A Study of Romans (33)

The Book of Romans 2. Opposition to the Spirit (Romans 8:5–8)

Paul feels we will understand “walking after the Spirit” better if he clarifies the contrast between those who live thus and those who live by the flesh, in enmity toward God, opposed to spiritual things. This he does by comparing the two “minds.”

Sinner

What is Paul meaning when he talks about the “carnal mind”

The Book of Romans The Mind of the Sinner (Verses 5–8)

Mind means attitude, way of thinking, outlook, philosophy of life.

The Book of Romans The Mind of the Sinner (Verses 5–8)

Carnal, as we have seen, means fleshly.

Now remember in chapter 7 Paul shared about his “carnal” desire;

How he did things he should not and did not do the things he should even though he was a devout - zealous - follower of Christ;

Yet here he is talking about “this carnal mind” or the sinner specifically that has no relationship with Christ;

Know this is the opposite of chapter 7 and Paul’s desire to follow Christ and being derailed by his fleshly desires;

So what does he mean by “the carnal mind”;

The Book of Romans The Mind of the Sinner (Verses 5–8)

But here “the carnal mind” refers to the one whose inner man is dominated by the impulses of the flesh, thus clearly the sinner. The expression “the carnal mind” refers to the same people as those who “walk after the flesh” (8:1, 4), who “are after the flesh” (8:5), who “are in the flesh” (8:8).

So let’s break down these verse from the perspective of the sinner;

The Book of Romans The Mind of the Sinner (Verses 5–8)

He “minds” the things of the flesh (verse 5). This means he is interested in and attached to fleshly things.

The Book of Romans The Mind of the Sinner (Verses 5–8)

He is dead (verse 6). This probably refers both to present spiritual death and to the destined eternal death.

The Book of Romans The Mind of the Sinner (Verses 5–8)

He is an enemy of God (verse 7). This shows that a sinner is meant.

Romans 5:10

Romans 5:10 NKJV

10 For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.

The Book of Romans The Mind of the Sinner (Verses 5–8)

He is not subject to God’s law (verse 7). He does not submit to or observe that law, nor can be.

The Book of Romans The Mind of the Sinner (Verses 5–8)

He displeases God (verse 8). Indeed, he cannot please God, considering his enslavement to flesh. Even his attempts at right doing are like filthy rags in God’s eyes (Isaiah 64:6)

Isaiah 64:6

Isaiah 64:6 NKJV

6 But we are all like an unclean thing, And all our righteousnesses are like filthy rags; We all fade as a leaf, And our iniquities, like the wind, Have taken us away.

So as we see the sinner has no concern or desire to seek God,

Saint

The Book of Romans The Mind of the Saint (Verses 5–8)

Again, throughout these verses “the spiritual mind” is repeatedly set in contrast to “the carnal mind.” This “spiritual mind” is that which is possessed by the Christian.

At the point of true conversion, accepting of Jesus Christ as savior, there should a change - even if it slow - to step away from your old self;

Why, because you become a new creation, with a new direction, with a new owner who is Christ;

At this point there should be a desire to walk to the Spirit and to be in the Spirit;

Now I get that this can be challenging to say the least for many reasons;

The Book of Romans The Mind of the Saint (Verses 5–8)

He “minds” the things of the Spirit (verse 5). He is interested in and pursues spiritual things.

The Book of Romans The Mind of the Saint (Verses 5–8)

He has life (verse 6). He has been raised from spiritual death by the regeneration of the Spirit. He is spiritually alive and destined for eternal life.

The Book of Romans The Mind of the Saint (Verses 5–8)

He has peace (verse 6). This is in contrast to the “enmity” in the heart of the sinner. He is at peace with God (Romans 5:1) and thus has peace within.

Romans 5:1

Romans 5:1 NKJV

1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

The Book of Romans The Mind of the Saint (Verses 5–8)

He is subject to God’s law. Paul does not state this, but the contrast in verse 7 implies it. Romans 7:22 actually stated it, as did 7:25.

Romans 7:22

Romans 7:22 NKJV

22 For I delight in the law of God according to the inward man.

Romans 7:25

Romans 7:25 NKJV

25 I thank God—through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, with the mind I myself serve the law of God, but with the flesh the law of sin.

The Book of Romans The Mind of the Saint (Verses 5–8)

He pleases God. Again, the contrast implies this (verse 8). When a desire for righteousness comes from the heart, God is pleased. Such desires, when genuine, are motivated by the Holy Spirit, not by self-centered (fleshly) impulses.

Therefore the saint has a concern and a desire to serve Christ.

Conflict

So this were the conflict comes in, based on these points of view, to serve or not to serve that is the question;

Now this truly boils down to a heart issue - have you completely opened up your heart to completely follow Christ;

Or are you still playing games or fooling yourself;

Which direction is your comfort direction?