Sunday, July 12, 2009

The Carnal Mind vs. The Spiritual Mind

Romans 8:5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.

This verse seems pretty simple. Before being born again a person “sets his affections on” (minds) the things of the flesh. One who is born again “sets his affections on” the things of the Spirit. I couldn’t help but think of the following verse when I saw the definition for mind--“to exercise the mind…set the affection on.”

Colossians 3:2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

That definition also declares that it takes work and effort to yield to either flesh or Spirit. Webster uses the word passion as a synonym for affection, so it is our passion that determines our actions.

I am also reminded of the verse that tells us to examine ourselves to see if we are in the faith.

2Corinthians 13:5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves.

This verse in Romans is a litmus test verse—Are we minding the things of the flesh or the spirit?

Romans 8:6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

Carnal is another word for flesh. Paul is repeating an important truth. In the flesh we are ruled by sin, and sin results in death. The believer who has his faith and focus on Jesus has overcome death and will experience life and peace.

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Isaiah 26:3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.


Romans 8:7-8 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.

“enmity” = hostility, hatred

These verses immediately brought to mind the following verse.

Matthew 6:24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

Paul is staying on point. You either serve the law of sin or the law of the Spirit; as Jesus stated in Matthew, you can only have one master, one authority on the throne in your life. In the flesh, before one is born again, you are in the position of an enemy of God. You cannot attain the righteousness that the law of God outlines as His purpose for your life. Until you choose to die to the flesh and accept the gift of God in faith, you cannot please God.

Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

2 comments:

Briklyn said...

How easy it is to set our affections on the things of this world. So many distractions that take us away from the Word and prayer.

Sharon said...

You are so right, Briklyn. I think that is one of the main reasons we have so many immature Christians.