Romans 8:5-17

The Contrast Between Flesh And Spirit Is Considered, Leading Up To The Assurance Of Life Through The Triune God And A Declaration Of Our Sonship And Heirship (8:5-17).  Reference to ‘walking not after the flesh but after the Spirit' now leads on to a deeper examination of what it means to be responsive to the Spirit in contrast with the flesh. It is the battle of Galatians 5:16 ff. continued, with the Spirit and flesh being in constant opposition. This contrast is prominent verse by verse in Romans 8:5. With reference to ‘the flesh' we note that:

· Those who are after the flesh mind the things of the flesh (v5).

· The mind of the flesh is death (v6).

· The mind of the flesh is enmity against God (v. 7).

· Those who are in the flesh cannot please God (v. 8).

· Their body is dead because of sin (v. 10).

· Living after the flesh they must die (v. 13).

This is the condition in which the world find themselves. Because they are fleshly their concentration is on fleshly things, an attitude which results in death both in this world and that which is to come (contrary to popular belief they are not going to Heaven). It also results in enmity against God, and their being in a position whereby they are unable to please Him. They are at odds with God. Note the constant emphasis on death. That is all that awaits those who are in the flesh. Their state is a parlous one indeed.

In contrast is the life of the Spirit:

· Those who are after the Spirit mind the things of the Spirit (v5).

· The mind of the Spirit is life and peace (v6).

· The indwelling Spirit is life because of righteousness (v. 10).

· He Who raised up Christ Jesus from the dead will give life also to your mortal bodies through his Spirit which dwells in you (v11).

· If by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live (v. 13).

· As many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God (v. 14).

Here we note immediately the emphasis on life (eternal life). To have the mind of the Spirit is life. To have the Spirit indwelling is life. God will give life to our mortal bodies. If by the Spirit we put to death the deeds of the body we will live. If we are led by the Spirit of God we are the sons of God (and will thus be alive forevermore). Through the Spirit we therefore enjoy ‘eternal life' both now and after the resurrection (John 5:24; John 5:28).