How does Romans 8:7 describe the mindset of the flesh toward God? Text of Romans 8:7 “because the mind of the flesh is hostile toward God. It does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so.” What the Verse Says, Phrase by Phrase • “the mind of the flesh” – the natural outlook governed by sinful nature rather than the Spirit • “is hostile toward God” – not neutral, but actively opposed, at enmity • “does not submit to God’s law” – refuses obedience to His revealed will • “nor can it do so” – lacks the ability; bondage to sin makes submission impossible without divine intervention Key Descriptions of the Fleshly Mindset 1. Hostile: an adversarial stance toward God’s character, authority, and purposes 2. Rebellious: unwilling to bow to God’s moral standard 3. Powerless: incapable of self-reform or pleasing God through human effort Why the Flesh Cannot Submit • Inherited sin nature (Psalm 51:5) keeps the heart bent away from God. • Spiritual blindness (1 Corinthians 2:14) prevents understanding or welcoming divine truth. • Serving sin as master (John 8:34) leaves no capacity to serve righteousness. Connecting Scriptures • Jeremiah 17:9 – “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure.” • Ephesians 2:1-3 – describes being “dead in trespasses,” “following the desires of the flesh,” and “children of wrath.” • Colossians 1:21 – “Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil deeds.” • James 4:4 – friendship with the world equals enmity with God. Contrast with the Spirit-Led Mind • Romans 8:6 – “the mind of the Spirit is life and peace.” • Galatians 5:22-23 – Spirit produces love, joy, self-control, against which there is no law. • 2 Corinthians 5:17 – in Christ, a person becomes “a new creation.” Takeaway for Believers • Only the Holy Spirit can replace hostility with love for God. • Regeneration changes capacity; sanctification changes conduct. • Daily dependence on the Spirit keeps us from slipping back into flesh-driven thinking (Galatians 5:16). |
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