Choosing Flesh or Spirit: Understanding Romans 8:5-9

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Understanding the Mindset of the Flesh and the Spirit
   • 2.1 Positional Perspective
   • 2.2 Mindset of the Flesh
   • 2.3 Mindset of the Spirit
3. The Consequences of a Fleshly Mindset
   • 3.1 Death and Separation from God
   • 3.2 Struggles with Believing in God
   • 3.3 Inability to Please God
4. The Transformative Power of the Spirit
   • 4.1 Being Set Free from Condemnation
   • 4.2 Drawing Near to God with Confidence
   • 4.3 Living in the Spirit, Not the Flesh
5. The Assurance of Being in the Spirit
   • 5.1 The Indwelling of the Spirit
   • 5.2 The Identification with Christ
   • 5.3 Never Belonging to the Flesh Again
6. Conclusion

Understanding the Mindset of the Flesh and the Spirit

In the book of Romans, chapter 8, the apostle Paul delves into the contrasting mindsets of the flesh and the spirit. It is essential to grasp the concept from a positional perspective rather than a daily decision. This distinction is crucial to understanding the dynamic between believers and unbelievers.

Positional Perspective

When Paul speaks of being in the flesh or the spirit, he refers to one's spiritual position. It is not merely a matter of choosing to set one's mind on either the flesh or the spirit on a daily basis. Unbelievers, who are in the flesh, have their minds naturally inclined towards carnal desires and worldly matters. Their minds are hardwired to the flesh, making it difficult to comprehend spiritual truths.

Conversely, born-again believers have a spiritual mind that is more receptive to heavenly concepts. Their minds are set on the things of the spirit, making it easier to accept divine revelations and truths. This distinction in mindset is a result of being in the spirit and having a renewed nature.

Mindset of the Flesh

For those in the flesh, their minds are inherently hostile to God. They struggle to submit to God's law and find it challenging to believe in Him. The fleshly mind is spiritually dead and controlled by sin, which rebels against God's law. As a consequence, those in the flesh are unable to please God. Their weakness and hostility towards God hinder them from fulfilling His requirements.

Mindset of the Spirit

On the other hand, those in the spirit have minds that are aligned with the things of God. Their minds are set on the spirit, leading them into a life of peace and closeness to God. The born-again mind is alive and open to God's leading and truth. The spirit within them empowers them to please God and live in harmony with His will.

The Consequences of a Fleshly Mindset

Understanding the consequences of a fleshly mindset is vital to appreciating the transformation brought about by the spirit.

Death and Separation from God

The mindset of the flesh ultimately leads to death. Unbelievers and those in the flesh are spiritually dead to God. The fleshly mind, being under the power and control of sin, seeks to lead them towards death. Despite attempts to fill their lives with worldly pleasures, the presence of death remains in their minds. Their minds, unable to accept spiritual truths, keep them separated from God.

Struggles with Believing in God

The natural inclination of the fleshly mind is to be hostile towards God. Unbelievers find it challenging to submit to God's law and struggle to believe in Him. The mind, being rooted in the flesh, resists the influence of God's truth. Consequently, debates and logical arguments alone cannot convince someone in the flesh to accept spiritual realities.

Inability to Please God

The weakness and hostility of the fleshly mind make it impossible for those in the flesh to please God. Their minds, under the control of sin, rebel against God's law. Despite their efforts to fulfill the requirements of the law, they fall short. It is vital to realize that no one can be justified by the law or their own righteousness due to the limitations of the flesh.

The Transformative Power of the Spirit

Although the fleshly mindset brings forth condemnation and separation from God, believers have access to the transformative power of the Spirit.

Being Set Free from Condemnation

Contrary to what some may believe, Romans chapter 8 offers encouragement and hope. It showcases the grace and love of God, who has freed believers from condemnation. By understanding that the previous verses focus on positional standing rather than daily struggles, believers can find solace in knowing that God's love and acceptance are not based on their performance.

Drawing Near to God with Confidence

The Spirit enables believers to draw near to God with confidence. Through the regenerating work of the Spirit, believers become one with Christ. Their identification with Christ and the indwelling of the Spirit provide assurance of their position in the spirit. Consequently, believers need not fear or feel distant from God. They can find safety and security in His presence.

Living in the Spirit, Not the Flesh

Believers must understand that they are permanently positioned in the spirit. Despite occasional actions or decisions that may appear fleshly, their identity remains rooted in Christ. The distinction lies in recognizing that those in the spirit can never be in the flesh again. Once born again, believers are forever residing in the spirit and are no longer subject to condemnation or separation from God.

Conclusion

Romans chapter 8 offers a profound insight into the mindsets of the flesh and the spirit. It clarifies the positional standing of believers in the spirit, highlighting the transformative power of the Spirit. By comprehending the consequences of a fleshly mindset and embracing the assurance of being in the spirit, believers can live in freedom, confidence, and communion with God. This chapter, far from causing fear or insecurity, proclaims the grace and love of God that transcends human weaknesses and brings believers into a life of peace and intimacy with Him.

Highlights

• Understanding the contrasting mindsets of the flesh and the spirit
• The positional perspective of being in the flesh or the spirit
• The consequences of a fleshly mindset: death, struggles with believing in God, and an inability to please God
• The transformative power of the Spirit: freedom from condemnation, confidence in approaching God, and living in the spirit, not the flesh
• Embracing the assurance of being in the spirit and the security of our identity in Christ

FAQ

Q: Can a born-again believer still have moments of being in the flesh?
A: While believers may engage in fleshy actions or decisions at times, their positional standing in the spirit remains unchanged. Once born again, they permanently reside in the spirit and can never be in the flesh again.

Q: How does a fleshly mindset affect someone's relationship with God?
A: A fleshly mindset hinders belief in God, harbors hostility towards Him, and prevents the ability to submit to God's law. Those in the flesh are unable to please God due to their inclination towards sin and weakness.

Q: What is the key theme of Romans chapter 8?
A: Romans chapter 8 emphasizes the grace and love of God, the assurance of salvation, and the transformative power of the Spirit. It encourages believers to live in freedom, confidence, and intimacy with God.