Romans 8:5-8 Those who
live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires, but
those who live following the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit
desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the
Spirit is life and peace. The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it
does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Those who are in the realm of
the flesh cannot please God.
Paul gives an effortless way to determine if we walk in the Spirit or walk in the flesh, to see what governs our minds. The mind is the strategic battleground where the flesh and the Spirit fight. Some think repentance means changing your ways, but we cannot do that; only God can do that. We can, however, alter our way of thinking and our mindset. Once we change our perspective (Repentance), it will lead to the next step, which is a mindset on the ways of God instead of the ways of the world. We should not think that the people who "have their minds set on what the flesh desires" are all disreputable and dishonorable sinners. On the contrary, these people may be honorable and have good intentions. Peter meant well when he told Jesus to avoid the cross, but Jesus responded to Peter with these strong words: Jesus turned and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns' (Matthew 16:23).
When we set our minds on the ways of the world or things of
the flesh, we bring death into our lives, which is spiritual death. However,
when we choose to walk in the Spirit, we know "life and peace." A
mindset of following the flesh focuses and ponders on and desires the things of
the flesh (Philippians 2:5; Colossians 3:2). Ultimately, that attitude is
death. However, a mindset of yielding to the Spirit will experience life and
peace. Peace with God seems to be what Paul is referring to here. However,
peace with other people typically follows whenever and wherever there is peace
with God.
Our flesh will constantly battle against God because it
does not want to be surrendered or crucified with Christ Jesus (Galatians
5:24). Paul did not say that the mind governed by the flesh is hostile against
God; he said it was hostile to God. Paul was referring here primarily to lost
souls; however, it is possible to be saved and live in the flesh, even if for a
time. As in the example of Peter, he did not deny that Jesus was the True
Promised Messiah; he only set his mind to earthly things instead of the ways of
God. The flesh and its desires must die so that the spirit man can live; they
cannot share the same vessel.
If you would like to have the verse of the Day sent top your email, please leave a request in the comments section
No comments:
Post a Comment