“For if you live according to the flesh (sarx) you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.” (Romans 8:13). “You” refers to justified Christians (Romans 8:1).
Based on Romans 8:13 above, Puritan pastor John Owen wrote: “Be killing sin, or sin will be killing you.”
A Christian’s spirit is already saved by God upon believing Jesus. While on earth, his soul is being saved as he walks in step with the Holy Spirit and abides in God’s Word. This process is called sanctification.
The sinful desires of his flesh wage war against his soul. When sin overpowers him, he “dies” spiritually. He is far from fellowship with God and God’s children. He lacks spiritual vitality. He is joyless and prayerless. His soul is weary and empty.
The above describes a carnal or “fleshly” (sarx) Christian. He may be successful in the world. Only God knows if he is grieving the Holy Spirit. Only God knows if he is becoming dull of hearing God’s Word.
A Spirit-led Christian despairs that sin clings so closely. So, he clings even more closely to the Cross where Jesus has died for all his sins. Faith in Jesus Christ is his victory over sin.
The Holy Spirit delivers every Christian from sin’s temptations. He cleanses him by the water of the living words of God.
Paul wrote, “Walk (a command to obey) in the realm of the Spirit and you will never ever (Greek double negative “ou me”) gratify the desires of the flesh (sarx)” (Galatians 5:16).
Be a victor over sin. Do not be defeated by sin.
Read and rely on God’s words. Pray and be led by the Holy Spirit.
Elder Yoong Yuen Soo
