Life In The Spirit

A Practical Walkthrough of Romans 8:9–13

Sin is persistent. It hides, waits, deceives, and destroys. And yet Romans 8 gives us a path—not through willpower, but through the Holy Spirit. In verses 9 through 13, Paul outlines one of the most powerful truths in all of Scripture: You are not in the realm of the flesh but of the Spirit—if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you.

This isn’t abstract theology. This is daily, practical, transformative truth. Here's a breakdown of what Paul teaches, and how it applies to real life.

1. You're Either in the Flesh or the Spirit (Romans 8:9)

Paul draws a clear line: you're either governed by your sinful nature (the flesh) or by the Holy Spirit. There's no in-between. When you accept Christ, the Holy Spirit doesn’t just visit your life—He moves in. He makes your heart His home.

👉 You can’t have Christ and not have the Spirit. If Christ is in you, then the Spirit is in you.

The difference is like trading in a plastic shopping cart for the race car one at the grocery store. Once you experience life in the Spirit, you don’t go back to the old cart. It’s a whole new way to live.

2. Your Body is Dying, But Your Spirit is Alive (Romans 8:10–11)

Yes, our bodies are decaying (thanks, Genesis 3). But the Holy Spirit gives life—real, eternal life—because of Christ’s righteousness.

Your physical body is temporary, but that doesn’t make it meaningless. It’s the temple of the Spirit. So we take care of it, not to worship it, but because God dwells in it.

"The moment we begin to live, we begin to die." – Martyn Lloyd-Jones

We can’t forget how short life is. This gives urgency not just to how we live physically, but spiritually. Because everyone’s spirit will live forever—either in communion with God or separated from Him.

3. We Owe the Flesh Nothing (Romans 8:12–13)

Paul’s next point: you don’t owe the flesh anything. If you live according to it, you die. But if you, by the Spirit, put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.

This isn't passive language. It’s violent, intentional, active. Kill sin, or sin will kill you.

“Be killing sin, or sin will be killing you.” – John Owen

Sin isn’t a ladybug to pet—it’s a spider to step on. Too many of us treat our sin gently, try to manage it, excuse it, or hide it. But Paul says we must put it to death. Not with our own strength—but by the Spirit.

4. You Can’t Kill Sin Without the Spirit

Here’s the truth: You can’t do this on your own. Self-help doesn’t work for soul-level transformation. This is Spirit-help.

Trying to conquer sin without the Spirit is like trying to do brain surgery with a plastic spoon. You’ll fail—and probably make things worse.

So what do we do?

5. Living by the Spirit: Practical Rhythms

Here are three ways to walk in the Spirit daily:

→ Pray First

Make your first move every day a prayer for help, strength, and guidance.

12 minutes of daily focused prayer over 8 weeks can measurably change the brain. – Dr. Caroline Leaf

→ Read the Word

Bible engagement isn’t just spiritual—it changes your behavior and mindset. A study of 40,000 people showed that reading Scripture 4x a week significantly:

Decreased feelings of loneliness, anger, and addiction

Increased sharing faith and making disciples

→ Find Your People

You need community. Real people. People who will encourage you, challenge you, and walk with you. Sin thrives in isolation; holiness grows in community.

The Invitation: Surrender, Don’t Strive

Are you tired of carrying the weight on your own?

Still trying to beat sin in your own strength?

Feeling like you’re spiritually stagnant?

Here’s the good news: You don’t have to be perfect—you just have to be filled. Filled with the Spirit. Every day.

Ask Him. Invite Him. Depend on Him.