We Are Debtors
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"Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh" Romans 8:12
The privileges of the gospel lay us under the deepest and most solemn obligations. Every privilege binds us to duty, and demands hearty obedience at our hands. Grace leads from sin–and never gives a license to it. The more we realize the goodness of God, and the more we enjoy the privileges of the gospel—the more we feel bound to glorify God in our bodies, and souls, and spirits. The apostle felt this, and, therefore, having set forth the high privileges of the gospel, and having led the minds of the Lord's people forward to a glorious resurrection, he seems to pause, and, as one struck with the wondrous favours conferred, exclaims, "Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh" (Romans 8:12).
The Relation. "Brethren." The Church is a holy brotherhood; every member is God's child, every member is Christ's brother. Alluding to each one that receives the word of God, and keeps it, he says, "The same is my brother." We form one family under God, our Father. We are one family in Christ, our elder Brother.
"Brethren"—here is equality. Not that there are no differences or distinctions; for there are babes, young men, and fathers. There are different gifts, and different administrations. Some are in office, and some are not. Some are to guide, others are to follow. Some are to feed, others are to be fed. Some rule, others are ruled. But we have all the same nature, we all stand in the same relation to God and to each other, are all partakers of the same grace, and shall all meet in the same family mansion, at the end of our journey.
"Brethren"—here is love, fraternal love. To such the apostle speaks, "Love as brethren." To such the apostle refers, "Love the brotherhood." As we are all one in Christ, we should love each other. As we are to dwell together in heaven—we should lovingly walk together on earth. As we are all under grace, we are all equally and alike debtors. Paul places himself beside the believing Romans, and says, "Brethren, we are debtors"
The Information. This is an inference or conclusion drawn from what he had stated before. God having done so much for us, having conferred so much upon us, and having brought us into such a high and honourable connection with himself—we are not at our own disposal. It is for the Lord to dispose of us as he will: we are absolutely his property, for we have put ourselves into his hands, that he may use us, and dispose of us as he pleases. We are not left to our own direction. In all our ways we should acknowledge him, and he will direct our paths. We should consult God's word, ask his counsel, watch his hand, and give up our own wills to his. We are not in the flesh—but in the Spirit; therefore we are debtors.
We owe everything to God, as men; for we depend on him, and are accountable to him. He is our creator; for it is he who has made us, and not we ourselves. He is our owner; for he created us for himself, and for his own use and glory. He is our ruler, ruling us, as moral, intelligent, and accountable creatures, by his laws, to which he has appended rewards and punishments. He rules us by moral motives, and by moral means.
Much more as Christians, do we owe everything to God. Our obligation is grounded upon our redemption. We were in abject misery, wretched slavery, and under the sentence of eternal death; from all which we are redeemed, not with corruptible things, such as silver or gold—but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot! Having thus redeemed us, Jesus claims us; therefore says the apostle, "You are not your own; for you are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's." To have us for his own, and at his own disposal, to have a right to rule us and reign over us, was that which Jesus had in view in all he did and suffered. Hence we read, "We are the Lord's: for to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living."
On the ground of our redemption, therefore, are we under obligation to the Lord; so also on the ground of our regeneration. Are we born again, born of God, created anew in Christ Jesus? The Lord says, "This people have I formed for myself; they shall show forth my praise." The apostle also testifies that we are "created anew in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God has before ordained that we should walk in them." We are born of the Spirit; born again, not of corruptible seed—but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which lives and abides forever. Thus we became spiritual, thus we were fitted for God's service on earth, and for the enjoyment of God's glory in heaven.
Thus on the ground of our regeneration we are under obligation to God; so also on the ground of our baptism. In baptism we professed our faith in Christ, sought to be identified with Christ, publicly put on Christ, and consecrated ourselves to Christ. We openly surrendered ourselves to him, to be used by him, employed for him, and to be disposed of just as he pleased. We said, "I am the Lord's." We told all around us, that we wished to be regarded as the Lord's property, to be considered one of the Lord's people, one of Christ's disciples. We voluntarily came under obligation to Christ, and bound ourselves to obey and serve him.
As by our baptism we are under obligation to God, so also on the ground of the promised resurrection. We expect to be raised by the Spirit, to be raised in union with Christ, and to be raised in the likeness of Christ. We expect, as the dead in Christ, to rise first; to be raised out from among the dead; and, as the upright, to have the dominion in the resurrection morning.
As the anticipation of a glorious resurrection lays us under obligation to God, so does the indwelling of the Spirit and its design. The Spirit of God dwells in us for the most gracious purposes, and with the most glorious design. By this we are distinguished, honoured, and exalted. We are brought nearer to God, made more like God, and shall ultimately be filled with all the fullness of God. Well, then, may the apostle say, "brethren, we are debtors!"
Our obligation cannot be dissolved, it abides forever. We cannot dissolve it; we see not how God can—but if he can, he will not. We cannot transfer our obligation to another. Everyone must meet it for himself, acknowledge it for himself, and honour it for himself.
"We are debtors, not to the flesh." This does not mean the body; for we are under obligation to feed it, clothe it, and preserve it—to treat it as a member of Christ, and as a temple of the Holy Spirit. By "the flesh" we understand the corrupt and corrupting principles that dwell in us, and make use of the senses and members of the body. Now we are under no obligation to yield to this flesh, or pamper it, or indulge it. All our natural appetites should be kept under control, and we should eat and drink, dress and work—as men who are bound to please God, and to glorify him in all things. We are not debtors to the flesh—but we are debtors to the Spirit, and we should ever follow His leadings, obey His impulses, and encourage His aspirations. To the Spirit speaking in the Word, we should listen; to the Spirit working in the heart, we should yield; and to the Spirit manifesting the will of God in the dispensations of divine providence, we should bow.
If obedience is a debt—then there can be no merit. But obedience is a debt which God justly demands, and he is wronged if it is not paid; nor can we be honest if we do not desire, strive, and seek grace from God, that we may do his will from the heart. As our debt is never discharged, as the claims of God are never fully met—it is impossible that we should merit anything at the hands of God. If we are bound to obey the Spirit, then the gratification of the flesh is rebellion.
Yet, how many there are, who grieve the Spirit! and if they do not absolutely live after the flesh, they yield to it, indulge it, and allow it to rule to a certain extent in their tempers, dispositions, objects and aims. Whereas, as we are debtors to the Spirit, and are bound to live in the Spirit, and walk in the Spirit, to every temptation of the flesh we should reply, "I am a debtor!" We owe ourselves and our all, to a certain Creditor; and if we have any honor, we shall not encourage his enemy, nor squander our talents on his foe.
Attempting to pay, we receive back more than we give. As the Psalmist said, "In keeping His commandments there is a great reward." So also the Apostle James, "Whoever looks into the perfect law of liberty, and continues therein, he being not a forgetful hearer—but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed." Rendering unto God the things which are God's—we enjoy a sweet and holy sense of satisfaction within; in addition to which the Lord meets with us, shines upon us, whispers loving words to us, and renews our strength. The way of the transgressor is hard; but the ways of wisdom are pleasant ways.
Our debt daily increases, in consequence of new favours conferred. Never were we under obligations so strong and so numerous to serve the Lord as now. He daily loads us with his benefits. He crowns us with loving kindness and tender mercy. His mercies are new every morning, and his favours are without end. Thus our debts increase. Thus we become bound to the Lord in sweeter and stronger ties.
To attempt to fully meet our obligation is but reasonable. Therefore Paul says, "I beseech you, therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service." As it is reasonable, so it is comfortable: for it brings us into connection with the Father, who is "the God of all comfort;" into fellowship with the Son, who is "the Consolation of Israel;" and into communion with the Holy Spirit, who is, emphatically, "The Comforter."
Reader, are you a debtor to man? Own it; and as soon as you possibly can, discharge it; for the law of the New Testament is, "Owe no man anything." To keep quite clear of debt, in a commercial country like this, appears to be next to impossible. But we should have no debts of long standing, or debts occasioned by love of dress, or for table luxuries; especially should we keep clear of all debts to those who obtain their living by their labour. Some professors are so heartless and cruel, that they employ the poor, who depend on their daily labour for their food; and when their work is done, neglect to discharge their bills for weeks or months! This is totally unscriptural, and highly improper. Brethren, in this sense let none of us be debtors; and, if possible, let us keep our families free from this sin.
Are you in debt to God? I know you are. But are you as a Christian? If so, be honest—own it, feel it, endeavour to pay it by little instalments, such as feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, instructing the ignorant, and sending the gospel to those who have it not;—and if ever we are tempted to be idle, wasteful, or to procrastinate, may the words be sounded in our ears and our hearts, "We are debtors!"
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