Prepare – Romans 8:5-8
Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God.
Devotional
Our minds are set on either what the flesh desires or what the spirit desires. In these few verses, Paul is bringing to light our two natures and how our mind is in line with one or the other. We learn elsewhere in scripture that our words and actions reflect what we allow our minds to “intake.” The battle of the two natures is ongoing. If we let our guard down and get lazy, we will give into fleshly desires. It takes effort and discipline to protect our minds from all of the garbage we are bombarded with.
In the last part of verse 5, Paul says, “those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.” What Paul is saying here is, as a believer we need to be constantly pursuing what the Spirit desires. Each day we must commit our minds, as we present our bodies as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1-2) to the Lord and ask for His help. Those who live according to the Spirit are living a life that falls within the boundaries of what the Spirit desires, or as Paul says, have their minds set on what the spirit desires.
Our intake affects our mind. Our mind affects our life. Check to see if your mind is currently being governed more by the flesh or the Spirit.
~ Pastor Andy Veith
Praise
Watch and listen to “Jesus Paid It All” by Newsboys and “Forgiven” by Crowder.
