Paul understood that the Christians in the Roman province live in a difficult period, a hostile environment. Persecutions were rampant and common. There were a lot of pressure for those converts to the Christian faith to conform to the pagan practices and customs of the state. Paul calls on them to abandon their path full of vices of the world, of greed, ego, pride, prejudice, lust and others, all the things that can lead them all astray and away from the Lord and His salvation.
Paul’s message was a reassurance for the faithful that they should continue to persevere in their way of following the Lord, in their righteousness and virtues amidst the wicked and darkened world.
It was God who led them out of the darkness and into His wonderful light. In Paul’s words “We are not debtors to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh, you will die, but if by the spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.”
So, the Christians are members of the Body of Christ, the Church of God. They should be good role models and examples for everyone in their midst, including to those who have not yet believed in God.
May we not live according to flesh, but according to the Spirit of God,
Have a wonderful week
