English
Português
Español
Français
Answer
Romans 8:5–6 compares two ways of thinking and living: “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. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace” (NKJV).
There is a significant distinction between individuals who live life in the flesh and those who live life in the Spirit. Unbelievers live in the flesh. They “have their minds set on what the flesh desires” «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. », (Romans 8:5) and live to fulfill these desires. This lifestyle is known as being carnally minded, and it leads to death. Conversely, Christians live a life “in accordance with the Spirit” and have their minds “set on what the Spirit desires.” A life guided by the Spirit “brings life and peace” «For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. », (Romans 8:6).
Being carnally, or fleshly, minded means having a “mind controlled by the flesh” «For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. », (Romans 8:6), living to satisfy one’s fleshly desires. A carnally minded individual seeks to gratify the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life «For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. », (1 John 2:16). The unbeliever does not realize the consequences of this way of living.That seeking to fulfill these longings is an empty pursuit that can never satisfy and ultimately leads to condemnation and death. A focus on the flesh—our sinful, selfish desires—feeds the corrupt human nature and naturally leads to death. “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 6:23). And “those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God” “So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.” (Romans 8:8).
There are only two directions our life can take. Being carnally minded is death, but a life in the Spirit is life and peace. When a person trusts in Christ for salvation, he or she is given the Spirit of God and has a “mind governed by the Spirit” “For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.” (Romans 8:6). Christians have repented of their carnal desires and should be filled with the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to have full control. Life in the Spirit and following God’s ways brings abundant life and peace. The believer has the promise of eternal life and peace with God for all eternity.
It is possible for a Christian to be carnal for a time. However, for a true Christian, carnality will only be a lapse; he will not remain carnal for a lifetime. A true Christian is a new creation “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17), seeks to live for God in all he does “and whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.”(Colossians 3:23), and bears fruit (James 2:14-26; John 15:16). The Spirit who lives in believers is the same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead. This changes our life for eternity but also gives us life “to the full” here on earth “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.”, (John 10:10). To be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded—living by God’s Spirit—is life and peace.
A true Christian keeps his or her mind focused on the things of the Spirit. A believer’s mind is set on the things above, not on earthly things “Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.”, (Colossians 3:2). Christians are no longer on the path that leads to death; instead, they are sealed with the Holy Spirit and seek to live by the Spirit’s desires. They are permanently on the path that is life and peace.
