Romans 8:13
Verse
Context
Heirs with Christ
12Therefore, brothers, we have an obligation, but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it.13For 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.14For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die - Though μελλετε αποθνησκειν may mean, ye shall afterwards die, and this seems to indicate a temporal death, yet not exclusively of an eternal death; for both, and especially the latter, are necessarily implied. But if ye through the Spirit - If ye seek that grace and spiritual help which the Gospel of Christ furnishes, resist, and, by resisting, mortify the deeds of the flesh, against which the law gave you no assistance, ye shall live a life of faith, love, and holy obedience here, and a life of glory hereafter.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die--in the sense of Rom 6:21. but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body--(See on Rom 7:23). ye shall live--in the sense of Rom 6:22. The apostle is not satisfied with assuring them that they are under no obligations to the flesh, to hearken to its suggestions, without reminding them where it will end if they do; and he uses the word "mortify" (put to death) as a kind of play upon the word "die" just before. "If ye do not kill sin, it will kill you." But he tempers this by the bright alternative, that if they do, through the Spirit, mortify the deeds of the body, such a course will infallibly terminate in "life" everlasting. And this leads the apostle into a new line of thought, opening into his final subject, the "glory" awaiting the justified believer. Note, (1) "There can be no safety, no holiness, no happiness, to those who are out of Christ: No "safety," because all such are under the condemnation of the law (Rom 8:1); no holiness, because such only as are united to Christ have the spirit of Christ (Rom 8:9); no happiness, because to be "carnally minded is death" (Rom 8:6)" [HODGE]. (2) The sanctification of believers, as it has its whole foundation in the atoning death, so it has its living spring in the indwelling of the Spirit of Christ (Rom 8:2-4). (3) "The bent of the thoughts, affections, and pursuits, is the only decisive test of character (Rom 8:5)" [HODGE]. (4) No human refinement of the carnal mind will make it spiritual, or compensate for the absence of spirituality. "Flesh" and "spirit" are essentially and unchangeably opposed; nor can the carnal mind, as such, be brought into real subjection to the law of God (Rom 8:5-7). Hence (5) the estrangement of God and the sinner is mutual. For as the sinner's state of mind is "enmity against God" (Rom 8:7), so in this state he "cannot please God" (Rom 8:8). (6) Since the Holy Ghost is, in the same breath, called indiscriminately "the Spirit of God," "the Spirit of Christ," and "Christ" Himself (as an indwelling life in believers), the essential unity and yet Personal distinctness of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, m the one adorable Godhead must be believed, as the only consistent explanation of such language (Rom 8:9-11). (7) The consciousness of spiritual life in our renewed souls is a glorious assurance of resurrection life in the body also, in virtue of the same quickening Spirit whose inhabitation we already enjoy (Rom 8:11). (8) Whatever professions of spiritual life men may make, it remains eternally true that "if we live after the flesh we shall die," and only "if we through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body we shall live" (Rom 8:13, and compare Gal 6:7-8; Eph 5:6; Phi 3:18-19; Jo1 3:7-8). SECOND: The Sonship of Believers--Their Future Inheritance--The Intercession of the Spirit for Them (Rom 8:14-27).
John Gill Bible Commentary
For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die,.... Such persons are dead, whilst they live, and shall die a second or an eternal death, if grace prevent not. It may be asked, whether one that has received the grace of God in truth, can live after the flesh; flesh, or corrupt nature, though still in such a person, has not the dominion over him: to live in sin, or in a continued course of sinning, is contrary to the grace of God; but flesh may prevail and greatly influence the life and conversation, for a while; how long this may be the case of a true believer, under backslidings, through the power of corruptions and temptations, cannot be known; but certain it is, that it shall not be always thus with him. It may be further inquired, whether such an one may be so left to live after the flesh, as to die and perish eternally; Christ expressly says, such shall not die that live and believe in him; grace, which is implanted in their souls, is an incorruptible and never dying seed; grace and glory are inseparably connected together; but then such persons may die with respect to their frames, their comforts and the lively exercise of grace, which seems to be here intended; as appears from the next clause, but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. This is not to be understood of the mortification of the body itself; nor does it design any maceration or afflicting of it by any severities of life; nor of the destruction of the body of sin by Christ: or of the being and principles of sin in the saints by the Spirit of Christ; which is contrary to Scripture, to the experience of the saints, who find it in them, alive in them, and to their expectations, whilst in this world: nor is this mortification to be considered as a part of regeneration, which by some divines is made to consist in a sense of sin, grief for it, and hatred of it, in avoiding it, and in an expulsion of vicious habits and inclinations; but it should be observed, that the apostle is writing to persons that were already regenerate; nor does he ever exhort persons to regenerate themselves, which he would do here, if this was the sense; regeneration is a work of the Spirit of God, in which men are passive, whereas in the mortification here spoken of the saints are active, under the influence of the Spirit of God; besides, regeneration is done at once, and does not admit of degrees; and in and by that, sin, as to its being and principle, is so far from being destroyed, that it seems rather to revive in the sense and apprehension of regenerated persons: but it is a mortification of the outward actings of sin in the conversation, called, "the deeds of the body": and in the Claromontane exemplar, and in the Vulgate Latin version, "the deeds of the flesh": or as the Syriac version renders it, "the conversations", or manners of it, and so the Ethiopic version; that is, its outward course of life: and it signifies a subduing and weakening the vigour and power of sin in the lives and conversations of the saints, to which the grace and assistance of the Spirit are absolutely necessary; and such who are enabled to do so, "shall live" comfortably; they shall have communion with Christ here, and shall live a life of glory with him hereafter. Such a way of speaking as this is used by the Jews; say they (a), "what shall a man do that he may live? it is replied, , "he shall mortify himself";'' which the gloss explains by "he shall humble himself"; walk humbly before God and men, in his life and conversation. (a) T. Bab. Tamid, fol. 32. 1. Vid. T. Bab. Beracot, fol. 63. 2. Raya Mehimna in Zohar in Exod. fol. 65. 3.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
8:13 you will die: Death is the consequence of sin. Those who consistently yield to sin will suffer spiritual death (eternal condemnation). The presence of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers makes it possible for them to turn away from sin. The result is eternal life (you will live).
Romans 8:13
Heirs with Christ
12Therefore, brothers, we have an obligation, but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it.13For 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.14For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
The Spirit Filled Life
By Oswald J. Smith12K1:19:28Spirit Filled LifeMAT 6:33JHN 14:26ACT 1:8ROM 8:13GAL 5:16EPH 5:181JN 1:9In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of living a Spirit-filled life for Christian workers, ministers, and missionaries. The command to "be filled with the Spirit" is the focus, with the speaker desiring power over sin and power in service. The speaker then outlines five conditions for being filled with the Spirit: confession, renunciation, surrender, obedience, and faith. The sermon includes personal anecdotes and examples to illustrate the importance of these conditions in experiencing a Spirit-filled life.
The Truth
By Al Martin4.7K04:32MAT 7:21MAT 25:41ROM 8:13GAL 2:20This sermon emphasizes the urgency of true repentance and saving faith, challenging listeners to fully surrender to God's will and allow the cross to disrupt their self-centered lives. It warns against mere lip service to God and calls for genuine transformation through obedience to the Father's will, as evidenced by a life that reflects Christ's lordship.
(Fury of Fire) 05 - Will of God - Sanctification
By Milton Green4.1K1:24:40SanctificationMAT 7:14MAT 7:21ROM 8:13GAL 5:16GAL 5:22In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of following the Word of God rather than the traditions of men. He encourages the audience to listen to the entire series of tapes in order to fully understand the teachings. The speaker highlights the concept of suffering in the flesh, explaining that the flesh is in agreement with Satan and opposes God. He emphasizes the need to be led by the Spirit of God and to put to death the deeds of the flesh. The sermon also mentions the presence of false teachings and warns about the destruction that awaits ungodly individuals.
(Exodus) Exodus 17:8-12
By J. Vernon McGee3.6K04:08ExpositionalEXO 17:9EXO 17:11MAT 26:41ROM 8:13GAL 5:17EPH 6:181TH 5:17In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of the battle between the Israelites and the Amalekites, which represents the conflict between the flesh and the spirit. The Amalekites, descendants of Esau, symbolize the flesh, and the Israelites, inexperienced in warfare, struggle to overcome them. The preacher emphasizes that victory over the flesh can only be achieved through the power of the Holy Spirit. The battle is ultimately won through the prayer and intercession of Moses, as he holds up his hands with the rod of God.
Live Pure Free From Pornography and Lustful Thoughts
By Tim Conway2.2K28:18PSA 24:3MAT 5:8ROM 8:13PHP 4:8COL 3:2JAS 4:8This sermon emphasizes the importance of purity, particularly sexual purity, in the Christian walk. It addresses the prevalent issue of sexual immorality among young people and the battle against impure thoughts and actions. The speaker urges individuals to make visible progress in their pursuit of sexual purity, highlighting the need for maturity and growth in this area of life. The sermon stresses the significance of setting the mind on pure and spiritual things to overcome impure images and thoughts, ultimately leading to a closer relationship with God.
(Through the Bible) Esther
By Chuck Smith2.2K1:09:141SA 15:22ROM 8:8ROM 8:132CO 5:17GAL 2:20GAL 5:24COL 3:5In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Esther from the Bible. He begins by explaining the background of the story, including the king's unsuccessful adventure against Greece and his return home. The king decides to hold a beauty contest to find a new queen, as he misses his previous queen, Vastai. The speaker emphasizes the importance of obeying God's command to put our flesh to death and not making provisions for our sinful desires. He also highlights Esther's complete commitment to God, as she gathers the Jews to fast and pray before going to the king, saying, "If I perish, I perish." The speaker encourages the audience to have the same level of commitment in their own lives.
So Great a Salvation - Part 1 (Compilation)
By Compilations2.1K18:27CompilationMAT 5:48MAT 7:21ROM 6:6ROM 8:131CO 10:13HEB 12:141PE 1:16In this sermon, the preacher addresses the issue of why people often fall short in their spiritual journey and fail to overcome sin. He questions why many who attend crusades or church events do not experience lasting transformation. The preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding the true meaning of being emancipated through Jesus Christ's sacrifice. He highlights the need for holiness and how it is lacking in many believers' lives. The sermon also touches on the role of conscience in convicting individuals of wrongdoing and the power of Jesus' sacrifice to set people free.
Through the Bible - 2 John, 3 John, Jude
By Zac Poonen2.1K53:08Through The BibleGEN 5:22ROM 8:131JN 3:231JN 4:2JUD 1:5In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of discernment in understanding the truth. He compares the process of finding the right answer in multiple-choice questions to discerning the truth in matters of science, history, and spirituality. The preacher highlights three key points that are crucial for believers: obeying God's commandments, loving one another, and acknowledging that Jesus came in the flesh. He emphasizes that these three points are interconnected and essential for living a righteous life. The preacher also explains that God allows deception to sharpen our discernment and help us mature in our faith.
For Such a Time as This
By Chuck Smith2.1K39:481SA 15:3ROM 8:13ROM 8:28GAL 5:16GAL 5:24EPH 6:12This sermon emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's eternal purposes, even when facing circumstances that are difficult to understand. It highlights the need to surrender the fleshly desires and fully rely on the Spirit of God for victory. The story of Esther is used to illustrate how God works behind the scenes, orchestrating events for His glory and the protection of His people.
Christ Is All: Christian Consistency
By J. Glyn Owen1.7K55:27ChristMAT 6:33ROM 6:6ROM 8:13GAL 5:24EPH 4:22COL 3:8In this sermon, the speaker warns the audience that the message will be uncomfortable and challenging. The main focus is on the need to rid oneself of sinful behaviors and attitudes. The speaker identifies five sins mentioned in chapter five and explains that they describe both individual qualities and relational issues. The sermon emphasizes the importance of personal application of biblical principles and the transformative power of being in union with Jesus Christ.
Christ the Medium
By Bill McLeod1.7K16:26MediatorJHN 3:17ACT 15:11ROM 3:24ROM 5:1ROM 5:9ROM 6:23ROM 8:13COL 3:11TIT 3:5In this sermon, Bill McLeod emphasizes the importance of recognizing that we are saved by a person, not just a plan. He highlights the power and victory that we have through Jesus Christ, who strengthens us and gives us the ability to overcome sin, death, and anything that may hinder our relationship with God. McLeod shares a powerful testimony of a man who struggled with alcohol addiction and found deliverance through fervent prayer to God. The sermon references various Bible verses that emphasize the role of Jesus Christ in our salvation and the importance of faith in His blood.
Secret of Spiritual Ministry
By Stephen Kaung1.6K55:12Spiritual LeadershipEXO 34:29ROM 8:132CO 4:12CO 4:3In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of ministry for the sake of Jesus and not for personal gain. They reference the story of Gideon and the 300, who broke their pitchers to let their torches shine and blew trumpets to achieve victory. The speaker also mentions the story of Jesus feeding 5,000 with five loaves and two fishes, highlighting the power of God to multiply and provide. The main message is that ministry involves imparting Christ to others, and the key to effective ministry is brokenness, where our fleshly desires are consumed and we become vessels for God's work.
01 New Wine in New Wineskins the Difference Between the Old and the New
By Zac Poonen1.6K59:17PSA 139:23EZK 36:22MAT 7:14JHN 14:15ROM 8:13GAL 6:16COL 1:18REV 19:10This sermon emphasizes the importance of hallowing God's name and living in a way that glorifies Him. It discusses the need for a new heart, filled with the Holy Spirit, to overcome sin and idolatry. The focus is on seeking a new covenant life, walking in God's commandments, and loathing one's own sinful ways. The goal is to have the church resemble the Garden of Eden, a testimony of God's holiness and power.
Change
By Robert B. Thompson1.6K56:56MAT 6:33MAT 13:23MRK 4:1ROM 8:13ROM 14:17GAL 5:16GAL 5:24In this sermon, Jesus teaches the crowd by the lake using parables. He tells the parable of the sower, explaining that the seed represents the word of God and the different types of soil represent different responses to the word. Some people receive the word but it is quickly taken away by the enemy, others receive it with joy but fall away when faced with trials, and still others are choked by the cares of the world. However, those who receive the word with a good and honest heart bear fruit and multiply abundantly. The sermon emphasizes the importance of understanding the parable of the sower as it is fundamental to understanding the kingdom of God and the concept of change.
The Dispensation of the Gospel - Lesson 2
By Robert Wurtz II1.5K30:04MAT 6:24ROM 6:6ROM 8:13GAL 2:20GAL 5:24JAS 4:41JN 1:9In this sermon, the speaker introduces the topic of being born again of the Spirit and discusses the three types of sinners: the careless sinner, the awakened sinner, and the convicted sinner. The speaker emphasizes that a born-again believer's nature is incompatible with the world and that they should have no use for it. The sermon also highlights the importance of avoiding worldly influences and continuously seeking God to maintain a holy lifestyle. Additionally, the speaker addresses the dangers of covetousness and the lust of the eye, emphasizing the need to resist illegal and illicit experiences.
Sexual Immorality and Pornography
By Tim Conway1.5K42:23MAT 5:28MAT 13:44ROM 6:14ROM 8:13GAL 5:191TH 4:31PE 2:11This sermon emphasizes the spiritual warfare new Christians face, particularly in battling against the passions of the flesh, focusing on the destructive nature of sexual sin and the need for believers to abstain from it. The speaker highlights the importance of controlling one's body in holiness, honoring God, and avoiding sexual immorality, as it is a serious battle that can lead to soul destruction and separation from God. The message stresses the significance of genuine faith that actively fights against lust and immorality, reflecting a true intimacy with Christ and a transformed life.
Temptation
By John Murray1.4K45:05TemptationGEN 3:1ROM 8:13JAS 1:12JAS 1:24In this sermon, the preacher discusses the power of temptation and the importance of resisting it. He emphasizes that temptation is constant and inevitable, and that giving in to it leads to negative consequences. The preacher also highlights the need for relying on God's strength and grace to overcome temptation. He references the story of Eve in the Bible, explaining how she was deceived by the temptation to gain wisdom and disobeyed God's command. The sermon concludes with a reminder to young people to seek God's help in resisting temptation and relying on His strength.
Question and Answer Session Answers From the Word
By William MacDonald1.3K48:07Question AnswerMAT 6:33LUK 6:20LUK 14:33ROM 8:131CO 16:1In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of Christians using their talents and gifts to serve God and spread His truth. He mentions the need for believers to be actively involved in society and to be a positive influence in areas such as politics, war, art, and culture. The speaker references Matthew 5, where Jesus teaches that believers are the salt of the earth and the light of the world. He encourages Christians to live a balanced life and to be obedient to God's leading, while also being mindful of the practical responsibilities and challenges they face in society.
An Alarm to the Unconverted 3 of 5
By Joseph Alleine1.3K1:29:43Audio BooksJOL 3:16MAT 18:3MRK 16:16LUK 13:3JHN 3:19JHN 13:8ROM 8:13HEB 2:2HEB 10:28The sermon transcript emphasizes the importance of reading and understanding the word of God. It warns about the consequences of living in a state of sin and being unprepared for judgment. The speaker urges listeners to repent and turn to God, renouncing their idols and sinful practices. The sermon also highlights the power of the gospel to bring both salvation and condemnation, depending on one's response to it.
(Hebrews) ch.5:7-6:15
By Zac Poonen1.2K1:20:56MAT 26:36ROM 8:13HEB 2:17HEB 4:15HEB 5:6HEB 6:20In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Jesus as a man who experienced temptation and fear of falling into sin. He emphasizes that Jesus, as our high priest, was tempted in every way just like us, yet he did not commit sin. The preacher highlights Jesus' prayer in the garden of Gethsemane, where he prayed with strong crying and tears, showing his godly fear and dependence on God. The necessity for Jesus to pray in such a manner was to be saved from the death that is the wages of sin. Through his prayers, Jesus was heard and saved from spiritual death.
How to Walk in the Light
By Ernest O'Neill1.2K09:58ROM 6:6ROM 8:13GAL 5:16EPH 4:22JAS 4:71JN 1:71JN 1:9In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of walking in the light and confessing sin. He believes that the death of Jesus is the secret to a fulfilling life. The speaker encourages the audience to be honest with themselves and to call sin what it is. He also encourages them to be obedient to God and allow the Holy Spirit to transform them into the likeness of Jesus. The speaker invites individuals to come forward and share any revelations or convictions they have received from the Holy Spirit.
The Agency of the Holy Spirit in Sanctification
By John Murray1.2K38:11SanctificationJHN 14:17JHN 15:26JHN 16:30ROM 8:132CO 4:6GAL 5:22EPH 1:181TH 5:231JN 2:201JN 4:3In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers. He references various Bible verses, such as 1 John 2:20 and 3:27, to support his point. The preacher highlights that the Holy Spirit abides in believers and works in their hearts to bring stability and conformity to the image of God. He also emphasizes that the measure of God's grace is not limited to our consciousness and that the Holy Spirit knows the depths of our iniquity. The preacher concludes by emphasizing the importance of knowledge of the truth, which is found in Jesus Christ, and how Jesus referred to the Holy Spirit as the Spirit of truth.
How the Spirit Leads Us - Part 6
By Zac Poonen1.1K08:39PSA 63:1ISA 58:11LUK 1:35JHN 3:5JHN 4:14JHN 7:37ROM 8:13GAL 5:16EPH 5:26TIT 3:5This sermon emphasizes the process of spiritual cleansing and growth in a believer's life. It distinguishes between the initial cleansing of past sins through Christ's blood at salvation and the ongoing daily cleansing through the Word of God, symbolized by water representing the Holy Spirit. The message highlights the concept of being born again as a new birth through the Holy Spirit, akin to the supernatural birth of Jesus in Mary's womb, and the subsequent growth and satisfaction that the Holy Spirit brings, leading to a life free from worldly addictions and a deep thirst for God's presence.
Praise
By Hans R. Waldvogel1.1K20:00PraiseDEU 32:301SA 30:202KI 6:172CH 20:12MAT 6:33MAT 28:20ROM 8:13In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Elijah and his servant when they saw the mountains full of chariots, representing the enemy. The preacher emphasizes that when we don't let God reign in our lives, we become vulnerable to the attacks of the enemy. However, when we allow God to reign, we can experience victory and gather spoils instead of being defeated. The preacher also highlights the importance of praise as a powerful weapon in the ministry, citing examples from the Old Testament, such as Jehoshaphat's victory over a vast enemy army. The sermon encourages believers to learn from these lessons and become effective teachers, winning souls for Christ.
The Dispensation of the Gospel - Lesson 3
By Robert Wurtz II1.1K37:20ROM 8:13In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding biblical principles in order to effectively win souls for God. He explains that man is responsible for knowing and following God's will, as they are born with the knowledge of right and wrong through the law of God written on their hearts. The preacher highlights God's perfect justice in assessing these factors and charging sinners accordingly. The sermon also touches on the topic of temptation and the solution found in Romans 8:13-14, which emphasizes the need to mortify the deeds of the body through the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die - Though μελλετε αποθνησκειν may mean, ye shall afterwards die, and this seems to indicate a temporal death, yet not exclusively of an eternal death; for both, and especially the latter, are necessarily implied. But if ye through the Spirit - If ye seek that grace and spiritual help which the Gospel of Christ furnishes, resist, and, by resisting, mortify the deeds of the flesh, against which the law gave you no assistance, ye shall live a life of faith, love, and holy obedience here, and a life of glory hereafter.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die--in the sense of Rom 6:21. but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body--(See on Rom 7:23). ye shall live--in the sense of Rom 6:22. The apostle is not satisfied with assuring them that they are under no obligations to the flesh, to hearken to its suggestions, without reminding them where it will end if they do; and he uses the word "mortify" (put to death) as a kind of play upon the word "die" just before. "If ye do not kill sin, it will kill you." But he tempers this by the bright alternative, that if they do, through the Spirit, mortify the deeds of the body, such a course will infallibly terminate in "life" everlasting. And this leads the apostle into a new line of thought, opening into his final subject, the "glory" awaiting the justified believer. Note, (1) "There can be no safety, no holiness, no happiness, to those who are out of Christ: No "safety," because all such are under the condemnation of the law (Rom 8:1); no holiness, because such only as are united to Christ have the spirit of Christ (Rom 8:9); no happiness, because to be "carnally minded is death" (Rom 8:6)" [HODGE]. (2) The sanctification of believers, as it has its whole foundation in the atoning death, so it has its living spring in the indwelling of the Spirit of Christ (Rom 8:2-4). (3) "The bent of the thoughts, affections, and pursuits, is the only decisive test of character (Rom 8:5)" [HODGE]. (4) No human refinement of the carnal mind will make it spiritual, or compensate for the absence of spirituality. "Flesh" and "spirit" are essentially and unchangeably opposed; nor can the carnal mind, as such, be brought into real subjection to the law of God (Rom 8:5-7). Hence (5) the estrangement of God and the sinner is mutual. For as the sinner's state of mind is "enmity against God" (Rom 8:7), so in this state he "cannot please God" (Rom 8:8). (6) Since the Holy Ghost is, in the same breath, called indiscriminately "the Spirit of God," "the Spirit of Christ," and "Christ" Himself (as an indwelling life in believers), the essential unity and yet Personal distinctness of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, m the one adorable Godhead must be believed, as the only consistent explanation of such language (Rom 8:9-11). (7) The consciousness of spiritual life in our renewed souls is a glorious assurance of resurrection life in the body also, in virtue of the same quickening Spirit whose inhabitation we already enjoy (Rom 8:11). (8) Whatever professions of spiritual life men may make, it remains eternally true that "if we live after the flesh we shall die," and only "if we through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body we shall live" (Rom 8:13, and compare Gal 6:7-8; Eph 5:6; Phi 3:18-19; Jo1 3:7-8). SECOND: The Sonship of Believers--Their Future Inheritance--The Intercession of the Spirit for Them (Rom 8:14-27).
John Gill Bible Commentary
For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die,.... Such persons are dead, whilst they live, and shall die a second or an eternal death, if grace prevent not. It may be asked, whether one that has received the grace of God in truth, can live after the flesh; flesh, or corrupt nature, though still in such a person, has not the dominion over him: to live in sin, or in a continued course of sinning, is contrary to the grace of God; but flesh may prevail and greatly influence the life and conversation, for a while; how long this may be the case of a true believer, under backslidings, through the power of corruptions and temptations, cannot be known; but certain it is, that it shall not be always thus with him. It may be further inquired, whether such an one may be so left to live after the flesh, as to die and perish eternally; Christ expressly says, such shall not die that live and believe in him; grace, which is implanted in their souls, is an incorruptible and never dying seed; grace and glory are inseparably connected together; but then such persons may die with respect to their frames, their comforts and the lively exercise of grace, which seems to be here intended; as appears from the next clause, but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. This is not to be understood of the mortification of the body itself; nor does it design any maceration or afflicting of it by any severities of life; nor of the destruction of the body of sin by Christ: or of the being and principles of sin in the saints by the Spirit of Christ; which is contrary to Scripture, to the experience of the saints, who find it in them, alive in them, and to their expectations, whilst in this world: nor is this mortification to be considered as a part of regeneration, which by some divines is made to consist in a sense of sin, grief for it, and hatred of it, in avoiding it, and in an expulsion of vicious habits and inclinations; but it should be observed, that the apostle is writing to persons that were already regenerate; nor does he ever exhort persons to regenerate themselves, which he would do here, if this was the sense; regeneration is a work of the Spirit of God, in which men are passive, whereas in the mortification here spoken of the saints are active, under the influence of the Spirit of God; besides, regeneration is done at once, and does not admit of degrees; and in and by that, sin, as to its being and principle, is so far from being destroyed, that it seems rather to revive in the sense and apprehension of regenerated persons: but it is a mortification of the outward actings of sin in the conversation, called, "the deeds of the body": and in the Claromontane exemplar, and in the Vulgate Latin version, "the deeds of the flesh": or as the Syriac version renders it, "the conversations", or manners of it, and so the Ethiopic version; that is, its outward course of life: and it signifies a subduing and weakening the vigour and power of sin in the lives and conversations of the saints, to which the grace and assistance of the Spirit are absolutely necessary; and such who are enabled to do so, "shall live" comfortably; they shall have communion with Christ here, and shall live a life of glory with him hereafter. Such a way of speaking as this is used by the Jews; say they (a), "what shall a man do that he may live? it is replied, , "he shall mortify himself";'' which the gloss explains by "he shall humble himself"; walk humbly before God and men, in his life and conversation. (a) T. Bab. Tamid, fol. 32. 1. Vid. T. Bab. Beracot, fol. 63. 2. Raya Mehimna in Zohar in Exod. fol. 65. 3.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
8:13 you will die: Death is the consequence of sin. Those who consistently yield to sin will suffer spiritual death (eternal condemnation). The presence of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers makes it possible for them to turn away from sin. The result is eternal life (you will live).