Journey Through The Bible
     Old Testament Reading: Jeremiah 40-42
     New Testament Reading: Romans 8

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. Now the mindset of the flesh is death, but the mindset of the Spirit is life and peace (Romans 8:5-6).

When we accept Christ as our Savior, we become a new creation. However, that new creation does not destroy our old, fallen creation. Rather, it restores our relationship with God, the Creator. This creates the tension, the conflict between our flesh and the Spirit that dwells within us. Paul described this battle in detail in chapter seven.

In chapter eight, Paul continues informing us it is the Holy Spirit that gives the Christian the power necessary to overcome the battle with our sinful nature, making it possible to walk in fellowship with God. It begins with the renewing of our minds. Our old sinful nature sets our minds on the things of the flesh, but Believers are to have their minds set on the things of the Spirit. (v5)

Paul wrote to the Colossians, if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things (Col 3:1-2).

Even though we are Christians, if we allow our minds to dwell on the desires of the world, it is easy to fall to the temptation to sin. However, by the power of the Spirit within us, we can change our thinking. When we set our minds on the things of the Spirit, we see the world as God sees it. Our minds and hearts are open to ministry opportunities. We see the unsaved as people who are lost and in need of a Savior. We feel compassion for the needy around us and desire to offer help. We see the struggling Christians around us and are compelled to encourage them and assist them as they grow in Christ.

Paul continues, now if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit gives life because of righteousness. And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you, then he who raised Christ from the dead will also bring your mortal bodies to life through his Spirit who lives in you (Romans 8:10-11).

Paul reminds us that the gospel that saved us and will give us eternal life after our death is just as powerful each day we live here on earth. The Spirit who raised Christ from the dead indwells us and empowers us to live the Christian life. We can’t fight the urges of our sinful nature with fleshly weapons of self-control and willpower alone. Without the power of the Spirit, we can do nothing to tame our tongue, purify our thoughts, restrain our anger, or put to death our pride. When anger bubbles up or temptations entice, let’s stop and pray for the Spirit’s help, and with renewed minds, walk in His power.