A life focused on earthly desires leads only to death, but a life empowered by the Spirit of God opens the door to eternal life.
Scripture: Romans 8:13-15
If you live according to the flesh, you will die; if, by the Spirit, you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you did not receive the Spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.”
Introduction: The Two Paths—Flesh or Spirit
Beloved in Christ, there are only two ways to live. Romans 8:13 makes this clear:
- Living according to the flesh results in death.
- Living by the Spirit leads to eternal life.
This contrast is not just moralistic advice, but a declaration of spiritual reality. Galatians 6:8 echoes this truth:
For he who sows to his flesh will reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will reap everlasting life.
The Flesh Leads to Death
The flesh (Greek sarx) refers to our fallen, sin-ruled human nature. Paul taught in Romans 7:5,
While we lived according to the flesh, the sinful desires stirred up by the law were active in our bodies, producing death.
Similarly, in Ephesians 2:1-3:
He made you alive, who were dead in sins and trespasses, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just like the others.
The consequence of a flesh-led life is death, not merely physical death but eternal separation from God (Romans 6:23).
Putting to Death the Deeds of the Body by the Spirit
Paul continues in Romans 8:13,
But if the Spirit puts to death the deeds of the body, you will live.
Forget self-reformation, willpower, or legalistic striving. This is different. It is the Spirit’s sanctifying work within us. Colossians 3:5 commands,
Therefore, put to death your members who are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.
But how can we do this? We can only accomplish this through the power of the Spirit. Zechariah 4:6 declares:
“Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,” says the Lord of hosts.
The Spirit leads us into a life of obedience and holiness, producing the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) rather than the works of the flesh (Galatians 5:19-21).
The Evidence of Sonship: Led by the Spirit
Romans 8:14 reveals a crucial identity marker:
For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.
Being led by the Spirit is not an optional higher Christian life; it is the defining proof that one is truly a child of God. Jesus said in John 10:27,
“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.”
The Spirit leads us in:
- Holiness – away from sin (Galatians 5:16-18).
- Truth – teaching us the Word (John 16:13).
- Prayer – interceding within us (Romans 8:26-27).
- Bold witness – empowering us to proclaim Christ (Acts 1:8).
Adopted into God’s Family
Romans 8:15 continues,
For you did not receive the Spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.”
Here, Paul contrasts bondage and adoption.
- Bondage leads to fear. The law instilled fear because no one could meet its demands (Hebrews 2:15) perfectly.
- Adoption leads to love and intimacy. We are not merely pardoned criminals, but adopted sons and daughters.
In Galatians 4:4-7, Paul writes:
But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive adoption as sons. Therefore, you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.
The highest privilege of salvation is not simply forgiveness but becoming fully part of God’s family.
Abba, Father: The Cry of the Spirit Within Us
“Abba” is an Aramaic word meaning “Daddy” or “Papa.” It expresses deep affection, trust, and intimacy. Jesus used this same word in Mark 14:36 in Gethsemane:
And He said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for You…”
The Holy Spirit within us awakens this cry, assuring us we belong to God as His children.
The Witness of the Spirit
Romans 8:16 (next verse) affirms,
The Spirit Himself bears witness with our Spirit that we are children of God.
This inner witness is not mere emotion but the Spirit’s testimony that we are God’s redeemed, adopted children. Ephesians 1:13-14 states,
Believing the word of truth, you placed your trust in Him and received the Holy Spirit—the promise and seal of your inheritance.
Old Testament Foreshadowing of Adoption and Spiritual Leadership
Even in the Old Testament, God spoke of His people as His children:
- Deuteronomy 32:6
- Is He not your Father, who bought you?
- Psalm 103:13
- As a father pities his children, so the Lord pities those who fear Him.
- Isaiah 63:16
- Doubtless, You are our Father. You, O Lord, are our Father; our Redeemer from Everlasting is Your name.
But the fullness of adoption awaited Christ’s finished work, making us heirs through His Son.
Led by the Spirit vs. Living by the Flesh
Paul repeatedly contrasts the flesh and the Spirit:
- Galatians 5:16-18
- Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. If the Spirit leads you, you are not under the law.
- 1 Corinthians 2:12
- Now we have received, not the Spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God.
- John 3:5-6
- “Unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God… That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is Spirit.”
Living as Children of God
Guided by God’s Spirit, we, His children, are called to:
- Live in obedience. 1 Peter 1:14-15 says,
- As obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lust, but as He who called you is holy, you also be blessed.
- Live in love. Ephesians 5:1-2,
- Therefore, be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love.
- Live in assurance. 1 John 3:1,
- Think of the Father’s boundless love, that we are named children of God!
- Live as heirs of glory. Romans 8:17,
- And if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ.
Warnings Against Fleshly Living
Scripture repeatedly warns that a life dominated by the flesh is incompatible with being God’s child:
- 1 John 3:9-10
- Whoever has been born of God does not sin. In this, the children of God and the children of the devil are manifest.
- Hebrews 12:8
- But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons.
The Spirit’s Role in Leading Us
The Spirit leads us by:
- Illuminating the Word (Psalm 119:105, John 16:13).
- Convicting us of sin (John 16:8).
- Empowering our service (Acts 1:8).
- Guiding decisions (Acts 13:2-4).
- Producing Christlike character (Galatians 5:22-23).
Practical Applications
- Examine your walk. Are you led by the Spirit or dominated by fleshly desires?
- Seek the Spirit’s guidance daily. Pray, “Holy Spirit, lead me into truth and holiness today.”
- Rest in your adoption. You are not a slave, but a son/daughter. Approach God boldly (Hebrews 4:16).
- Kill sin daily. Romans 8:13 calls us to mortify the deeds of the body. The Spirit empowers this lifelong pursuit.
- Cultivate intimacy with the Father. Cry out “Abba, Father” with trust, knowing you are loved, accepted, and secure.
Conclusion: The Privilege and Proof of Sonship
Beloved, the genuine children of God are those whom the Holy Spirit guides. This signifies both privilege and validation.
- Privilege: adopted, loved, and heirs with Christ.
- Proof: walking in holiness, obedience, and love under the Spirit’s leadership.
Let us heed the words of 2 Corinthians 6:18:
“I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters,” says the Lord Almighty.
May the Holy Spirit lead us daily to put to death the deeds of the flesh, walk in the freedom of adoption, and live as beloved children, crying out, “Abba, Father,” until we see Him face to face in glory.
