Aug 25, 2019
Originally Presented: July 15, 2007
Romans 8:5-11
There is a great contrast being drawn in this passage between a Christian and an unbeliever. The repeated word used to describe unbelievers is 'flesh' and the repeated word used to describe Christians is 'Spirit'. The word 'flesh' here refers to that which is earthly, temporal, and corrupted by sin. The word 'Spirit' refers to the Holy Spirit.
There is a progressive dynamic revealed in the wording of these verses. An unbeliever is, first, "according to the flesh" (Rom 8:5), meaning his basic, moral condition is governed by the corruption of sin. This is a reference to his nature.
Second, an unbeliever "sets his mind on the things of the flesh" (Rom 8:5), meaning that his thought patterns and values are bent toward that which is earthly, temporal, and corrupted by sin. There is, in his thinking, a hostility toward God and spiritual things (Rom 8:7). This is death (Rom 8:6). It not only leads to death, but it is death. It is a living spiritual death.
Third, an unbeliever "walks according to the flesh" (Rom 8:4). This refers to his way of life. His words and actions reflect his nature and his thinking.
This same dynamic, seen in the same wording, can be seen in Christian. They are "according to the Spirit" (Rom 8:5) and they "set their minds on the things of the Spirit" (Rom 8:5) and they "walk according to the Spirit" (Rom 8:4).
This is made possible by the fact that Christians are indwelt by the Holy Spirit (Rom 8:9). The verb here is 'indwelling'. Paul could have simply said, "The Spirit is in you," but he uses a word indicating closeness and intimacy. There is delight and wonder in the truth that the omnipotent, almighty Spirit of God dwells within us. It is strength-giving and comfort-producing.