1. Our obligation (12-14)

We sometimes fool ourselves into thinking that we have an obligation to pamper our bodies, or to enjoy our physical lives. ('You deserve a break.') But we have only one obligation--it is to God who made us and redeemed us by Jesus' blood. If we live according to the flesh, we can look forward only to death, for our flesh will perish. But if we put to death the deeds of the flesh by obeying the Spirit, then we will live.

2. Not a slave but a son (15-17)

When we are slaves to sin, we are full of fear. The devil holds us in his power through fear (Heb 2:14,15; Lk 1:74,75). But God's Spirit leads us in life and peace. When we are children of God, his Spirit indwells us and leads us to claim our inheritance, the kingdom of God. So we are heirs of God, co-heirs with Christ; we are privileged to share in Christ's suffering in order that we may share in his glory.

Application: Lord, thank you for freeing me from fear. I want to share in Jesus' sufferings and in his glory.
One Word: Not fear, but sonship, suffering and glory