Romans 8 Lesson
Having A Mind Set On The Spirit
Our focus verse for today’s lesson is taken from the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Romans:
- “For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace.” – Romans 8:6.
This scripture raises three important questions:
- What is “a mind set on the flesh?”
- What is “a mind set on the Spirit?”
- What is the difference between the two?
A MIND SET ON THE FLESH
- The mind set on the flesh is hostile towards God (Romans 8:7).
- It does not subject itself to the Law of God (Romans 8:7).
- Somebody with this mindset cannot please God (Romans 8:8).
- Those with a mind set on the flesh will be condemned.
A MIND SET ON THE SPIRIT
Having a mind set on the Spirit means that the Spirit of God dwells in you! (Romans 8:9)
And if the Spirit of God dwells in you, you will live forever! (Romans 8:11)
The Bible teaches us that those of us with a mind set on the Spirit are children of God (Romans 8:16-17), and those who are children of God are fellow heirs with Christ and will be glorified with Him in Heaven! (Romans 8:16)
THE SPIRIT OF GOD IS THE HOLY SPIRIT
What Paul is talking about when He says “the Spirit of God” is the Holy Spirit.
God sent the Holy Spirit to help those who commit to following Jesus.
Consider the following verse taken from the Gospel of John:
- “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and remind you of all that I said to you.” – John 14:26.
From this verse, we can decipher four things about the Holy Spirit:
- The Holy Spirit is referred to as “the Helper,”
- He was sent from God,
- The Holy Spirit was sent in the name of Jesus,
- He is a teacher.
HOW TO OBTAIN THE SPIRIT OF GOD?
To receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, we need to be baptized in the name of Jesus for the forgiveness of our sins.
Luke wrote about this in the Book of Acts:
- “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” – Acts 2:38.
CONTRASTING THE MIND SET ON THE FLESH VERSUS THE MIND SET ON THE SPIRIT
Consider the following two scriptures that point out the differences between these two mindsets:
- “For the mind set on the flesh is death, . . . because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so, and those who are in the flesh cannot please God.” – Romans 8:6-8,
- “Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.” - Philippians 4:8.
It comes down to a choice that all of us have been given free will to make.
Are we going to follow the ways of the world?
Or are we going to follow Jesus?
THREE BIBLE VERSES ABOUT SETTING OUR MIND ON THE SPIRIT
- “Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.” - Colossians 3:1-2,
- “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” - Romans 12:2,
- “For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace.” - Romans 8:5-6,
CONCLUSION
We all have a fundamental choice to make that will directly impact where we are going to spend eternity after we die.
Do we want to live according to the flesh, or the Spirit?
We cannot do both, as Jesus taught us in His Sermon on the Mount:
- “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other.” – Mathew 6:24.
Living by the Spirit means that we let the Bible’s teachings, and the Spirit of God dictate our thoughts and actions, not the sinful ways of the world.
This is the path that leads to Heaven, and this is the path that we want to choose!
We will end today’s lesson with the following words from the Apostle Paul about being led by the Spirit of God:
- “For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.” – Romans 8:14-17.
1) What did today’s Bible study make you think or feel?
2) What questions do you have?
3) How can you apply what you have learned to something specific in your life?
***PLEASE POST YOUR QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS HERE***
Time makes lovers feel like they got something real!
1) What did today’s Bible study make you think or feel?
2) What questions do you have?
3) How can you apply what you have learned to something specific in your life?
***PLEASE POST YOUR QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS HERE***
Today's Bible study reinforces my belief that I am a child of God. I don't say that lightly or as a braggart does. I say that because when I read about the Holy Spirit and the flesh I get vivid memories from when I was unsaved and in the world. I had no cares. I did what I wanted and eventually that led me down the road of guilt and overwhelming depression. Then that triggered my salvation by my Father through the Lord Jesus Christ. Now, I still may not have it all together but I know I have journeyed quite a long way with Jesus. Way too far to turn back. Glory be to God.
Beautiful thoughts Marvin!
I have problems with alcohol all of my life. I have suffered with a dead arm and have a lump on the lower half of my body. I often seek out attention and acceptance from others but wind up being ridiculed causing me to fall deeper into alcohol. Reading God's word I am trying to exhibit more peace, joy, patience and self control. I thank God for this study and helping me.
We are thankful for you Jeff! We look forward to studying more with you!
He was right--it can never be pondered too much!
It great to grow and understanding the importance of the Spirit and the short term limits of the flesh.
Agreed that we can choose our "free time" to either watch the news, get sidetracked with divisive politics, or seek God's guidance and counsel through His Holy Word, inspired by the Holy Spirit. Perhaps more people at home will be reading God's Word, and turning to Christ to have the peace that passes all understanding. It is precious to realize that if we are God's children we are heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ.
This is why I'm here. I pray these times bring more people to Christ.
Amen Brother.
It’s wonderful to be studying together Lori.
I think that is what’s happening.
Glory to God.
This is so on point Dan. When the virus first started I found myself glued to the news. Taking in every bit of information and letting it consume me to the point that I felt like I was losing my faith and didn’t have time for God. I suffered spiritually because of this and was starting to doubt that I was saved. I prayed and prayed that the Holy Spirit would guide me and he did. I have truly given it over to God. It is His word I need to hold onto , not the news commentator. By seeking the Word and praying with conviction I have conquered my fear of the coronavirus. God is so good. I am so blessed.
I am so thankful that I have found this study.
Verse 17 “And since we are His children,we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share in his glory we must also share in his suffering. “ During this time of rising sickness and death due to the coronovirus all of us are suffering in someway... fear of getting the virus, loss of job and being isolated from one another etc. But as we endure this suffering we know it is nothing compared to the suffering of Jesus for us. Also God has a plan that we do not know. Good can come from this as we find more free time. Free time that can be used to give more glory to God through spiritual readings and contemplation. It’s a time to look more deeply into ourselves and reflect on who we are. It’s a time to show more compassion to do do good works. Let’s use this time wisely.
Amen Pat! Thanks for sharing!
The more I put my faith in Jesus and pray for the Spirit to guide my actions and my words, the better I feel! Time spent in God's word is so much better than watching the news these days!
Now we should live our life out of love of God not because we are doing it out of a sense of duty. How much more rewarding it is when we do things from a sense of love and desire to please the beloved.
Without Christ as my Lord and savior, I would not have been able to stand and proclaim Christ for the past 54 years. Only He can give you Strength and Faith to endure the loss of husband, daughter, parents, cancer, and many other trails that only Christ can give strength and Faith to endure. Thanks for the scriptures give by God for us to share.