"For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace."
Romans 8:6
Part 3
Yesterday:
“But to be spiritually minded.”
The spiritual mind is the reverse of the carnal mind after God has stepped in and made eternal changes.
Today:
Minding the “things of the Spirit” brings blessings to God’s child.
“Is life.”
Life is being spiritually-minded, the inverse of being carnally minded.
“‘Life’ is to be taken in its full sense, in contrast with ‘death’…” [1]
“For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh,” that is death! (Romans 8:5a).
“But they that are after the Spirit, [do mind] the things of the Spirit” – that is life! (Romans 8:5b)
“For to possess and cultivate the graces of the spirit, to be led where he would guide us, is the design of our existence, and is the only path of happiness”[2] (Barnes).
“For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death” (Romans 8:2).
“And peace.”
Not only does our Savior provide life for believers, but also peace with God as well! Only Jesus’ sacrifice could do this for us.
“Therefore, being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1).
In the next verse (v. 7), after our verse for today (Romans 8:6), Paul speaks of those with carnal minds, using the word “enmity.” These have no life in them, and neither do they have any peace with God. They are “enemies,” full of “hostility” and “hatred” toward God. Their only hope for reconciliation (peace) with God is through a relationship with His Son.
Please take note:
The carnal mind is an enemy of God, and it is dead.
But the spiritual mind is life and peace with God!
Dear sinner, will you stop fighting God and turn to Him in faith. Repent of your sin and cry out for Him to save you.
Quote: “We have all things and abound; not because I have a good store of money in the bank, not because I have skill and wit with which to win my bread, but because the Lord is my shepherd”[3] (Spurgeon).
[1] Popular New Testament, A Popular Commentary on the New Testament, the electronic version in eSword.
[2] Albert Barnes, Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible, the electronic version in eSword.
[3] Spurgeon’s quote. Downloaded: Monday, June 29, 2020.
From: https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/spiritual-life/inspiring-quotes/20-powerful-quotes-from-charles-spurgeon.html.