May 6, 2008

~The Means to Live~

Romans 8:12-13 - "So then, brethren, we are under obligation, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh - for if you are living according to the flesh, you must die: but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live."

Cf. Galatians 3:3; Galatians 5:16

Our life is to be a life of activity, not one of complacence. The idea that we are to be "putting to death" something involves will on our part. We are active participants in the battle and God does not and will not do it all for us. This really has nothing to do with salvation. Salvation is totally of the Lord alone. We are talking about post-salvation - walking in Christ, being conformed to His image. This is two-sided. On the one hand you are strengthened to do what you need to by God, but on the other hand, you have the responsibility to do what God has commanded you to do. There is no shirking it, there is no getting out of your own duties.

However, this passage does offer some solace. We know that we are to be putting to death the deeds of the body, but we do this great task through the Holy Spirit! Ah! Strength from above.