Such being the premises from which the conclusion is drawn, we proceed to consider, II. The conclusion itself —
We certainly are "debtors to the flesh" to a cer- tain degree —
[The flesh cannot subsist without care and labour; and whatever is necessary for the preservation of life, or the restora- tion of our health, it is our bounden duty to do.]
But we are not debtors to obey its dictates —
[To " live after" the flesh, must import a consulting of its ease, a complying with its solicitations, a devoting of our- selves to its interests : to this extent we certainly are not debtors to the flesh.]
This may plainly be concluded, as from many other topics, so especially from the foregoing statement —
[The privileges vouchsafed to us strongly prohibit a carnal life. Can the Triune God, who dwells in us, be pleased with our living after the flesh ? Is not the very intent of his mercies to bring us rather to live after the Spirit ? The mercies too which we enjoy by means of those privileges, teach us the same divine lesson. The quickening of our spirit should lead us to " mind the things of the Spirit." And the prospect of endless felicity and glory for the body should keep us from seeking its present gratifications to the destruction of its eternal interests. To whomsoever we are debtors, we are not (in this extent at least) debtors to the flesh.]
Infer —
1. How mistaken are the world in their course of life !—
[The generality live as if they had nothing to do but to consult the flesh ; and when exhorted to mind the concerns of their souls, reply immediately, " I must attend to the interests of my body." But in thus opposing the declaration in the text, they will ruin their bodies as well as their souls for ever.]
2. How unmindful are even good people of their duty and interest ! —
[The best of men find it difficult to " keep under their bodies ;" and there are seasons when they are apt to yield to sloth or sensual indulgence : but let all remember their obliga- tions and professions, and labour rather to pay what they owe to the Spirit.]