In verses 12–13 Paul wraps up his discussion on the flesh and the Spirit by exhorting his readers to trust the claim that they no longer have any obligation to their former master… rather, believers now have the means AND responsibility to put to death the remnants of their former lifestyle. In verses 14–17 Paul introduces the language of adoption to talk about the benefits of legally becoming a child of God. Amongst these benefits is the Spirit of adoption, Who is the opposite of the spirit of bondage and slavery.