No Longer Debtors to the Flesh
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Rev. Charles Oppong-Poku | Tuesday, September 8, 2026 | Romans 8:12–17
KEY VERSE: “So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh.” — Romans 8:12
MESSAGE:
Having spoken about the indwelling Spirit and the hope of resurrection, Paul now addresses the believer’s responsibility. Those who belong to Christ are no longer obligated to live according to the flesh—the fallen human nature that opposes God. Jesus Christ has set us free from sin’s dominion, and the Holy Spirit now dwells within us. Therefore, our lives should be directed by the Spirit rather than controlled by sinful desires.
A debtor is someone who owes an obligation. Paul declares that believers no longer owe the flesh their allegiance. Although sin once ruled over us, Christ has broken its authority. The flesh will continue seeking to influence our thoughts, desires, choices and conduct through self-rule and independence from God. Yet we have received a new source of life in the Holy Spirit. We can now reject the old way of living and submit to His direction.
Our freedom from the flesh creates a responsibility to live for God. Grace does not free us from responsibility; it frees us to obey. We pursue holiness, not to earn salvation, but as a grateful response to the salvation we have received. Because Christ has saved us and given us His Spirit, we can willingly surrender every area of our lives to God and live as people who belong to Him.
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
Remember that you no longer owe the flesh your allegiance. When sinful desires seek to control your thoughts or actions, refuse them and submit to the Holy Spirit. Pursue holiness as a response to God’s grace, and live each day as one who belongs to Christ.
PRAYER:
Lord, thank You for setting me free from the dominion of sin and giving me Your Holy Spirit. Help me to reject the desires of the flesh, submit daily to Your Spirit and live a life that honours Christ. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING
Day 251 Jeremiah 13–16 — Pride Brings Ruin, but God Remains Our Hope
DAILY word study: DEBTORS
The word “debtors” is translated from the Greek word opheiletēs, meaning a person who owes something or is under obligation.
In Romans 8:12, Paul declares that believers owe the flesh no allegiance. Through Christ, sin’s former claim has been broken, and the Holy Spirit enables us to live under God’s direction.
Reflect on this:
When a sinful desire demands obedience, remember that you are no longer under its authority. You belong to Christ and can respond by submitting your thoughts, desires and choices to the Holy Spirit.
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