For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.
Read it in contextLife in the Spirit and the Believer's Security
Start reading at Romans 8:1 (Romans 8:1 to Romans 8:39).
This passage introduces the theme of no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus and elaborates on living by the Spirit, the adoption as sons of God, and the ultimate security and glorification of believers.
8:1There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
8:2For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.
8:3For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:
8:4That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
8:5For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.
8:6For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
8:7Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
8:8So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
8:9But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
8:10And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
8:11But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
8:12Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.
8:13For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.
8:14For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
8:15For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
8:16The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
8:17And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
8:18For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
8:19For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.
8:20For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope,
8:21Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.
8:22For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.
8:23And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.
8:24For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?
8:25But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.
8:26Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
8:27And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
8:28And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
8:29For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
8:30Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.
8:31What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
8:32He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?
8:33Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth.
8:34Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.
8:35Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
8:36As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.
8:37Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
8:38For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
8:39Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
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Who
Who wrote the book? Paul the apostle wrote Romans, using Tertius as the scribe who put the letter into writing. Biblical references: Romans 1:1; Romans 16:22. stated in the text
Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Romans 6:1–8:39): Paul addresses believers in Rome, speaking of their baptism into Jesus Christ and life in the Spirit. These instructions and promises belong to his argument for people who belong to Christ. stated in the text
Who was the book written to? The believers in Rome, called saints: a church including Gentile and Jewish believers. Paul specifically addresses Gentiles, speaks to those who know the law, and assumes Christian baptism and life in the Spirit; he is not addressing an undifferentiated modern public. Biblical references: Romans 1:7; Romans 6:3; Romans 7:1; Romans 8:9; Romans 11:13. stated in the text
What
What is the main theme of Romans 8:13? Romans 8:13 presents a stark contrast between living after the flesh, which leads to death, and living through the Spirit, which leads to life by mortifying the deeds of the body. stated in the text
What is God revealing in this passage? God is revealing that true spiritual life and freedom from condemnation are found by walking not after the flesh, but after the Spirit, actively putting to death sinful practices through the Spirit's power. stated in the text
What is the literary style of the book of Romans? The book of Romans is an epistle, or letter. book background
When
When was the book of Romans written? The book of Romans was written around A.D. 57. book background
When do the events described in Romans 8:13 take place? The principles described in Romans 8:13 apply continually to believers in their daily walk, as they choose to live by the Spirit. interpretation
Where
Where was the author, Paul, located when he wrote the letter to the Romans? Paul was located in Corinth when he wrote the letter to the Romans. book background
Where do the actions described in Romans 8:13 occur? The actions described in Romans 8:13 occur within the life and conduct of individual believers, wherever they may be. interpretation
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in Life in the Spirit and the Believer's Security (Romans 8:1 to Romans 8:39).
Start reading at Romans 8:1. This passage introduces the theme of no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus and elaborates on living by the Spirit, the adoption as sons of God, and the ultimate security and glorification of believers.
How
How does Romans 8:13 fit into the broader context of Romans chapter 8? Romans 8:13 serves as a direct consequence and exhortation following the declaration of no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus who walk after the Spirit (Romans 8:1). It reinforces the contrast between the carnal mind leading to death and the spiritual mind leading to life and peace, emphasizing the active role of the Spirit in enabling believers to overcome sin. stated in the text
How does Romans 8:13 point to Christ? Romans 8:13 points to Christ by showing that the ability to live through the Spirit and mortify the deeds of the body is a direct result of God sending His own Son to condemn sin in the flesh (Romans 8:3). It is through Christ that believers are freed from the law of sin and death and receive the Spirit, enabling them to live a life that leads to life. interpretation
How can believers apply the teaching of Romans 8:13 today? Believers today can apply Romans 8:13 by actively choosing to yield to the guidance and power of the Spirit in their daily lives, rather than giving in to sinful desires. This involves a conscious effort to 'mortify the deeds of the body' through the Spirit, leading to spiritual life and peace. interpretation
Cited: Romans 8:13
Who wrote it, and how we know
Paul the apostleNamed in Scripture
What Scripture saysPaul names himself in the opening verse, and Tertius names himself as the scribe. Romans 1:1Romans 16:22
Connection to the wholePaul begins with those in Christ Jesus who walk after the Spirit. He contrasts flesh and Spirit, connecting the indwelling Spirit with life and the future quickening of believers’ mortal bodies.
Connection to the wholePaul connects being led by the Spirit with sonship and speaks of suffering with Christ and sharing His glory. Creation groans; believers await bodily redemption; the Spirit intercedes for the saints.
Connection to the wholePaul speaks of good for those who love God and are called according to His purpose. He describes being conformed to the image of His Son and connects foreknowledge, predestination, calling, justification, and glorification.
Connection to the wholePaul closes with questions about accusation, condemnation, and separation. He assures the believers he addresses that the hardships and powers he names cannot separate them from God’s love in Christ Jesus.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Romans
Auto-generated or draft outline, not yet reviewed.
Paul addresses the saints at Rome (Romans 1:7). Read this outline alongside his discussion of baptism into Christ and newness of life (Romans 6:3–4).
Connection to the wholePaul introduces his calling and his desire to visit Rome, then announces the gospel as the power of God unto salvation to everyone who believes.
Connection to the wholePaul describes human sin and God’s judgment, bringing Jews and Gentiles under the charge of sin and establishing humanity’s need.
Connection to the wholePaul explains righteousness through faith in Jesus Christ, uses Abraham as an example, and contrasts Adam’s offense with Christ’s obedience.
Connection to the wholePaul rejects continuing in sin, recalls baptism into Christ’s death, discusses sin and the law, and describes walking after the Spirit and the hope of glory.
Connection to the wholePaul considers Israel’s place in God’s purpose, the response of faith, and mercy toward Jews and Gentiles. He warns Gentile believers against boasting and urges them to continue in God’s goodness.
Connection to the wholePaul moves to offering oneself to God, serving others, loving one’s neighbour, and receiving one another while seeking peace and edification.
Connection to the wholePaul explains his ministry and travel plans, commends and greets fellow workers, warns against divisions, and closes with praise to God.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.