5 For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.
6 For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace,
7 because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so,
8 and those who are in the flesh cannot please God.
V. 5 - “those who are according to the flesh” - This verse could be paraphrased “We go where our mind is...” Whether it is golf or pornography, smart phone apps or Instagram, money or fame - when we are addicted to these worldly things, our waking thoughts are drawn there. Addiction to drugs or alcohol is a physical manifestation of the life your mind is living. (See: Prov. 23:7) The Proverbs talk about negative side of following where your heart leads. (See: Prov. 6:14, 18; 12:20; 27:19)
“those who are according to the Spirit” - The Proverbs also teach about the positive side of following where your heart leads, especially if your heart is focused on the Lord. (See: Prov. 2:2; 4:4, 23; 16:1). In Colossians we read, “Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” (Col. 3:1-3)
Peter also gives us encouragement, “As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance, but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; because it is written, "YOU SHALL BE HOLY, FOR I AM HOLY." (1 Pet. 1:14-16)
Living for Christ is a commitment, just as accepting Him as Lord and Savior is a commitment. We do not just “go with the flow”. The worldly nature and flesh are in opposition to the Holy Spirit. Seldom, if ever, will our worldly nature guide us into doing Jesus’ will. We will wail, “Why can’t I do what I know is right?”, just as Paul did in chapter seven. Turn to Jesus, ask Him for the power to do His will, for the strength of character to will to do right, not just be willing to do so.
V. 6 - “mind set on the flesh is death” - The mind set on the flesh does not believe in God. That mind may believe that God is, but does not believe that He will be the final judge. The person that rejects God will receive the penalty - death. "He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him." (John 3:36)
“Mind set on the Spirit is life and peace.” - Jesus promised, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you; I do not give it to you as the world does. Do not let your hearts be distressed or lacking in courage.” (John 14:27) Jesus also said, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come so that they may have life, and may have it abundantly.” (John 10:10)
V. 7 - “hostile toward God” - We (humans in general) like to think we can be neutral towards God. We like to think in shades of grey, and not in stark black-and-white. Nuances give us ‘wiggle room’. We like to think that having an agnostic belief is not the same as an atheistic belief. However, sin is active rebellion or passive indifference - the result is the same: rejecting the claims of God and going our own way. Paul wrote we were “alienated and hostile in mind” (Col. 1:21). Peter tells us while although we were ignorant we were ‘engaged in lusts’ (1 Pet. 1:14).
V. 8 - “cannot please God” - The only way we can please God is to be in Jesus, and Jesus to be in us. The way, the truth and the life are in Jesus and Jesus alone. (John 14:6). “Pleasing God” is not doing things - it is believing in Him who was sent to save us.
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