How are believers admonished to live after being set free?
The admonition is to reckon themselves dead to the old Adam and alive to God through Jesus Christ, choosing to be led by the Spirit rather than live carnal, fleshly lives. Believers are to keep old Adam in subjection, live profitable lives that honor God, and not let old Adam reign in their mortal bodies.
Les teaches that after believers have been set free, the admonition is not a command or demand but is left with their free will. Even as a believer, a person must come to a place of decision: whether to live a Spirit-filled life or a carnal, fleshly life. Les explains that the admonition is to be led of the Spirit, to live profitable lives, to bring honor and glory to the God of glory, by keeping old Adam in subjection. God has not taken away the believer’s free will. The believer is to reckon himself dead indeed unto old Adam but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. In the next verse, “Let not” implies choice; it is not forced. The believer is left with the choice of not letting old Adam continue to reign in his mortal body. Les notes that many unhappy believers are miserable because old Adam is still controlling them, but he doesn’t have to.
Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.