(Rom 8:12) “Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.”  We owe this flesh nothing but distain, for it would lead us away from the blessings of God. “Debtor”: to owe for a service rendered. We owe the Lord Jesus everything, for the saved are in possession of eternal life and all that entails – now – sitting in the heavenlies (Eph 2)! Have you lived your life as if you owed Him? 

(Rom 8:11) “But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.”  The body we dwell in that die (v.10). For the believer, it is the “shadow of death” (Ps 23:4) rather than death like the unsaved, for our soul and spirit come into God’s presence (2 Cor 5:8). Yet, this body that be “made alive” (quickened), raised into an incorruptible glorified state! This is a part of the Spirit’s work in us!

  (Rom 8:10)  “And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.’  The body is still dead because of its corruption, but now spirit-life (everlasting life) has been imparted by the Holy Spirit of God Who now resides within us. The righteousness referred to here is not “our” efforts at holiness, but Jesus’ which purchased our salvation.

(Rom 8:9) “But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His.”   Notice that if one does not have the Spirit of Christ (the Holy Spirit) then one is not saved. It is He, the Spirit of God, that gives spiritual life. Since He is God, He therefore is Holy. You can see how the saved would question the salvation of one who still demonstrates the desire for the flesh (unholiness) over the desire for God (holy living).

(Rom 8:9) “But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His.”  This verse is the key verse to understanding the chapter. The saved are “in the spirit”; the lost are “in the flesh”. One cannot please God till they repent (turn from their sinful life), ask forgiveness and the gift of Everlasting Life through the blood and the resurrection of God’s Son. Then one’s spirit is given life and the Holy Spirit seals the soul.

(Rom 8:8) “So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.”  These Words of Jesus will suffice: (Mat 7:22) “Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? (23)  And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”

(Rom 8:7) “Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.”   The result is a heart of rebellion towards God. Many a time I have heard: “I know what the Bible says, but…” Rebellion. Either one is submitted to His Word or they are not. A submitted soul is careful of their walk for they love their God and wish not to offend Him.

 (Rom 8:7) “Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.”  Believers often wrongly blame the lost because of their thinking. Their thinking is wrong but cannot be otherwise. Best to look at ourselves and continue to seek God’s Word to more and more correct our own thinking (Rom 12:1-2).

(Rom 8:6) “For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.”  If the second is true (and it is – it is the Word of God – truth) then why is it that so many believers have worries – concerns? Our flesh draws our hearts to the environment around us. Key: (Isa_26:3)  “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.”

 (Rom 8:5) “For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.”  If one who professes salvation only demonstrates a love for the things of the flesh, should we not conclude that they are “of the flesh” rather than “of the Spirit? God’s children love their Father and wish to please Him. Should not our question be, “Why is it that you do not love the Lord enough to desire to please Him?”