Paul reminds us that freedom in Christ does not make us passive. We are not debtors to the flesh, we owe it nothing. The flesh promises life but only leads to death. But by the Spirit, we put to death the deeds of the body. This is a decisive, ongoing action: each day choosing the Spirit’s way over the pull of the flesh.

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This is not a call to self-reliant effort. Notice Paul’s words: “by the Spirit.” It is the Spirit’s power that enables us to put sin to death. On our own, we are powerless; but with the Spirit, sin can be defeated. He gives both the desire and the strength to turn from the old life and embrace the new.

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To “put to death” means ruthless determination. We cannot make peace with sin or allow it room to grow. But the purpose is not misery, it is life. The Spirit leads us away from destructive habits into true freedom, joy, and holiness. This is the paradox of the gospel: death to the flesh means life in Christ.