"For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace." (Romans 8:5-6)
Man was created spirit, mind and body. The fall of man into rebellion has resulted in the body ruling over the mind and the spirit kept in subjugation. A man whose spirit is dead in sin lives to fulfill the desires of the flesh. He is lead by the desires of the body, which is justified by the mind, and the spirit is left impotent and lifeless. Without new life in his spirit to direct him otherwise, his mind is held captive to the body.
When it comes to the believer the spirit has come alive. The Holy Spirit of God has quickened the believer's heart and enabled them to be set free from carnal thinking. This miracle of the re-birth allows the trichotomy of fallen man to be reversed. The Holy Spirit now directs the thoughts of the mind, which dictates the conduct of the body.
Living "according to the Spirit" involves a yielding and a believing in the clear will of God as revealed through His Word. The Spiritual mind desires to know and obey the Word of God. The sword of the Spirit 'God's word' is always clinched tightly in hand ready to wield truth against the enemies lies.
(Ephesians 6: 17)
What things do we set our minds on? The carnal mind has unction towards the temporary; comfort, pleasure and leisure. The Spiritual mind is set on the eternal; the glory of God through the salvation and sanctification of men. The carnal mind seeks satisfaction in worldy things. The spiritual mind already has found fullness in Christ and in the hope of eternity. We can not neglect the battlefield of the mind, for this is where the war for our life and peace will be decided. ~Selah
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