What does "walk not according to the flesh" mean for modern believers? Setting Romans 8:4 in Context “so that the righteous standard of the law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.” Paul contrasts two paths: living under the old, sin-dominated nature (“the flesh”) or under the indwelling Holy Spirit. What “the Flesh” Means • Not merely the physical body, but the fallen, self-centered nature inherited from Adam (Romans 7:18). • A mindset shaped by desires opposed to God—pride, sensuality, self-reliance, rebellion (Galatians 5:19-21). • An operating system that produces death and hostility toward God (Romans 8:6-7). Why Refusing the Flesh Matters Today • God’s law is fulfilled in us only as we abandon the flesh and submit to the Spirit (Romans 8:4). • The flesh still pulls believers toward envy, impurity, anger, materialism, and man-centered solutions. • Left unchecked, it stifles prayer, quenches joy, and undermines witness. Marks of Walking According to the Spirit • Mindset shift: “the mind of the Spirit is life and peace” (Romans 8:6). • Power to defeat sin: “by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body” (Romans 8:13). • Evident fruit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). • Growing likeness to Christ: “put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4:24). Practical Daily Applications 1. Feed the new nature • Regular Scripture intake (Psalm 119:11). • Saturate mind with truth, not flesh-fueling media (Philippians 4:8). 2. Rely on the Spirit’s power • Consciously invite His control each morning (Ephesians 5:18). • Surrender immediate desires when temptations arise (1 Corinthians 10:13). 3. Starve the old nature • Cut off known triggers—websites, music, relationships—that inflame lust, greed, bitterness (Colossians 3:5). • Replace with Spirit-driven activities—service, worship, fellowship. 4. Stay accountable • Share struggles with mature believers (James 5:16). • Welcome correction; the flesh hates exposure, the Spirit welcomes light. Helpful Cross-References • Romans 6:11-13 – “consider yourselves dead to sin… do not present your members to sin.” • 2 Corinthians 10:3 – “For though we live in the flesh, we do not wage war according to the flesh.” • 1 John 2:15-17 – loving the world fosters the lust of the flesh; doing God’s will abides forever. Encouragement for Modern Believers The command is not a burden but a liberation. The Spirit who raised Jesus now lives in us (Romans 8:11). Moment by moment, He enables attitudes, choices, and actions that reflect heaven rather than fallen humanity. Rejecting the flesh is both a decisive stance and an everyday rhythm, shaping us into people who display the righteous life God always intended. |
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