What responsibilities do we have as "debtors" according to Romans 8:12?

Romans 8:12: “Therefore, brothers, we have an obligation, but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it.”

Responsibilities we carry as debtors

– Acknowledge the debt: we owe ourselves entirely to God, not to the sinful nature (cf. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20).

– Refuse the flesh: any lifestyle driven by old desires must be rejected (Galatians 5:19-21).

– Live by the Spirit: every decision, attitude, and action is to be governed by the Spirit’s prompting (Romans 8:13; Galatians 5:16).

– Put sin to death: actively “put to death the deeds of the body” (Romans 8:13) through confession, repentance, and Spirit-empowered obedience.

– Set the mind on the things of the Spirit (Romans 8:5-6); feed the new nature with Scripture, prayer, fellowship.

– Produce spiritual fruit: love, joy, peace, etc. show we are paying our debt rightly (Galatians 5:22-23).

– Present the body as a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1); every talent, resource, and moment belongs to Christ.

– Serve others in love, using freedom for righteous service rather than self-indulgence (Galatians 5:13).

– Persevere in holiness: “be holy in all you do” (1 Peter 1:15-16), knowing the Spirit empowers continued growth.