Romans 8:5
Verse
Context
Walking by the Spirit
4so that the righteous standard of the law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.5Those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh; but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit.6The mind of the flesh is death, but the mind of the Spirit is life and peace,
Sermons





Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For they that are after the flesh - And here is the great distinction between Jews and genuine Christians: the former are after the flesh - are under the power of the carnal, rebellious principle; and consequently mind, προνουσιν, relish, the things of the flesh - the things which appertain merely to the present life; having no relish for spiritual and eternal things. But they that are after the Spirit - They who are regenerated, who are born of the Spirit, being redeemed from the influence and law of the carnal mind; these relish the things of the Spirit - they are spiritually minded, and pass through things temporal, so as not to lose the things which are eternal. And this, which in these apostolic times distinguished between the carnal Jew and the spiritual believer in Christ, is the grand mark of distinction between the nominal and the real Christian now. The former is earthly minded, and lives for this world; the latter is spiritually minded, and lives for the world to come.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
For they that are after the flesh--that is, under the influence of the fleshly principle. do mind--give their attention to (Phi 3:19). the things of the flesh, &c.--Men must be under the predominating influence of one or other of these two principles, and, according as the one or the other has the mastery, will be the complexion of their life, the character of their actions.
John Gill Bible Commentary
For they that are after the flesh,.... By flesh is meant the corruption of nature; and they may be said to be "after" it, not all that have flesh in them, for the best of saints have it in them; regenerating grace does not remove it from them; there is a difference between being in and after the flesh, and flesh being in us; but such who are as they were born, who have nothing but flesh, or corrupt nature in them, in whom that is the governing principle, whose minds are carnal, and whose whole walk and conversation is, such, are here meant: and these persons do mind the things of the flesh: not merely things corporeal, belonging to the welfare of the body; or things natural for the improvement of the mind; or things civil, as riches, &c. which may be minded and sought after in a lawful way; but things sinful, the lusts, works, and sins of the flesh: which they may be said to "mind", since they judge them to be good; the bent and application of their minds are to them; their affections are set upon them; they are solicitously careful to provide for them, and savour and relish them: nor is it to be wondered at, since these are natural to them; they are opposite to God and so agreeable to them; they have no mind, thought, affection, or relish, for anything else; and it is entirely owing to mighty grace, that any mind the things of the Spirit: but they that are after the Spirit; not such who follow the dictates of their own spirits; or are outwardly reformed; nor all that have spiritual gifts; or profess themselves to have the grace and Spirit of God; but such who are born again, are renewed in the spirit of their minds, in whom grace is the governing principle: the work of the Spirit is begun in them, though not perfected: the Spirit himself dwells in them, and they walk after him; their minds and conversations are spiritual, though there may be a great deal of carnality in their hearts, thoughts, words, and actions, which is matter of grief unto them: these mind the things of the Spirit; the graces of the Spirit; spiritual blessings; the doctrines of the Gospel; spiritual sacrifices and services: these have some understanding of, can discern the difference between them and carnal things, judge and approve of them as right; have a great esteem and affection for them, and taste a sweetness in them. They have no mind naturally to these things; nor is the bias of their minds altered by themselves, nor could it; this is wholly the work of the Spirit of God; and these things are minded only because, and as they are agreeable to the spiritual part, the inward man.
Romans 8:5
Walking by the Spirit
4so that the righteous standard of the law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.5Those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh; but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit.6The mind of the flesh is death, but the mind of the Spirit is life and peace,
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(1 Peter - Part 15): The Precious Blood, Our Only Hope
By A.W. Tozer32K32:39Blood Of ChristPSA 119:105MAT 15:3JHN 1:29ROM 8:5GAL 5:16COL 2:81PE 1:18In this sermon, the speaker tells a story about two men who are stranded in a cold and dangerous mountainous area. They realize that their only hope of survival is to start a fire. They search for matches in their pockets but find none. However, they eventually find a single match in the hem of one of their coats. They carefully strike the match and manage to start a fire, which ultimately saves their lives. The speaker uses this story to illustrate the preciousness and power of the blood of Jesus Christ, which cleanses us from sin and offers us salvation.
Crucified With Christ
By Leonard Ravenhill4.2K1:23:21Crucified With ChristROM 7:18ROM 8:1ROM 8:5ROM 8:9ROM 8:13ROM 8:18ROM 8:26ROM 8:28ROM 8:31ROM 8:35ROM 8:371CO 3:1In this sermon, the speaker describes a gruesome scene of a man being crucified and then disemboweled, emphasizing the horror and brutality of the cross. The speaker then transitions to discussing the importance of having a vision for the lost souls in the world and the lack of vision in the church. He highlights the presence of envy, strife, and divisions among believers, suggesting that immaturity is hindering the church from receiving the revelations God wants to show them. The speaker concludes by emphasizing the need for believers to die to themselves and be filled with the Spirit in order to experience true life and fulfillment.
Intoxicated With Babylon-Chapter One
By Steve Gallagher1.8K09:03BabylonMAT 6:33MAT 22:37ROM 8:5GAL 5:16JAS 4:41JN 2:15REV 1:9In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of the world and its influence on believers. He refers to the apostle John, who witnessed a spiritual battle between the forces of light and darkness. The speaker explains that the world represents everything sinful that the fallen human nature desires. He emphasizes the importance of not loving the world or its sinful desires, as they are not from the Father but from the world. The speaker warns that living a life devoted to the things of this world while calling oneself a Christian is deceptive and contrary to Scripture.
Led by the Spirit of God - Part 2
By Milton Green1.4K06:49ROM 8:5In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of repentance and loving the Lord with all one's heart. He explains that when the mind is focused on worldly things, it leads to misery and torment. However, when the mind is set on the things of the Spirit, such as love, joy, and peace, it brings freedom and a desire to help others. The preacher also highlights the need to walk in peace and obedience to God's law, rather than claiming peace while living in disobedience. The sermon concludes with the message of reconciliation and the call to be born again through faith in Jesus Christ.
New Covenant - the Root of Sin - Part 1
By Zac Poonen1.4K09:35MAT 3:2MAT 3:9ROM 8:5PHP 3:19COL 3:2This sermon delves into the essence of the New Covenant as depicted in Matthew chapter 3, emphasizing the crucial act of turning from the Kingdom of Earth to the Kingdom of Heaven to truly embrace the New Covenant. It highlights the significance of setting our minds on heavenly things while engaging with earthly responsibilities, illustrating the analogy of a rubber band to depict this balance. The sermon also underscores the importance of having a clear goal in life that aligns with heavenly purposes to distinguish between living as a sinner or a saint.
Life in the Spirit Romans 7 & 8
By Herbert McGonigle1.3K1:08:45Freedom From SinROM 7:14ROM 8:1ROM 8:5ROM 8:9ROM 8:15ROM 8:28In this sermon, the preacher discusses three contrasts found in the book of Romans. The first contrast is between the actions and presence of the Spirit, with no mention of the Spirit in chapter seven and many mentions in chapter three. The second contrast is between slavery and freedom, with chapter seven depicting a state of constant spiritual defeat and bondage to sin. The preacher emphasizes that Paul uses the metaphor of being sold as a slave to sin, highlighting the control and direction that sin has over a person. The sermon also references Thomas Boston's fourfold state, which describes the natural state of being dead in trespasses and sins, the legal state of being justified through Christ's sacrifice, the evangelical state of being awakened and regenerated, and the state of victory realized through obedience to God.
Are You Walking the Walk or Talking the Walk - Part 5
By Will Graham1.3K08:42PRO 18:7EZK 36:26ROM 8:52CO 5:17HEB 10:26This sermon emphasizes the distinction between those who are truly born again, walking in the ways of the Lord and hating sin, and those who are not regenerated, delighting in sinful pleasures. It challenges individuals to examine their hearts and actions to determine if they are seeking God's knowledge or feeding on foolishness. The urgency of repentance and seeking God wholeheartedly is highlighted, urging listeners to be vessels of mercy and walk faithfully with the Lord.
(Clip) You Don't Want Revival, Do You
By Shane Idleman27807:172CH 7:14PSA 51:10JHN 7:38ACT 2:4ROM 8:5EPH 5:18HEB 12:29JAS 4:81PE 1:16REV 1:14This sermon emphasizes the importance of stoking the flames of holiness within us by nurturing the Holy Spirit and seeking more of God. It warns against quenching the Spirit and being consumed by carnality, urging for a revival that breaks through comfort zones and transforms lives. The message stresses the need for repentance, weeping, and seeking after holiness to experience the fullness of God's presence.
Think Resurrection (6am)
By Stewart Ruch14211:57ResurrectionEXO 20:8PSA 37:7PSA 73:2PRO 23:7MAT 6:33ROM 8:5COL 3:2In this sermon, Bishop Stuart Rook discusses the importance of setting our minds on things above and allowing the resurrection of Jesus Christ to transform our thinking. He emphasizes the significance of our thoughts and the story that plays in our heads. Bishop Rook encourages listeners to train their thinking in light of the bodily resurrection and to set their minds on the things of heaven and the kingdom. He challenges negative thought patterns and invites individuals to imagine a different story, one that is filled with hope and faith in God's provision.
New Creation: Walking According to the Spirit (2 Cor. 5:17; Rom. 8:5)
By Mike Bickle171:22:25New CreationWalking In The SpiritJHN 8:32ROM 6:11ROM 8:5ROM 12:22CO 5:17EPH 4:23COL 3:3HEB 10:231PE 3:4REV 12:11Mike Bickle emphasizes the transformative power of being a new creation in Christ, as outlined in 2 Corinthians 5:17 and Romans 8. He explains that believers often overlook the miraculous change that occurs in their spirit at the moment of salvation, which empowers them to walk in victory over sin, addictions, and depression. Bickle highlights the importance of understanding one's identity in Christ and living according to the Spirit rather than the flesh, encouraging believers to renew their minds with the truth of Scripture. He stresses that true transformation comes from recognizing and confessing the new reality of our spirit, which is filled with the Holy Spirit and righteousness. Ultimately, Bickle calls for a shift in focus from natural experiences to the spiritual truths that define our new identity in Christ.
God, Change Me and Please Hurry
By Shane Idleman91:02:33Role of the Holy SpiritTransformationROM 8:5Shane Idleman emphasizes the urgent need for personal transformation through the Holy Spirit in his sermon 'God, Change Me and Please Hurry.' He explains that the Holy Spirit's role is not only to change us for our own benefit but to empower us to be a blessing to others. Idleman warns against the dangers of relying solely on self-discipline or passively waiting for change, stressing that true transformation requires humility, obedience, and a willingness to confront our own shortcomings. He encourages believers to set their minds on spiritual things and to actively seek God's guidance, reminding them that real change is a process that involves both divine assistance and personal responsibility.
The Activity of the Holy Spirit in a Believer's Life
By Peter Brandon653:51Identity in ChristThe Holy SpiritROM 8:1ROM 8:5Peter Brandon emphasizes the transformative activity of the Holy Spirit in a believer's life, explaining that through the Spirit, Christians are freed from the law of sin and death. He highlights the importance of recognizing one's identity in Christ, which leads to a life of victory and holiness, as opposed to being dominated by the flesh. Brandon encourages believers to actively engage with the Holy Spirit, mortifying the deeds of the body and living in the Spirit to experience true life and peace. He illustrates the necessity of relying on the Spirit's power for spiritual growth and victory over sin, ultimately leading to a deeper relationship with God. The sermon concludes with a call for believers to embrace their identity as children of God and to live out their faith vibrantly.
The Longings of Our Hearts Must Be Examined and Moderated
By Thomas a Kempis2ROM 8:51CO 10:31GAL 5:24PHP 2:13COL 3:5Thomas a Kempis emphasizes the importance of aligning our desires with God's will, warning against selfishness and urging us to be earnest doers of God's will. He cautions against being driven by desires that do not honor God, reminding us to discern whether our actions are for His glory or our own benefit. Kempis advises exercising restraint in pursuing desires, resisting temptations, and disciplining the flesh to be in submission to the spirit, even if it requires force and chastisement.
Dualism and Gnosticism
By Robert Wurtz II0ISA 45:7ROM 8:5GAL 5:16COL 1:161TI 4:1Robert Wurtz II addresses the Gnostic Dualism philosophy that presents a false belief in a great struggle between equal and opposite forces of good and evil, contrary to biblical teachings. Gnostics viewed the Old Testament God as evil and the Demiurge as the personification of evil, leading to a dualistic concept of spirituality that promoted ascetic practices. This heretical belief system influenced early Church Fathers and certain doctrines, emphasizing the need to discern between biblical truths and Gnostic teachings to avoid falling into false spirituality.
The Material Kingdom
By Anton Bosch0MAT 4:1MAT 6:19MAT 16:4JHN 6:26ROM 8:51CO 1:18COL 3:22TI 4:3JAS 4:41JN 2:15Anton Bosch delves into the temptations Jesus faced by the Devil before starting His ministry, emphasizing how Satan targeted areas aligned with Jesus' mission and purpose. The temptations revolved around gratifying fleshly desires, building a kingdom on miracles, and bypassing the Cross for a political kingdom without redemption. Bosch warns against preachers who focus on meeting people's 'felt needs' rather than addressing their real spiritual needs, highlighting the danger of building a following based on materialism and entertainment rather than the transformative power of the Gospel.
Matthew 6:24 to End. Christ Forbids Worldly Anxiety.
By Favell Lee Mortimer0MAT 6:25MAT 6:33ROM 8:5ROM 8:8Favell Lee Mortimer preaches on the command of Jesus to not be anxious about earthly needs, emphasizing God's power and kindness in providing for His children. He warns against being engrossed with earthly thoughts, as it indicates being in the flesh and not born again of the Spirit, which displeases God. Mortimer highlights the importance of seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, promising that all necessary things will be added. He encourages focusing on spiritual blessings rather than dwelling on the troubles of life, as it leads to a happier and safer life.
By Faith, Not Sight
By K.P. Yohannan0Faith vs. SightTrusting GodJHN 20:29ROM 8:52CO 5:7HEB 11:1K.P. Yohannan emphasizes the necessity of living by faith rather than sight, highlighting the conflict between our old nature, which seeks proof and understanding, and our new nature, which believes without seeing. He explains that faith and sight are opposites; when we rely on sight, we limit our need for God. Yohannan encourages believers to embrace their new nature, which allows them to trust in God's promises despite not having physical evidence. He warns against the cultural tendency to demand proof, urging listeners to remember Jesus' words about the blessedness of those who believe without seeing.
Grieving the Spirit of Revival
By G.D. Watson0PRO 3:5ROM 8:51CO 2:10EPH 4:302TI 1:7HEB 5:9JAS 4:101JN 2:6G.D. Watson emphasizes that true revival is primarily the work of the Holy Spirit, and its depth depends on the number of individuals in perfect union with the Spirit. During revival, both good and evil spiritual forces come to a crisis, with Satan opposing the work of grace by influencing believers against it. The Holy Spirit is often grieved by hidden sins and attitudes that hinder revival, such as a critical spirit, fearfulness, self-opinion, reserve with God, self-planning, limited views of Christ's power, and shunning tests of obedience. Watson highlights the importance of complete surrender, teachableness, and obedience to God's leading for a successful revival.
Striving Against Sin
By David Servant0GEN 4:7ROM 8:5GAL 5:16PHP 2:122PE 1:3David Servant preaches on the importance of understanding the joint effort between God and believers in sanctification. Believers are called to cooperate with God, renew their minds with His Word, and actively pursue holiness. The sermon emphasizes the balance between human responsibility and divine empowerment, highlighting the need for believers to actively participate in their sanctification process.
The Sin and Cause of Prayerlessness
By Andrew Murray0PrayerSpiritual LifeMAT 26:41ROM 8:51TH 5:17JAS 4:2Andrew Murray emphasizes the grave sin of prayerlessness, urging individuals to acknowledge it personally and recognize its deep implications. He explains that prayerlessness is not merely a weakness but a reproach to God, a cause of spiritual deficiency, and a significant loss for the Church, particularly when ministers fail to model a life of prayer. Murray calls for a transformation in understanding prayer's vital role in spiritual life and ministry, highlighting that true fellowship with God is essential for effective service and evangelism. He stresses that the root of prayerlessness lies in living according to the flesh rather than the Spirit, and urges believers to seek deliverance from this sin through Christ.
The Different Motions of Nature and Grace
By Thomas a Kempis0MAT 6:19ROM 8:5PHP 2:3COL 3:11PE 5:5Thomas a Kempis preaches about the contrast between nature and grace, highlighting how grace, as a supernatural gift from God, leads to eternal salvation by turning individuals away from earthly desires and towards heavenly virtues. Grace seeks to glorify God in all things, while nature is self-seeking and focused on temporal gains. The sermon emphasizes the importance of mortifying self, seeking what is profitable for many, and finding joy in simplicity and humility.
John 3:1-8. Christ's Conversation With Nicodemus.
By Favell Lee Mortimer0MAT 10:33JHN 3:1JHN 19:39ROM 8:5GAL 4:6Favell Lee Mortimer delves into the intriguing conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus, highlighting the privilege Nicodemus had to speak alone with the Son of God and the importance of seeking instruction from Jesus. Jesus, knowing Nicodemus' heart, addressed the need for spiritual rebirth to enter the kingdom of God, emphasizing the profound change required in the soul. The new birth signifies a transformation of desires and a shift from worldly pursuits to spiritual aspirations, a concept that may challenge some but is essential for true conversion. The work of the Holy Spirit in this rebirth is compared to the wind, unseen yet profoundly felt, bringing refreshing effects to the soul and leading to a deep sense of satisfaction and connection with God.
A Soulish Christian
By Watchman Nee0Reliance on the SpiritSpiritual MaturityROM 8:5GAL 2:20Watchman Nee discusses the concept of a 'soulish Christian,' emphasizing that while the sinful nature has been crucified, the soul remains influenced by Adam's fall. He explains that the soul, which encompasses the mind, emotions, and will, can still operate under its own power, leading believers to attempt to fulfill God's requirements through their natural strength rather than the Spirit. This results in a mixture of divine and human efforts, causing spiritual immaturity. Nee warns that relying on the soul-life to express God's nature can lead to a false sense of spiritual maturity, as believers may mistakenly believe they are living righteously while still being soulish. Ultimately, he calls for a deeper reliance on the Spirit to truly embody the life of Christ.
Ye Are Yet Carnal
By David Shelby Corlett0JHN 17:17ROM 8:5GAL 5:17HEB 3:12JAS 1:8David Shelby Corlett preaches about the ongoing inner conflict experienced by born-again Christians due to the presence of the sinful nature, highlighting the struggle for spiritual maturity, the limitations it imposes on one's service to God, and the inner clash of conflicting emotions and desires. He emphasizes that this sinful nature was evident even in the lives of the disciples of Jesus and individuals in the New Testament churches, affecting their faith and actions. Despite this struggle, the born-again Christian can have victory over sin through constant watchfulness and spiritual warfare, but God's ultimate plan is for His children to be delivered from all sin and to live in complete harmony with His will.
Of Internal Worship, or Godliness.
By John Gill0GodlinessInternal WorshipPSA 34:9ISA 29:13JHN 4:24ROM 8:51TI 4:71TI 6:6HEB 12:28JAS 1:122PE 1:32PE 3:11John Gill emphasizes the significance of internal worship and godliness as the foundation of true worship. He argues that external worship is meaningless without a heart engaged in genuine devotion to God, as true worship must come from the spirit and be rooted in love and reverence for God. Gill explains that godliness, which encompasses a holy disposition towards God, is essential for both internal and external worship, and it is a gift from God that enables believers to serve Him acceptably. He highlights that true godliness leads to spiritual growth and the promise of blessings in this life and the next. Ultimately, Gill calls for a sincere and heartfelt approach to worship that reflects a deep relationship with God.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For they that are after the flesh - And here is the great distinction between Jews and genuine Christians: the former are after the flesh - are under the power of the carnal, rebellious principle; and consequently mind, προνουσιν, relish, the things of the flesh - the things which appertain merely to the present life; having no relish for spiritual and eternal things. But they that are after the Spirit - They who are regenerated, who are born of the Spirit, being redeemed from the influence and law of the carnal mind; these relish the things of the Spirit - they are spiritually minded, and pass through things temporal, so as not to lose the things which are eternal. And this, which in these apostolic times distinguished between the carnal Jew and the spiritual believer in Christ, is the grand mark of distinction between the nominal and the real Christian now. The former is earthly minded, and lives for this world; the latter is spiritually minded, and lives for the world to come.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
For they that are after the flesh--that is, under the influence of the fleshly principle. do mind--give their attention to (Phi 3:19). the things of the flesh, &c.--Men must be under the predominating influence of one or other of these two principles, and, according as the one or the other has the mastery, will be the complexion of their life, the character of their actions.
John Gill Bible Commentary
For they that are after the flesh,.... By flesh is meant the corruption of nature; and they may be said to be "after" it, not all that have flesh in them, for the best of saints have it in them; regenerating grace does not remove it from them; there is a difference between being in and after the flesh, and flesh being in us; but such who are as they were born, who have nothing but flesh, or corrupt nature in them, in whom that is the governing principle, whose minds are carnal, and whose whole walk and conversation is, such, are here meant: and these persons do mind the things of the flesh: not merely things corporeal, belonging to the welfare of the body; or things natural for the improvement of the mind; or things civil, as riches, &c. which may be minded and sought after in a lawful way; but things sinful, the lusts, works, and sins of the flesh: which they may be said to "mind", since they judge them to be good; the bent and application of their minds are to them; their affections are set upon them; they are solicitously careful to provide for them, and savour and relish them: nor is it to be wondered at, since these are natural to them; they are opposite to God and so agreeable to them; they have no mind, thought, affection, or relish, for anything else; and it is entirely owing to mighty grace, that any mind the things of the Spirit: but they that are after the Spirit; not such who follow the dictates of their own spirits; or are outwardly reformed; nor all that have spiritual gifts; or profess themselves to have the grace and Spirit of God; but such who are born again, are renewed in the spirit of their minds, in whom grace is the governing principle: the work of the Spirit is begun in them, though not perfected: the Spirit himself dwells in them, and they walk after him; their minds and conversations are spiritual, though there may be a great deal of carnality in their hearts, thoughts, words, and actions, which is matter of grief unto them: these mind the things of the Spirit; the graces of the Spirit; spiritual blessings; the doctrines of the Gospel; spiritual sacrifices and services: these have some understanding of, can discern the difference between them and carnal things, judge and approve of them as right; have a great esteem and affection for them, and taste a sweetness in them. They have no mind naturally to these things; nor is the bias of their minds altered by themselves, nor could it; this is wholly the work of the Spirit of God; and these things are minded only because, and as they are agreeable to the spiritual part, the inward man.