Romans 8:6-14 Bible Teaching

Romans 8: Carnal Mind vs. Spiritual Mind

In a recent teaching, we delved into the profound insights of Romans 8, focusing on the contrast between being carnally minded and spiritually minded. Romans 8:6 sets the stage by stating, “For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.” This verse underscores the transient nature of the carnal mind, which, while it may bring temporary pleasures, ultimately leads to an end. In contrast, a spiritually minded life aligns with eternal life and peace.

Paul further explains in Romans 8:7 that the carnal mind is hostile to God, unable to submit to His law. This hostility stems from a lack of understanding of God’s ways, often leading to mockery and ridicule of those who follow Him. The carnal mind, representing the unregenerated sinful mind, cannot comprehend the spiritual truths that are discerned only through the Spirit of God.

The teaching also highlighted the importance of love as the core of God’s law. Jesus emphasized this in Matthew 22, stating that the greatest commandments are to love God and love our neighbors. This love is not possible through the carnal mind but through the Spirit dwelling within us.

Paul reassures believers in Romans 8:9 that they are not in the flesh but in the Spirit if the Spirit of God dwells in them. This indwelling Spirit empowers believers to overcome the flesh and live a life aligned with God’s will. The Spirit that raised Christ from the dead also gives life to our mortal bodies, enabling us to live abundantly and serve God.

The teaching concluded with a reminder of our obligation as believers to live by the Spirit and not the flesh. By doing so, we bear the fruit of love, the only fruit God desires. As Paul states in Romans 8:14, “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” This call to live by the Spirit is a call to embrace our true identity in Christ and to walk in the life and peace that comes from being spiritually minded.