People of the Flesh vs. People of the Spirit (Romans 8:5-16)

 

People of the Flesh vs. People of the Spirit (Romans 8:5-16)

 

8:5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the spirit set their minds on the things of the spirit.

8:6 For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the spirit is life and peace.

8:7 For the carnal mind is hostile to God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be;

8:8 And they which are in the flesh cannot please God.

8:9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if the Spirit of God dwell in you: and if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His.

8:10 But if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.

8:11 But if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.

8:12 So then, brothers, we are obligated not to the flesh to live according to the flesh.

8:13 For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.

8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.

8:15 For you did not receive a spirit of slavery again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship, by which we cry, “Abba, Father.”

8:16 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.

 

Aspect	People of the Flesh	Related Verses	People of the Spirit	Related Verses
Definition & Characteristics	Mind set on flesh, self-centered, self-reliant	8:5a	Mind set on Spirit, God-centered, Spirit-dependent	8:5b
Life State	Death, separation from God, no peace	8:6a,13a	Life, peace, communion with God	8:6b,13b
Relationship with God	Hostile to God, cannot please God, without Christ's Spirit	8:7-8	Children of God, led by Spirit, cry "Abba Father"	8:14-16
Life Manifestations	• Disobedient to God's law • Self-willed • Under law's bondage • Full of fear • Self-righteous	8:7-8,15a	• Obedient to Spirit's leading • Put to death evil deeds • Living in grace's freedom • Confident • Humble and trusting	8:13b,14,15b
Inner Reality	• Cannot submit to God • Bound by flesh • Living in slavery	8:7b,8,15a	• Led by Spirit • Set free • Living in sonship	8:14,15b
Outcome	• Will die • Eternal separation from God	8:13a	• Will live • Body redeemed	8:11,13b
Practical Application	Need to: • Recognize condition • Admit helplessness • Turn to Christ	All verses	Must: • Submit to Spirit • Renew mind • Live as sons	All verses
Key Reminders	1. Watch for weakness 2. Recognize flesh's danger 3. No obligation to flesh	8:12-13	1. Maintain spiritual freedom 2. Keep trusting God 3. Live as God's children	8:14-16

 

Overall Conclusions:

1.      One can only live in one of these two states

2.      Focus of mind is key (8:5-6)

3.      Transformation depends on Christ's Spirit dwelling within (8:9-11)

4.      Victory comes through the Spirit putting to death deeds of body (8:13)

5.      Continual mind renewal, living as God's children (8:14-16)

Summary of core scriptures:

• 8:4 - The righteousness of the law is fulfilled in those who walk in the Spirit

• 8:5-6 - The focus of the mind determines the direction of life

• 8:9-11 - The indwelling Holy Spirit brings about a life-changing experience

• 8:13 - By the Spirit we put to death the deeds of the body and gain life

• 8:14-16 - The Holy Spirit leads into God's childhood

 

*Please refer to the July 2024 Anaheim, California, USA training Experiencing, Enjoying and Manifesting Christ (II) Week 14 Christ as the Liberator and the One Who Makes Us More Than a Victor