Not in the Flesh (Romans 8:7-9)
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I’m really excited about the next three months of preaching. We’re going to be in Romans chapter 8 for the rest of the year. This chapter is packed full of encouraging truth. I preached on the first 6 verses the third week I was here, so I’d like to just briefly review them.
“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.” (Rom 8:1-6 ESV)
Christians still sin, but there is no condemnation for us (v. 1). God did what the law could not do. Not because the law wasn’t good. The law is perfect. It shows us how we might please God. Because our flesh is weak. We sinned once. It doesn’t matter if we obey the rest of our lives, we are still guilty under the law. The Son became sinful flesh for us, so that we might become righteous.
Christians walk according to the Spirit (v. 4). Set your mind not on the things of the flesh, which lead to death. Rather, set your mind on the Spirit, which lead to life and peace. Like reading the Word daily, in a devotional kind of way. Like being still and knowing that He’s God. Like doing good to others, not for your benefit, and not even so much for their benefit, but so that you might please God as an expression of your faith.
“For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you.” (Rom 8:7-9a ESV)
What does it mean for a person to set his mind on things of the flesh? You don’t have to be living a reckless lifestyle to be setting your mind on things of the flesh. It means to live according to the old sinful nature. It means to live in order to acquire things in this life. Striving for financial success. Doing good deeds for attention or your own benefit. It means to care more about the temporary pleasures of this life than glorifying God.
Jesus said, “Do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Yet Christians can fall into this state without even realizing it. It happens so slowly and naturally. We ought always be on guard against gradually setting our minds on things of the flesh, being sure to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness.
The text says three things about the mind that is set on the flesh (v. 6).
1. The mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God. What does it mean for a person to be hostile to God? It means that he hates God! If you live for self, you are not treating God as your Father, or your friend.
2. The mind that is set on the flesh does not submit to God’s law. Such person may seek to obey when it’s convenient, but not when there is any cost involved. Remember, the law of God is perfect. It shows us how to please God. But it also points out that we are not perfect.
3. The mind that is set on the flesh cannot submit to God’s law. When we set our minds on what we desire, we live completely contrary to God’s law. As long as we are in that state, we are being hostile, enemies to God.
Based on these three things, it follows then that those who are in the flesh cannot please God (v. 7). Those who are in the flesh, talking about those who live in order to find joy in this life apart from God, do not live by faith, and therefore do not please God. But notice how the terminology changed between these two verses.
Christians might from time to time fall under the first description. It certainly should not be our aim, and we should constantly be waging war against our sinful nature. But Christians will never again be in the flesh. Christ has washed away all our sin. We are a new creation!
You are not in the flesh! (v. 9) It sure looks like I’m in the flesh. But remember, the flesh in this passage is talking about the power of sin on us. Rather, we are in the Spirit! This means that we are not enemies of God, we are his friends! We can and do submit to God’s law. But we don’t think of His law as a burden, but as a joy! If, in fact, the Spirit of God dwells in you (v. 9).
Pastor Chris Huff has been with us since July 2009. He and his wife, Abby, have four children. Chris is originally from St. Louis, MO and even though he was raised as a city boy, he has a small town heart. Chris is all over the internet, so you can find him on Facebook, Twitter,… (read more)
