Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.
What does Romans 8:12 mean?
If the Spirit be in us, Christ is in us. He dwells in the heart by faith.
Key themes
Read with
Keep this verse inside Romans 8:12-15 and alongside a few nearby related passages.
Commentary on Romans 8:12
We are debtors - We owe it as a matter of solemn obligation. This obligation arises, (1) From the fact that the Spirit dwells in us; (2) Because the design of his indwelling is to purify us; (3) Because we are thus recovered from the death of sin to the life of religion; and he who has imparted life, has a right to require that it be spent in his service. To the flesh - To the corrupt propensities and passions. We are not bound to indulge them because the end of such indulgence is death and ruin; Romans 7:21-22 .
Key words
- Therefore
-
Therefore, brethren, we are debtors,.
- brethren
-
Therefore, brethren, we are debtors,.
- debtors
-
Therefore, brethren, we are debtors,.
Context in Romans 8
Show chapter context
Romans 8 belongs to the middle movement of the book, especially the section often described as justification and Abraham. Romans is Paul’s fullest sustained exposition of sin, grace, righteousness, faith, Israel, the Spirit, and transformed life in Christ. Read this chapter with the wider themes of justification, grace, and faith in view so the individual verses keep their proper weight.
Related topics
Explore by topic
Passages on trusting God, receiving Christ, persevering without sight, and the relation between faith and lived obedience.
Key passages on God's unmerited favour, the grace of Christ, salvation by grace through faith, and how grace transforms the way believers live.
Passages on the nature of sin, its consequences, God's judgment, repentance, and the way of forgiveness through Christ.