Is it the flesh or the Spirit, the old or the new nature, corruption or grace that guides our steps? We make provisions for which of these, and we are governed by which of them?
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. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.Romans 8:5-8 KJV
The unrenewed will is unable to keep any commandment fully. And the law, besides outward duties, requires inward obedience.
The favour of God, the welfare of the soul, the concerns of eternity, are the things of the Spirit, which those that are after the Spirit do mind.
Which way do our thoughts move with most pleasure? Which way go our plans and contrivances? Are we most wise for the world, or for our souls?
But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.Romans 8:9-10 KJV
This passage of scripture reminds us of the two categories of men: those who are ruled by the Holy Spirit and those who are controlled by their sinful nature.
If Jesus hadn't shown us a way out, we'd all be in the first category. We will want to continue following Jesus once we have said yes to him because His way provides life and peace. We must make a conscious decision to focus our life on God on a daily basis.
Find God's instructions in the Bible and then follow them. Ask yourself, "What does Jesus want me to do?" in every puzzling scenario. Do what the Holy Spirit tells you to do when he shows you what God wants you to do.
And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.Ephesians 4:23-24 KJV
We have fully abandoned our previous way of life, which we followed before coming to faith in Christ. As a result, we should discard sin, humiliation, and remorse as though they were old clothes. Accepting Christ's gift of salvation (Ephesians 2:8-10) necessitates a once-for-all decision as well as a daily, mindful commitment.
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.Ephesians 2:8-10 KJV
Since you now believe that Jesus Christ is God’s Son and that eternal life comes through him alone (1 John 4:9):
In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.1 John 4:9 KJV
- You will begin to act as Christ directs (Romans 8:5; Galatians 5:22-23);
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.Romans 8:5 KJV
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.Galatians 5:22-23 KJV
2. You will find help in your daily problems and in your praying (Romans 8:26-27);
Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.Romans 8:26-27 KJV
3. You will be empowered to serve God and do his will (Acts 1:8; Romans 12:6-21);
But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.Acts 1:8 KJV
Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching;Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness. Romans 12:6-8 KJV
Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.Romans 12:9-13 KJV
Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. Romans 12:14:17 KJV
If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.Romans 12:18-21 KJV
4. And you will become part of God’s plan to build up his church (Ephesians 4:12-13).
For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:Ephesians 4:12-13 KJV
Real life and peace is found in Jesus alone. To be spiritually minded is Life and Peace.
Read the full article
