full obedience to Him and His commandments!
“…and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” Romans 5:5
What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us? –Romans 8:31
“Father, thank You for Your love, commandments, and promises, may I always seek You in all I do, may I live according to the Spirit and deny the flesh, may I be humble and gracious and walk in the light and be obedient to You as I serve You all the days of my life, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”
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