Author : Elmer Moore (deceased)
reprinted by permission from Truth Magazine.
We must keep in mind that the Apostle Paul is presenting a contrast here in the eighth chapter of Romans. A contrast presents opposites and we will endeavor to consider these opposites. You will note that, in verses six and seven, he identifies the result of following the wrong director in the contrast. He describes one as death and enmity, and the other as life and peace. Death is the exact opposite of life and enmity is the exact opposite of peace. I don’t see how anyone could miss this obvious contrast.
In Romans chapter eight and verse five the Apostle Paul begins to identify the conduct that results from the two directors identified in verse four. He declares that “they that are after the flesh,” (i.e. walking after the flesh), “mind the things of the flesh.” The word “mind” suggests, “to think, to be minded in a certain way” (W.E. Vine. 752). The English definition is “To attend to or regard with submission; to obey” (Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary). This man is submitting to, or obeying the desires of the flesh. He is doing what he wants to do. Likewise, the apostle declares “they that are after the Spirit” (i.e., walking after the Spirit), “mind the things of the Spirit” (the word “mind” is implied by the contrast). This man is submitting to, or obeying the law of the Spirit, the gospel of Christ.
Paul declares in verse six, “for the mind of the flesh” (i.e., the one walking after the flesh or, minding the things of the flesh) “is death; but the mind of the Spirit” (i.e., walking after the Spirit or, minding the things of the Spirit) “is life and peace.” He is saying that the man who is minding the things of the flesh is in a state of spiritual death (8:7); the man who is walking after the Spirit is in a state of spiritual life and peace. The word “peace” is defined to mean “set at one again” (Strong’s). Literally, he is in a right relationship with God and thus is walking as God’s word directs.
Paul explains, in verse seven, why the man who is walking after the flesh is in a state of The word a (Webster). is capable of more that one meaning. It may mean to be amenable, answerable to or, of being under the power and dominion of another. It may also mean to be in submission, or subordinate to. For example, a man is arrested and put into jail because he was subject to the laws of the land. Someone replies: no he is in jail because he was not subject to the law of the land. Both are correct. He is in jail because he was answerable to the law of the land. He was in jail because he was insubordinate to the law of the land. The passage shows that the man was insubordinate to God’s law. He was at enmity with God; in a state of opposition to God’s law, to the law of the Spirit.
Paul declares, “neither indeed can he be.” Here is a man who is totally devoted to satisfying his own desires. While a man is in that state of mind he will never be subject to God’s will. He is only interested in satisfying his own desires. I do not believe that the statement implies that he cannot change his attitude; but it is declaring that he cannot live only for the things that pleases himself and be in subjection to God at the same time.
