Paul speaks of sin as an active force within and among all human beings. It has been present since the beginnings of the human race and expresses itself mainly through the 'flesh'. For Paul, 'flesh' means more than the body. It describes a person from the perspective of unredeemed weakness, which not only destroys the human body but causes definitive separation from God as well. Paul's main purpose here is to draw a contrasting picture between Adam and Christ. Adam had unleashed into the world a hostile active force (sin), which had the power to cause definitive alienation (death) from God, the source of life. In contrast, Christ, through his redemptive death restored superabundance life for all those who accept him.

Central to the acceptance of the life that Christ brings is the challenge of constant readiness for His return. Jesus emphasises that the time of the return of the Son of man will be a surprise. False anxiety and lack of generosity are matters which cannot be put aside for the future. In their attitudes and their relationships, the disciples must have their loins gird. Anticipating Jesus' passing over, their attitude must correspond to that of the Israelites in their departure from slavery. We too must also keep our lamps burning, like servants who await their master's return from a wedding feast. There is a need for constant watchfulness. The Son of man is already at the wedding feast. When he returns at an unexpected hour he will invite us to his banquet, provided we are awake and ready.