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The Lord's Day Bible Message Outlines

June 27, 2010
Pastor Dana Johnson

"Therefore, brethren, we are debtors...." -Romans 8:12

Therefore, brethren, we are debtors; not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh.

1. Consider the meaning of "debtors."

a. The word is based on a verb meaning to owe.

b. Our debt is not a repayment.

c. Rather, our debt is one of gratitude.

2. The word "Therefore" reminds us that we owe our gratitude for:

a. Union with Christ resulting in a new man. [ Romans chapter 6]

b. The indwelling Spirit resulting in life and power to live victoriously over sin. {Romans chapters 7-8]

3. Notice how Paul contrasts the believer and the unbeliever with reference to the Spirit. 

Reference
Believer
Unbeliever

Romans 8: 1, 4 - There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. 4that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

Walks according to the Spirit.
Walks according to the flesh.

Romans 8:5 - For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.

Lives according to the Spirit.
Lives according to the flesh.

Romans 8:6 - For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

Is Spiritually minded.
Is carnally minded.

Romans 8:8-9 - So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God. 9But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His.

Is in the Spirit.
Is in the flesh.

4. The believer is to express his debt of gratitude, first, by NOT living according to the flesh.
Romans 8:12-14 - Therefore, brethren, we are debtors; not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. 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 as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.

a. Because salvation is deliverance from the flesh.

b. The flesh-directed life would indicate a person is not a child of God and will suffer eternal death.

5. Instead, the believer expresses his debt of gratitude by living according to the Spirit.

a. The believer must put to death the deeds of the body with the help of the Spirit.

b. The Spirit-led life is an indication the person is a child of God and will be blessed with eternal life.

(All Scripture quoted is from the New King James Version)