In what ways can believers actively "live" according to Romans 8:13? The Verse in Focus “For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.” (Romans 8:13) Why This Matters • Life and death are set in stark contrast. • The verse calls for decisive, Spirit-empowered action. • It assures that obedience leads to genuine, vibrant life in Christ. Recognizing Life “According to the Flesh” • Habitual indulgence in sinful desires (Galatians 5:19-21). • Self-centered priorities that crowd out God’s will (James 4:1-4). • Resistance to conviction and repentance (Hebrews 3:12-13). • Using freedom as a license to sin (1 Peter 2:16). “By the Spirit” — Our Source of Power • The Spirit indwells every believer (Romans 8:9). • He supplies desire and strength for obedience (Philippians 2:13). • Walking by the Spirit keeps us from gratifying the flesh (Galatians 5:16). • He bears fruit that contrasts sharply with the deeds we are putting to death (Galatians 5:22-23). Practical Ways to “Put to Death the Deeds of the Body” • Confess sin quickly and specifically (1 John 1:9). • Replace sinful habits with Spirit-directed actions (Ephesians 4:22-24). • Limit flesh-feeding influences—media, relationships, environments (Psalm 101:3). • Fast periodically to train bodily desires to submit to the Spirit (Matthew 6:16-18). • Engage in accountability with mature believers (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10). • Memorize and wield Scripture against temptation, following Jesus’ example (Matthew 4:1-11). • Take every thought captive to obey Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5). • Practice self-discipline: “I discipline my body and make it my slave” (1 Corinthians 9:27). Cultivating the Life the Spirit Gives • Start and saturate each day in God’s Word (Psalm 119:11). • Pray continually, relying on the Spirit’s intercession (Romans 8:26-27). • Worship with gratitude—thankfulness fuels resistance to sin (Colossians 3:15-17). • Serve others; love in action chokes selfish impulses (Galatians 5:13-14). • Clothe yourself with the armor of God for daily battle (Ephesians 6:10-18). • Fix your mind on things above, not earthly things (Colossians 3:1-2). The Certain Outcome: “You Will Live” • Life now—freedom from the tyranny of sin and increasing Christ-likeness (2 Corinthians 3:18). • Life to come—assured resurrection and eternal fellowship with God (Romans 6:22-23). • Ongoing evidence of spiritual vitality—peace, joy, and power that witness to a watching world (John 10:10). Believers actively live according to Romans 8:13 when they depend moment by moment on the Holy Spirit to extinguish sinful practices and to cultivate the vibrant, holy life Christ purchased for them. |
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