Audio commentary on this verse

Note 27 at Rom. 8:13: Paul is speaking of death in a figurative sense rather than a literal sense. He is addressing believers who have already received eternal life through the new birth (see note 2 at Jn. 3:3, p. 92) and he is not saying that they will lose their salvation if they walk "after" the flesh (see note 10 at Rom. 8:4, p. 794).

As explained in note 3 at Romans 6:23, page 784, death is a term that refers not only to physical death but it also can denote all the effects of sin in our lives. Therefore, Paul is speaking about experiencing defeat as we walk after the flesh compared to experiencing victory when we walk after the Spirit.

Note 28 at Rom. 8:13: The word "mortify" was translated from the Greek word "thanatoo" meaning "to kill." The dictionary defines mortify as "to discipline (one's body and appetites) by self-denial." If we deaden ourselves to the flesh by self-denial and follow the leadership of the Holy Spirit, we will live.