Obligation and Opportunity. (Romans 8: 12–17)

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Welcome back to The Bible Project Daily Podcast. Today we’re continuing our journey through Romans 8. Our theme today is obligation. But not the heavy, guilt-ridden kind that crushes us. This is a holy obligation—the kind that opens the door to a transformed life.

Jesus didn’t come to make life easy. He came to make us holy. And to accomplish that, He did four things:

• He died.
• He rose.
• He ascended.
• And He sent the Holy Spirit.

His death and resurrection made forgiveness possible. His ascension and the sending of the Spirit made our transformation possible. So now, in Christ, we’re not just saved from sin’s penalty—we are empowered to overcome sin’s power.

But here’s the tension: Even with all of that, the Christian life is not effortless. There’s still a real war going on—a battle between flesh and Spirit, waging within the soul of every believer.

Paul has painted that struggle vividly, especially in chapters 6 and 7. Remember his raw cry in Romans 7?

“Oh, what a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death?”

And now in chapter 8, Paul begins to show us the way out—not by sheer willpower, but by the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit.

So the question is:
 If we know we should walk by the Spirit—why don’t we always do it? Why does that path feel so difficult?

Let’s explore Paul’s answer in Romans 8:12–17. He gives us three reasons why we are not only invited—but obligated—to walk according to the Spirit, and not according to the flesh.

1. We Are No Longer Debtors to the Flesh

Romans 8:12–13:

2. We Are Children of God, Not Slaves

Verses 14–15:

3. The Spirit Testifies: We Belong to God

Verse 16:

4. Heirs With Christ

The world asks, “Who am I?” But in Christ, we already know.
We are children of God. And because of that, we have both obligation—and opportunity.

To walk by the Spirit.
 To cry out, “Abba, Father.”
 To live as heirs of the Kingdom.

And one day, to share in His glory.

Thanks for joining me today.
 May the Spirit bear witness in you this week—and may you walk boldly in the freedom of a beloved child of God.

Until next time, grace and peace.

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