VERSE 9: THE SPIRIT FILLED LIFE
“But 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.”
“But ye are not in the flesh”
Literally: “But you are not in flesh.”–You have been born-again. You Christians, who havebelieved in Christ Jesus as the sin Offering which has condemned sin in the flesh; and you, having been Justified by Faith and made partakers of the Holy Spirit, are enabled to walk in newness of life. Paul does not say, the flesh in not in you, but you are not in the flesh, meaning you are not to be acted upon and influenced by, or guided and governed by, or misled and carried away by it.
YE: (Grk.–hymeis)– You who are vitally united to Christ, who are in Him, by living faith, and have become new creatures. Paul is now changing those to whom he is speaking. This shows the power of the Gospel.
You Christians, you who have believed in Christ Jesus as the sin Offering and, having been justified by faith and made partakers of the Holy Spirit, are enabled to walk in newness of life. You are not under the full influence of corrupt desires and passions. Before, Paul was speaking those who are non-believers, but now he begins to speak to those who are believers in Christ.
It is an interesting fact about the KJV of the Bible that its translators did differentiate between a plural and a singular “you.” In the KJV translation, the word, “ye” denotes a plural you; that is, two or more persons are being referred to; at the same time, “you” refers to only one person. In our English of today we do not so differentiate between the plural and the singular “you.”
“but in the Spirit”
Literally: “But in Spirit.” You are spiritually minded; that is, under the direction and influence of the Holy Spirit.
IN THE SPIRIT: (Grk.—en Pneumati)–Under His government or control.
“if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you”
Literally: “If indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you.” The Holy iSpirit s often represented as dwelling in the hearts of Christians, (comp. I Cor. 3:16; 6:19; II Cor. 6:16; Eph. 2:21,22; Gal. 4:6), and the meaning is that He influences, directs, and guides Christians, producing meekness, love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, etc., (Gal. 5:22-23).
IF SO: (Grk.-–eiper)–This Greek word is a conjunction that introduces a conditional clause that is used to assume something maybe true but is still left in doubt. This implies that instead of “if,” this would have been better rendered as “since” or “as in the case.”
“dwells in you”– That is, has the seat of His presence and activity in you.
DWELLS IN: (Grk.–oikei en)–These Greek words denotes, “a settled, permanent, penetrative influence” (Sunday and Headlam, Romans).
The expression, “to dwell in one,” denotes intimacy of connection, and means that those things which are the fruits of the Spirit are produced in the heart. This does not mean, “if the disposition or mind of God dwell in you”; but “if the Holy Ghost dwell in you” (see I Cor. 6:11,19; 3:16). When Holy Spirit makes the heart His residence, then the soul is delivered from the moral effects of the fall. And that this is absolutely necessary to our present peace and final salvation is shown if a man does not have the Spirit of Christ–the mind that was in him, produced there by the power of the Holy Ghost–he is none of His! This is an awful conclusion! Reader, LAY THIS TO HEART!
“now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ”
Literally: “But if anyone has not {the} Spirit of Christ.”–Or the Holy Spirit is producing in him in some measure a likeness to Christ, and leading him earnestly to desire that it may be perfected.
Note that the “Spirit of Christ” and the “Spirit of God” are used interchangeably by Paul. It is as “the Spirit of Christ” that the Holy Spirit takes possession of believers, introducing into them all the gracious, dove-like disposition which dwelt in Him (Matt. 3:16; John 3:34). Now if any man's heart be void, not of such dispositions, but of the blessed Author of them, “the Spirit of Christ.”
“is none of His”
Literally: “Is not His.”–Is not a Christian. Not in a state of salvation. If a man is not influenced by the meek, pure, and Holy Spirit of the Lord Jesus; if a man is not conformed to His image; if his life does not resemble that of the Savior, he is a stranger to Christianity.
On that final Day of Judgment Christ will way to him, “I know you not.” Literally: “you never knew Me,” (Matt. 25:12). No test could be more easily applied, and none is more decisive. It does not matter what else he may have; he may be loud in his professions, amiable in his temper, bold in his zeal, or active in promoting the interests of his own party or denomination in the church; but if he has not the temper of the Savior, and does not manifest His Spirit, it is as sounding brass or a tinkling cymbal.
The proof that we have this indwelling Spirit is that we “mind the things of the Spirit” (v. 5), and bear its fruit (Gal 5:22-23). Observe that the Spirit is spoken of in this verse both as the Spirit of God, and the Spirit of Christ.
VERSE 10: DEAD TO SIN
“And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.”
“And if Christ be in you”
Literally: “But if Christ {is} in you.”–That is, He influences the man
. The close connection between Him and Christians, and the fact that they are entirely under His influence, is expressed by this strong figurative language. It is language which is often used by Paul (comp. Gal. 2:20; Col. 1:27). In v. 9 it was the Spirit of God Who was said to live in the believer, but here in v. 10, it is Christ. The indwelling Spirit and the indwelling Christ are distinguishable but inseparable. This is evidently a figurative expression, where the word “Christ” is used to denote His Spirit, His principles.
“the body is dead”
Literally: “The body indeed {is} dead.”
BODY: (Grk.–sōma)-–This means the believer’s human body. The believer’s human body is dead in the sense that it has death in it because of sin. The body, whether oF the believer or unbeliever, must indeed die and turn to dust, on account of sin.
“because of sin”–That is, by reason of sin; by means of sinful passions and appetites; that were heretofore committed to sin.
Even if Christ dwells in your hearts by faith, the body still is dead because of sin, in reference to sin; the members of your body no more perform the work of sin than the body of a dead man does the functions of natural life. The life of man is forfeited; and the sentence, “dust thou art, and unto dust thou shalt return,” must be fulfilled on every human being, until the judgment of that Great Day; “ –“it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this, the judgment” (Heb. 9:27)–yet, their souls being quickened by the indwelling Spirit of Christ, which enables them to live a life of righteousness, they receive a full assurance that their bodies, which are now condemned to death because of sin, shall be raised again to a life of immortal glory.
“but the spirit is life”
Literally: “but the spirit {is} life.”–This means that the soul, the immortal part, the renovated man, was alive, or was under the influence of living principles. I
The believer was instilled with the life which the Gospel imparts, and had become active in the service of God. The word “spirit” here does not refer to the Holy Spirit, but rather to the spirit of man; the immortal part that is recovered, renewed, and infilled with life under the Gospel.
Our spirit is made alive by union with Christ, and partaking of His righteousness. The spirit is delivered from condemnation and is spiritually alive, having been raised with Christ, through the power of God, who raised Him from the dead.
“because of righteousness”–Through, or by means of righteousness. Because of the conformity of the heart to the character and will of God, wrought in it by the Holy Spirit through faith in Christ.
This is commonly interpreted to mean, with reference to righteousness,” or that it may become righteous. Perhaps a better application would be to God’s Plan of Justification. The “righteousness” here mentioned includes both Justification and Sanctification.
VERSE 11: OBTAINING VICTORY OVER SIN
“But 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.”
For the victorious life the believer must do two things;
1. Reckon himself dead to sin
2. Reckon himself alive to God.
“But if the Spirit of Him that raised up Jesus”
Literally: “But if the Spirit of the {One} having raised Jesus from {The} dead.” Meaning the Holy Spirit (v. 9).
1. He that raised up Christ, etc .
2. He that had power to restore Christ to life, has power to give life to you.
3. He that did, in fact, restore Christ to life, will also restore you.
Paul reminds us that it was this same Holy Spirit Who raised up Christ from the dead that indwells all believers. Paul’s argument here seems to be founded:
1. On the power of God; an
2. On the connection between Christ and His people. (Comp. John 14:19), “Because I live, ye shall live also.”
The believer receives the grace and Spirit of Christ, and continues to live under its influence a life of obedience to the Divine will, shall have a resurrection to eternal life; and the resurrection of Christ shall be the pattern after which they shall be raised.
“that raised up Christ from the dead”
Literally: “The {One} having raised the Christ from {the} dead.”–Notice the change of Name from Jesus, as the historical Individual Whom God raised from the dead to CHRIST, the One considered as the Lord and Head of all His members, or of redeemed Humanity.
He was raised up not only as Jesus the Man, but as Jesus the Christ, the covenant Head, Who will also make alive the saints. He that did in fact restore Him, will also restore you! The argument here seems to be predicated up two main things:
1. On the power of God.
2. On the connection between Christ and His people (John 14:19).
“He…shall also quicken your mortal bodies”
Literally: “Will also make alive your mortal bodies.”–Shall make alive. It is this mortal that is to put on the immortal.
That this does not refer to the resurrection of the dead seems to be apparent, because that is not attributed to the Holy Spirit. The sense is, that under the Gospel, by the influence of the Spirit, the entire man will be made alive in the service of God. Even the corrupt, carnal mortal body, so long under the dominion of sin, shall be made alive and recovered to the service of God.
Make them alive to God’s service in the present life, so that from being “instruments of unrighteousness,” they become “instruments of righteousness unto God;” and in the life to come, raise them up spiritual and immortal, to be united with the soul, that thus the whole man may be for ever with the Lord. (See I Cor. 15:42-58; Phil. 3:20,21; I Thess. 4:13-18).
VERSE 12: BELIEVER’S SOLEMN DUTY
Privilege bears with it responsibility. Jesus told us that to whomever much is given, much is also required of him..
“Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.”
One Bible expositor, Dr. Taylor is of opinion that Paul, who has been speaking separately to Jews and Gentiles, now addresses himself to both, and now draws a general conclusion from all his arguments upon this subject. Paul is reminding his readers that the assurance of resurrection by this indwelling Spirit, has also placed them under a grave responsibility.
THEREFORE: (Grk.–ara oun)–Literally: “so then.
“we are debtors”–We owe it as a matter of solemn obligation. We owe it as a matter of solemn obligation. This obligation arises:
1. From the fact that the Spirit dwells in us;
2. Because the design of His indwelling is to purify us;
3. Because we are thus recovered from the death of sin to the life of faith; and He, the Holy Spirit, Who has imparted life has a right to require that it be spent in His service.
“not to the flesh”–Not to the flesh; that is, to the corrupt desires and passions, because the minding of the flesh has never conferred upon us any real good, but always injury.
(Grk.–sarx)—This is not really referring to the anthropological flesh, but Paul is referring to a person living under the power his old order. What he really means is, not living “according to the flesh;” meaning, “according to the old nature.”
We are no long obliged or obligated to indulge them, because the end of such indulgence is death and ruin (7:21-22). Before, were sold under sin (7:14); but now that we have been set free from that hard master and become servants to Righteousness (6:22), we owe nothing to the flesh, we disown its unrighteous claims and are deaf to its demands. Now we are bound to live to God, and to follow the leading of His Spirit, for the end is life and peace (7:22-23).
VERSE 13:
“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.”
“For if ye live after the flesh”
Literally: “For if you live according to flesh.”–If you live to indulge your carnality (this includes not only evil actions, but evil desires, tempers, thoughts) you will sink to eternal death (7:23).
“ye shall die”
Literally: “you are going to die”–Though may be rendered as “you shall afterwards die.”
This seems to indicate a temporal death, yet not exclusively of an eternal death; for both, and especially the latter, are necessarily implied.
YOU SHALL DIE: (Grk.–melete apothnēskein)–Literally: “You shall afterwards die.” This is pointing to a necessary consequence, and is referring not only to the death of the body, but also of the soul–a death that will last forever. Body and soul shall die the second death, an eternal death.
Mortify the deeds of the body; resist, overcome, and cease to gratify sinful inclinations, and thus cause them to die. You shall live; a holy and blessed life–a life that shall outlive death and be perfected in a world of life, light, and joy, where, as long as Christ lives, all who have His Spirit shall live with Him, and be like Him (John 6:57; 14:19; 17:11, 21,22,24). By believing in Christ people will receive the Holy Spirit, under His influence:
1. Will become spiritually minded,
2. Will overcome their tendencies and desires to evil,
3. Will delight in the Law of the Lord, and,
4. Will so act as through the grace of God to live forever.
“but if ye through the Spirit”
Literally: “But if by {the} Spirit.”–By the aid of the Holy Spirit; by cherishing and cultivating His influences.
Wha is required here can only be accomplished only by the aid of the Holy Spirit. If you seek that grace and spiritual help which the Gospel of Christ furnishes, resist, and, by resisting, mortify the deeds of the flesh, against which the Law gave you no assistance. You shall live a life of faith, love, and holy obedience here, and a life of glory hereafter.
“do mortify the deeds of the body”
Literally: “You put to death the practices of the body.”–Kill, destroy these; resist, overcome, and cease to gratify sinful inclinations, and thus cause them to die. Destroy, the corrupt inclinations and passions, here called “deeds of the body,” because they are supposed to have their origin in the fleshly appetites.
MORTIFY: (Grk.–thanatoute)–Put to die. Sin is mortified when its power is destroyed and it ceases to be active.
DEEDS OF THE BODY: (Grk.–praxeis tou somatos)–The corrupt inclinations and passions, called “deeds of the body,” because they are supposed to have their origin in the fleshly appetites.
“ye shall live”
Literally: “you are going to live”–You shall be happy and saved. Either your sins must die, or you must die.
If your sins are allowed to live, you will die; but if they are put to die, you will be saved. No man can be saved in his sins. This closes Paul’s argument regarding for the superiority of the Gospel over the Law in promoting the purity of man. By this train of reasoning, Paul has shown that the Gospel has accomplished what the Law could not do–that is, the sanctification of the soul; the destruction of the corrupt passions of our nature; and the recovery of man to God. You shall live a holy and blessed life–a life that shall outlive death, and be perfected in a world of life, light, and joy, where, as long as Christ lives, all who have His Spirit shall live with Him, and be like Him
In the sense of 6:22–“But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life”– Paul is not satisfied with assuring them that they are under no obligations to the flesh, to hearken to its suggestions, without reminding them where it will end if they do; and he uses the word “mortify” (put to death) as a kind of play upon the word "die" just before. “If ye do not kill sin, it will kill you.” But he tempers this by the bright alternative, that if they do, through the Holy Spirit, mortify the deeds of the body, such a course will infallibly terminate in “life” everlasting. And this leads Paul into a new line of thought, opening into his final subject, which is the “glory” awaiting the justified believer.