9 June 2025
“For those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit have their minds set on the things of the Spirit” (Romans 8:5, CSB).
This verse draws a line in the sand. Two kinds of people. Two kinds of mindsets. Two kinds of lives. Mark Penrith preached that “Paul draws stark contrast between two kinds of people, two mindsets, two destinies.” The Spirit and the flesh are not different paths to the same end. They are opposite roads, with opposite outcomes.
Paul begins verse 5 with the word “For.” This links the verse back to the stunning truth in Romans 8:1—“There is now no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus.” Why not? Because those who belong to Christ are no longer controlled by the flesh. Mark reminded us, “Paul declared there is no condemnation for those in Christ. No judgment. Now Paul compares a man bound to the flesh’s futility and another, freed by the Spirit’s presence.”
To “live according to the flesh” is more than just doing bad things. It means to be governed by desires that are centred on self. “Those who live according to the flesh set their mind on the things of the flesh. This is more than thoughts. It is their deepest focus. Their driving allegiance.” That’s sobering. What you constantly think about shows who or what has your heart. Is it career success? Security? Comfort? Approval?
The flesh promises satisfaction, but delivers frustration. “The things of the flesh are temporary things. Things opposed to God’s will. Pride. Greed. Lust. Self-sufficiency. They promise life. But deliver death.” Mark didn’t pull punches. Neither did Paul.
But what a contrast: “those who live according to the Spirit have their minds set on the things of the Spirit.” This is not about a spiritual upgrade. It’s transformation. “The Spirit doesn’t upgrade us from sinner 1.1 to sinner 2.0. The Spirit totally transforms us.” This is the beauty of the gospel. We are not left to guess or grind. The Spirit indwells, directs, and transforms.
Mark gave this image: “Imagine two GPS systems. One routes you toward dead ends—detours of pride, greed, and frustration. That’s the flesh. The other guides you home—to love, and joy, and peace. That’s the Spirit.” One leads to death. The other to life.
What does your daily mindset reveal? “Your mindset is not neutral. Your master determines your mindset. And your mindset, like a compass, sets your course.” So, where is your compass pointing?
Prayer:
Lord, help me set my mind on You today. Shape my thoughts by Your Spirit. Amen.
Watch the sermon here.
This devotional content is not penned by the preacher. It is derived from the sermon notes. We aim to provide bite-sized reflections throughout the week for devotion and reflection.