Life in the Spirit
For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. Rom 8:5
do mind the... Greek: phroneo, set affections on. Here; Rom. 12:3, 12:16; 14:6; 15:5; Col. 3:2. Those who set their affections on the sins of the flesh of Gal. 5:19-21; 1Cor. 6:9-11; Col. 3:5-10; Rom. 1:29-32; Mark 7:19-21 will naturally fulfill them (Jas. 1:13-15). Those who set their affections on the things of the Spirit of Gal. 5:22-23; 1Cor. 12:4-11; Col. 3:12-14 will naturally fulfill them and such will not commit sin.
We cannot be flesh man and spirit man both. One spirit will rule. In other words, we cannot keep one foot in the world and one foot in heaven.
When it speaks of “the flesh”, this is referring to unbelievers. Here this is speaking of a basic orientation of the mind. A mindset that includes one’s affections, mental processes, and will.
Paul’s point here is that unbelievers’ basic disposition is to satisfy the cravings of their unredeemed flesh.
When scripture speaks of “they that are after the Spirit” is simply speaking of believers.
In these verses Paul will answer the implied question, What does it mean to live according to the sinful nature and according to the Spirit? He explained that the former means having their minds set on (phronousin, pres. tense, “keep on being mindful of or aspiring for”) what that nature desires. An unbeliever cares only for his sinful interests and has no regard for God. The exact opposite is true of those who live according to the Spirit. They aspire for or have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The sinful nature and the indwelling Spirit are in conflict (Gal. 5:17).
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