Flesh or Spirit: The Wolf You Feed

Introduction

I have heard it said that Romans 8 is the greatest chapter in the Bible. I don’t know if I would go that far but…

It is a great chapter. It tells the believer that he or she is a child of God whose life is totally overshadowed by the protective hand of a loving, heavenly Father. We will Get there. So we are going to spend a couple Three weeks in chapter 8.

This chapter starts out reminding us that as believers, we have been set free from the condemnation of sin through our faith in Jesus Christ.

Not only have we been set free from condemnation (katakrima), which is “penal servitude,” Slave because of a crime committed. Condemnation in a legal sense is the opposite of justification, but Paul is not saying here that we are justified (i.e., “not condemned”). He is in a point in his argument where he is discussing the freedom that comes from being in Christ Jesus. Therefore, if we have been set free from the law of sin and death, then we no longer are slaves to sin and death (see Rom. 6:15–23).

We no longer have any term of punishment or servitude to fulfill as a result of being declared “guilty”

Eugene Peterson (The Message) calls condemnation “a continuous, low-lying black cloud” which Paul says no longer hangs over us.

Not only is there no condemnation [penal servitude] for those who are in Christ Jesus, they also are …

• redeemed (Rom 3:24),

• alive to God (Rom. 6:11),

• possessors of eternal life (Rom. 6:23),

• free from the law of sin and death (Rom. 8:2),

• members of one spiritual body (Rom. 12:5),

• sharers in Christ’s work (Rom. 16:3, 9),

• sanctified (1 Cor. 1:2),

• recipients of grace (1 Cor. 1:4),

• secure in death (1 Cor. 15:18),

• bold to speak the truth (2 Cor. 2:17),

• new creatures (2 Cor. 5:17),

• free (Gal. 2:4),

• justified (Gal. 2:17),

• recipients of the blessings given to Abraham (Gal. 3:14),

• sons of God (Gal. 3:26),

• one with others regardless of race, gender, or social condition (Gal. 3:28),

• recipients of every spiritual blessing in heaven (Eph. 1:3),

• seated in the heavens (Eph. 2:6),

• created for good works (Eph. 2:10),

• brought near to God (Eph. 2:13),

• partakers with Jews of the promises (Eph. 3:6),

• forgiven by God (Eph. 4:32),

• encouraged (Phil. 2:1),

• at peace (Phil. 4:7),

• provided for (Phil. 4:19),

• anticipating the resurrection of our bodies (1 Thess. 4:16),

• overseen by providence (1 Thess. 5:18),

• alive (2 Tim. 1:1), and

• saved (2 Tim. 2:10).

None of the above blessings could be true if we were under condemnation by God.

But being in Christ Jesus means we are free from the law of sin and death which blocked our way to every other blessing which is ours in Christ.

However, in spite of all that, the battle between the flesh and the spirit continues to rage within us.

In Romans 8, the apostle Paul presents a stark contrast between those who live according to the flesh and those who live according to the spirit. This is a choice we must make daily, for the desires of the flesh and the desires of the spirit are constantly in conflict.

Romans 8:1–11 CSB

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus, because the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do since it was weakened by the flesh, God did. He condemned sin in the flesh by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh as a sin offering, in order that the law’s requirement would be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. For those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit have their minds set on the things of the Spirit. Now the mindset of the flesh is death, but the mindset of the Spirit is life and peace. The mindset of the flesh is hostile to God because it does not submit to God’s law. Indeed, it is unable to do so. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. You, however, are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. If anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to him. Now if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit gives life because of righteousness. And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you, then he who raised Christ from the dead will also bring your mortal bodies to life through his Spirit who lives in you.

The Desires of the Flesh vs. the Desires of the Spirit

Look at chart

Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on the desires of the flesh, which lead to death.

Their attitude towards God is one of hostility, and they do not submit to his law.

They are unable to please God, for they are controlled by their sinful nature. Slave to Sin

In contrast, those who live according to the spirit have their minds set on the desires of the spirit, which lead to life and peace.

They have a receptive attitude towards God, and they seek to fulfill his law.

They are able to submit to God's law because the Spirit of God dwells within them, empowering them to live according to his will.

This reminds me of the old story. You probably know it.

One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people.

He said, "My son, the battle is between two "wolves" inside us all.

One is Evil. It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.

The other is good. It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith."

The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather: "Which wolf wins?"

The old Cherokee simply replied, "The one you feed."

If we constantly feed our flesh, the desires of the flesh will grow stronger and eventually overpower us.

But if we feed our spirit by setting our minds on the things of the Spirit, the desires of the spirit will prevail.

Fixing Our Minds on What is Good

Philippians 4:8 CSB

Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable—if there is any moral excellence and if there is anything praiseworthy—dwell on these things.

The apostle Paul gives us a practical guide for directing our thoughts in Philippians 4:8: "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."

When we fix our minds on these things, we are nourishing our spirit and starving our flesh.

We are choosing to focus on the desires of the Spirit, which lead to life and peace, rather than the desires of the flesh, which lead to death.

Next Steps

The choice between the flesh and the spirit is a daily one, and the outcome of this battle will determine the trajectory of our lives.

Will we live according to the flesh, with minds set on the desires of the flesh and an attitude of hostility towards God?

Or will we live according to the Spirit, with minds set on the desires of the Spirit and a receptive attitude towards God?

The decision is ours to make. May we choose to feed our spirit, fixing our minds on what is good and true, so that the Spirit of God may empower us to live according to his will and experience the life and peace he promises.

Bibliography

 Kenneth Boa and William Kruidenier, Romans, vol. 6, Holman New Testament Commentary (Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2000).

Bruce, F. F. The Letter of Paul to the Romans, An Introduction and Commentary. The Tyndale New Testament Commentaries. Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, and Leicester, England: InterVarsity Press, 1985.

The phrase “who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit” appears in Romans 8:1 in the KJV. Because it appears only in later Greek manuscripts, and is identical to the same phrase in verse 4, most commentators agree that the phrase in verse 1 is a copyist’s error and should not be included in the text. The commentary by Boice gives a helpful explanation of how the error could have been made (Boice, 2:792).11 Kenneth Boa and William Kruidenier, Romans, vol. 6, Holman New Testament Commentary (Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2000), 248.

Social Media Outline

Feed the Spirit, Starve the Flesh

Romans 8:1-11

Summary: In Romans 8:1-11, Paul contrasts life according to the flesh with life according to the Spirit, emphasizing the freedom and transformation that comes through submission to the Spirit.

Application: This passage encourages Christians to resist the temptations of the flesh by seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit in their daily lives. It reminds believers that true freedom and victory over sin come from walking in the Spirit.

Teaching: This sermon teaches that as Christians, we have been set free from the power of sin through the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. By choosing to align our lives with the Spirit instead of the flesh, we experience true transformation and empowerment in our Christian walk.

How this passage could point to Christ: The theme of walking in the Spirit and putting to death the deeds of the flesh points to Christ as the ultimate example of obedience to the Father. Jesus, through His life, death, and resurrection, made it possible for believers to experience new life and freedom in the Spirit.

Big Idea: Choosing to feed the Spirit and starve the flesh leads to true freedom and transformation in the Christian life, ultimately pointing us to Christ as our example and source of victory over sin.

Recommended Study: In preparing this sermon, explore the concept of 'walking in the Spirit' in depth using resources in Logos. Look into the historical and cultural context of Paul's teachings on the flesh and the Spirit in Romans. Additionally, delve into commentaries that provide insights into the practical implications of living by the Spirit in our modern world.

1. Freedom Found in the Spirit

Romans 8:1-4

You could emphasize how Romans 8:1-4 introduces believers to the life-giving freedom found in the Spirit as opposed to the death-bringing nature of the flesh. Highlight how this section lays the foundation for understanding that through Christ's sacrifice, believers are empowered to live in the Spirit, which is the beginning of true transformation and freedom from sin's grasp.

2. Flesh vs. Spirit: Choices and Consequences

Romans 8:5-8

Perhaps focus on Romans 8:5-8 to discuss the contrast between those who live according to the flesh and those who live according to the Spirit. This point might explore the mindset and outcomes of both ways of life, encouraging listeners to reflect on their own lives and the importance of nourishing the Spirit within to cultivate life and peace, reflecting Christ's own life and priorities.

3. Spirit's Power: Guaranteeing Life

Romans 8:9-11

Maybe delve into Romans 8:9-11 to underscore the assurance of the Spirit's indwelling in believers, which guarantees life despite the reality of physical death. This section could highlight how the Spirit's presence in us connects directly to Christ's resurrection, assuring us of our future resurrection and the ongoing process of sanctification, portraying Christ's victory over sin and death as our source of hope and power for living a Spirit-led life.

Questions??

What is the main message of Romans 8 according to the sermon?

Why is it emphasized in the sermon that believers are free from the law of sin and death?

What is the significance of the contrast between living according to the flesh and living according to the spirit in Romans 8 as explained in the sermon?

According to the sermon, what choice must believers make daily in the battle between the flesh and the spirit?

How does the story of the two wolves shared in the sermon illustrate the internal battle between the flesh and the spirit?

How can believers practically feed their spirit and starve their flesh, based on the sermon's teachings?

What does it mean to fix our minds on what is good and true as mentioned in the sermon, and how can this practice impact our spiritual life?

In what ways can believers apply the concept of choosing to live according to the Spirit in their daily lives, as discussed in the sermon?

How can believers seek the empowerment of the Holy Spirit in order to live according to God's will as suggested in the sermon?

Reflecting on the sermon, what steps can believers take to overcome the desires of the flesh and walk in the Spirit on a daily basis?

How can understanding the freedom found in the Spirit, as outlined in Romans 8:1-4, impact the way believers live out their faith?

What practical changes can believers make in their mindset and daily choices to align more with living according to the Spirit rather than the flesh, based on the sermon?

How can believers rely on the power of the Spirit within them, as discussed in Romans 8:9-11, to face challenges and live out their faith in a world filled with temptations?

In light of the sermon's teachings on the battle between the flesh and the spirit, what actionable steps can believers take to ensure they are feeding their spirit and not their flesh in their daily lives?

Based on the sermon's emphasis on the importance of choosing to live according to the Spirit, how can believers strengthen their spiritual walk and grow in their relationship with God?

In your school environment, when tempted to cheat or lie to avoid consequences, remember that true victory over sin comes from walking in the Spirit. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you make wise choices and trust that obeying Him leads to genuine freedom and blessings.

During youth group meetings at church, when feeling pressured to conform to worldly standards or peer influences that go against your Christian beliefs, remember that true freedom comes from walking in the Spirit. Seek the Holy Spirit's guidance through prayer and Scripture to stand firm in your faith.

In your interactions on social media or in public settings, when tempted to engage in gossip, slander, or negativity, remind yourself that true victory over sin comes from walking in the Spirit. Seek the Holy Spirit's help to speak words of kindness and encouragement, reflecting the love and grace of Jesus in all your interactions.

In your daily life at home, when faced with temptations of the flesh, such as anger or impatience, take a moment to pause and ask the Holy Spirit for guidance. Surrender your emotions to Him and seek His peace and wisdom in handling the situation.