Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh: to live after the flesh. Romans 8:12
Christianity teaches us to owe no man any thing. He is prudent who keeps his accounts clear, and knows to whom he is indebted. He is grateful, who owns favors with just sentiments. If this be necessary and commendable in the economy of this short life, how much more so in things spiritual and eternal! How wise, how just to render to all their dues! If we are debtors to the flesh, let us serve that; but if to the Lord, it is our duty and privilege to serve him.
What owest thou, O christian, to the flesh? verily, neither suit nor service. But, alas! thou hast obeyed its sinful motions, gratified its corrupt desires; and what hast thou reaped but shame and sorrow? These are the only fruits that sin and folly bear. The flesh, with its sinful affections, is at enmity to thy God, and at war against thy soul. Willingly to give place to such an enemy, to live after the desires of the flesh, will most assuredly weaken thy confidence in Jesus, and bring death upon thy peace and comfort. Yea, "if ye live after the flesh ye shall die." Lord, strengthen us daily to deny its demands and mortify its lusts! for we are not debtors to the flesh, but to the Spirit. Debtors, in an immense sum of love and gratitude. Time can never discharge it. We shall be paying this debt through a never-ending eternity.
The Gospel is no licentious doctrine. True, it sets at liberty, but it is from the most galling yoke, and most servile drudgery to sin. But yet it binds the soul, in sweetest bands of grateful service and loving obedience, to Jesus, the best of Masters. What owest thou to the Spirit, O christian? write upon thy heart, "Even all my present peace, all my future hopes." For he it is who convinced thee of sin, revealed the love of God in Christ, gave thee power to believe, and grace to repent. He fills thee with joy and peace in believing He bears witness with thy spirit, and assures of thine adoption to be a child of God; teaching thee to mortify the deeds of the flesh, to love thy Saviour, and live to his glory.
And canst thou deliberately grieve this blessed inhabitant, this loving Comforter, by yielding service to thy inbred enemy? O with what fire of indignation, with what warmth of affection, doth Joseph cry out under the solicitations of a strong temptation, How can I do this great wickedness? and what?–sin against the best of masters? against my own soul? no, but against the Lord my God? Genesis 39:9.
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