12 Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation-but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it.

Other Translations of Romans 8:12

King James Version

12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.

English Standard Version

12 So then, brothers,Or brothers and sisters; also verse 29 we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh.

The Message

12 So don't you see that we don't owe this old do-it-yourself life one red cent.

New King James Version

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

New Living Translation

12 Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Romans 8:12

Commentary on Romans 8:10-17

(Read Romans 8:10-17)

If the Spirit be in us, Christ is in us. He dwells in the heart by faith. Grace in the soul is its new nature; the soul is alive to God, and has begun its holy happiness which shall endure for ever. The righteousness of Christ imputed, secures the soul, the better part, from death. From hence we see how much it is our duty to walk, not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. If any habitually live according to corrupt lustings, they will certainly perish in their sins, whatever they profess. And what can a worldly life present, worthy for a moment to be put against this noble prize of our high calling? Let us then, by the Spirit, endeavour more and more to mortify the flesh. Regeneration by the Holy Spirit brings a new and Divine life to the soul, though in a feeble state. And the sons of God have the Spirit to work in them the disposition of children; they have not the spirit of bondage, which the Old Testament church was under, through the darkness of that dispensation. The Spirit of adoption was not then plentifully poured out. Also it refers to that spirit of bondage, under which many saints were at their conversion. Many speak peace to themselves, to whom God does not speak peace. But those who are sanctified, have God's Spirit witnessing with their spirits, in and by his speaking peace to the soul. Though we may now seem to be losers for Christ, we shall not, we cannot, be losers by him in the end.