Sin, Death, & Conduct
Sin Death and Conduct
Romans 8:13 (NASB 2020)
“for if you are living in accord with the flesh, you are going to die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live.”
No one with the Spirit living within them will live a life characterized by fleshly indulgence. The Spirit is at work in us changing our desires and energizing us to do the good and godly things Father prepared long ago should characterize our lives (see Philippians 2:13, Ephesians 2:10, & Titus 2:11-12). This is what James is telling us when he says that faith without works is dead and dead faith cannot save anyone (see James 2:14). The Spirit changes us (see 2 Corinthians 5:17). He turns us from slaves to sin to slaves of righteousness (see Romans 6:18 & 20).
Our straying from time to time or even struggling with some ungodly attitudes and actions for a long time, are not what “living in accord with the flesh” is meant to communicate. Romans 8:9 makes it clear that those in whom the Spirit lives are not in the flesh. So, we are then urged not to continue practicing such a lifestyle. Verse 11 tells us that the Spirit within us is going to win. He matures us as we fall, fail, and falter. The longer we live in Christ, the more our mortal bodies conform to Him. Verse 14 clarifies this for us, saying that the children of God are being led by Him.
Grace and peace to you.
Larry
