What is the meaning of Romans 8:5? Those who live according to the flesh “Those who live according to the flesh” describes people whose everyday choices are ruled by fallen human nature. Paul has already pictured this life in Romans 7:5—“For when we lived according to the flesh, the passions of sin…were at work in our bodies.” The word “live” points to a settled lifestyle, not a slip-up. • Ephesians 2:1-3 shows the same pattern: walking “in the passions of our flesh.” • Galatians 5:19-21 lists the visible “works of the flesh,” reminding us that unchecked flesh always produces tangible sin. • John 3:6 contrasts what is “born of the flesh” with what is “born of the Spirit,” underscoring the impossibility of the flesh pleasing God. Set their minds on the things of the flesh Mind-setting is deliberate focus. It’s the compass that directs the whole life. To “set” the mind on fleshly things is to let desires, ambitions, and values orbit around self. • Philippians 3:18-19 speaks of some who “set their minds on earthly things,” with their “god” being their stomach. • 1 John 2:16 identifies “the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life” as the playground of the world system. • Colossians 3:2 warns believers to “set your minds on things above, not on earthly things,” highlighting the danger of settling for lesser pursuits. Left unchecked, this mindset dulls spiritual perception and drifts toward death (Romans 8:6). But those who live according to the Spirit A sharp contrast: “but.” Life under the Holy Spirit’s leadership is the opposite of flesh-dominated existence. The Spirit indwells every believer (Romans 8:9) and empowers a brand-new walk. • Galatians 5:16-18 encourages, “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” • 2 Corinthians 5:17 reminds us that “if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation,” pointing to the Spirit’s transforming work. • Ephesians 5:8 calls former darkness-dwellers to “walk as children of light,” a Spirit-enabled lifestyle. Set their minds on the things of the Spirit Spirit-led people intentionally aim their thoughts toward what pleases God. This is not passive; it’s an ongoing, conscious choice. • Philippians 4:8 frames the target: “whatever is true, whatever is honorable…think on these things.” • Galatians 5:22-25 shows the fruit that grows when the mind is Spirit-set—love, joy, peace, and more. • Colossians 3:16 urges, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly,” linking Spirit focus with Scripture saturation. Practical outworking: – Treasuring God’s Word so it reshapes priorities. – Choosing worship over worry when pressures mount. – Serving others because the Spirit’s agenda is always love (Romans 5:5). summary Romans 8:5 draws a clear line between two ways of life. A flesh-ruled person naturally gravitates toward self-centered desires, leading to spiritual barrenness. A Spirit-led person, indwelt and energized by God, deliberately fixes the mind on God’s values, producing fruit that endures. The verse invites every believer to let the Spirit guide both inner thoughts and outward actions, living in the freedom and life that Christ secured. |
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