Rom 8:5 For they that are after the flesh mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.
Rom 8:6 For the mind of the flesh is death; but the mind of the Spirit is life and peace:
Flesh or Spirit
The crucial choice that believers in Christ face day by day is between living by the flesh or living by the Spirit.
"Those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit." When a Christian deals with life by his flesh, he typically thinks about "what I want out of my life" or "what I can accomplish with my life." Conversely, when a Christian deals with life by the Spirit, he typically thinks about "what God wants for my life" or "what God can accomplish through my life."
The result of either carnal living is "death" (spiritual deadness). On the other hand, when a follower of Jesus sets his mind on heavenly matters, he will be considering issues of humility ("how much I need the Lord") or faith ("how great the Lord is"). The results of such spiritual thoughts are "life and peace" (spiritual vitality and spiritual tranquility).
Another analysis of these two options can be seen in the contrast between the "works of the flesh" and the "fruit of the Spirit." When we put our hope in our own flesh this produces deeds such as "adultery, fornication, uncleanness, licentiousness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like" Gal. 5: 19-21
But when we place our expectations upon the Lord, His Spirit brings forth through us fruit like "love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control" (Gal.5:22-23).
Consider this fundamental truth. These "flesh-Spirit" choices are what all of us will face every day of our lives. The fact is, that God only offers two options for every issue of life; "live according to the flesh" or "live according to the Spirit."
Be Blessed;
Submitted by:
"...NO GOOD THING WILL HE WITHHOLD FROM THEM THAT WALK UPRIGHTLY" PSALMS 84:11
EVANG. ETHEL L. BUCHANAN
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