Romans 8:6

Romans 8:6 “ For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace,”

What is death and what is life? Death is when life ceases. When we put
 our mind on the things of the flesh, life in the Spirit ceases. What is the difference between working with a mind on the things of the flesh and working with a mind on the thing of the Spirit? Colossians 3:23 “Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men”
We do things for Jesus. And I like the word heartily. It is having an attitude of pleasing God in all you do. Doing your work with all your heart, with your whole being, with all your soul, doing it willingly and enthusiastically.

What happens when we have life? What happens when we have death?

Galatians 5:18-21 Practicing the things of the flesh will not allow us to live in the inheritance God has for us. We will not be able to live in God's kingdom. When we are born again, we can see into the kingdom of God. John 3:3 Why is seeing so important? You can't go somewhere if you can't see. When we have God's Spirit we gain hope as we read the Bible and hear from God. This hope is seeing the answer coming to pass. When we turn from a mindset of setting our mind on the things of the Spirit to the flesh we cease to be able to see the hope that has been given to us. We lose heart and start to worry. When we turn again to the Lord and put our mind on the things of the Spirit we renew our hope and can see God's promise to us.

If we are back and forth, back and forth between worry and hope, faith does not have an opportunity to grow and therefore, hope grows dim. Passages I use to fight off worry, doubt and fear are: 2 Corinthians 10:3-5; Philippians 4:6-9; Psalm 36 and 91

Life comes from the word of God. John 6:63 “It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing; the words that I have spoken to you are spirit and are life.” When we accept God's word as true we enter into life. When we take God's word as an idea but don't realize it is for us, sluggishness happens.  Hebrews 6:12 “so that you will not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.”


Death vs life and peace. The flesh brings death. Then why do people say that to live a Christian life is boring and death? It is because they only know of Christ as religion and not the newness of the Spirit. When we hear God there is life. When we don't hear God, then there is death as we follow the rules of others. Rules are not bad in themselves, if they are in context of a vibrant Christian life. Vibrancy comes from hearing God. Often, the ideas that one generation had, is lost by the next. Ideas are conveyed better when there are testimonies that go with what we learn. People have a better grasp of what we teach if they can see that we are doing what we teach. People are told to imitate those who were successful. We can only imitate when we have examples to follow.

Then why bring death to the flesh so that life my come? Setting our mind on the flesh and the spirit at the same time, is not possible. One has to die that the other may live. If our spirit is to live our flesh must die. This is not referring to our body but our mindset. Where we will set our mind on?

Walking in the Spirit is not obeying the Bible. John 5:39-40
Walking in the Spirit is living for Christ as the Bible teaches.

Watching TV and eating popcorn is neither of the flesh or of the Spirit. Where your mind is while you eat and watch TV will determine whether you are in the flesh or the Spirit.

Romans 8:5-8
" 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. 6 For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace, 7 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, 8 and those who are in the flesh cannot please God."

Having our mind set on the Spirit sometimes is difficult. We may not know the answer to the issue we are facing. At these times I pray in the Spirit of God, which also includes tongues, for understanding and guidance for God's light. Jude 1:20; 1 Corinthians 14:14

It says in Psalm 112:4 that light will arise in darkness for the upright. We can speak light and life into a situation. Death and life are in the power of the tongue. Proverbs 18:21 A mind set on the flesh will reject Scripture while a mind on the Spirit will accept Scripture and confess it in their life. A mind set on the flesh will confess doubt and fear. While a mind set on the Spirit will confess the Word.

Minds set on the flesh will have pride, because they are self focused. Minds set on the Spirit will be humble as they look to Jesus. And with this humbleness will come boldness because again they see Jesus and what He has promised.


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Confession from the verses in Romans 8

1 There is no condemnation in Christ. I am not condemned anymore. I am free from condemnation.

2 I am free from the law of sin, because of the law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus is enabling.

3 Jesus fulfilled the requirement of the law for me.

4 Now I walk according to the spirit.

5-9 My mind is on the things of the spirit and I walk according to the Spirit. If my mind wanders to fleshly thinking, I will counter it with the word of God.

9-10 Christ is in me and I am alive because of the Spirit.

11 The Spirit has given life to my body and will continue to give life so I can minister.

12-13 I am putting to death the deeds of the flesh and am alive in the Spirit.

14 I am a son of God and am led by the Spirit.

15-16 I am not afraid for  I have God as my father and I am His child.

17 I get what Jesus gets,  as I work with Jesus.

18 The troubles of this world are nothing compared to the rewards of living in the kingdom.

19-22 I am revealed as God's son to set free people and things from corruption into the freedom of God's glory.

23-25 I groan and labor in prayer and wait eagerly for the fulfillment of God's promise to me.

26-27 The Spirit also groans and works with me, according to the will of God.

28 Whatever happens, God turns it for good, because I am working for Christ.

29-30 I am like Jesus because I am called, justified and glorified.

31-32 God is for me, giving me all things as I am with Jesus. If God is for me, who is against me?

33-34 No one can succeeded against me, for Jesus intercedes for me.

35 Nothing can separate me from Christ's love.

36-37 As we die to our life, we conquer through Christ.

38-39 Nothing can separate me from the love of Christ.

God's love, enables me to accomplish His goals.

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Romans 8:5

 "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."

Let the mind of the master be the master of your mind. (source unknown)

We become where we set our minds. What does it mean to set your mind? It is what we think about and where we spend time thinking. It is a decision to think on certain things. It means our minds are set on what our flesh wants, or if we are of the spirit our minds are set on what the Spirit wants. It is considering and planning. It is following the desires we have. It would be thinking, what it would be like if these desires happened.

I was thinking, that fleshly mindset was on the traditional ideas of sin, lust for money, booze and sex. Galatians 5:19-21; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11; Colossians 3:5-10; Romans 1:29-32; Mark 7:19-23 It is this, of course, but also it is shown to be interacting with people and how we relate to them. Romans 12:16 Be of the same mind one with another.

A mind set on the Spirit is set on what the Spirit of God wants. There is a proper use for the flesh, but it is according to what the Spirit wants for us. The teachings of the Scriptures taught by the Holy Spirit give us a guideline for how we are to live in the Spirit of God. You can't take the Bible and understand it if you don't have the teacher, (the Holy Spirit) teaching. We get the Holy Spirit at salvation (Ephesians 1:13) and then are able to learn the Scriptures. If we reject the bible out of hand because it doesn't fit with our understanding, or hinders what we want to do, we gain nothing from it. Listen to the Spirit teach Scripture, with a willing heart to follow what it says.

Matthew 16:23 Peter wanted to deny Christ suffering and death. Jesus said this was setting his mind on man's interest and not God's. Therefore, God's interest is for advancement of the kingdom which came through suffering and death. Our work will happen as we deny frivolous pursuits and apply ourselves to win and train souls. Acts 14:22

Philippians 3:18-19 talks of people, who do not die to themselves and take up their cross. They walk as enemies of the cross of Christ, whose God is their apatite, set their mind on earthly things and glory in their shame. Following Christ is backwards to the natural mind. As we put effort into helping others we gain happiness and contentment. Satisfaction comes from service not self indulgence.

Romans 12:16 “Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation.”

Don't think you know it all. Work with the people around you. And don't seek out the best or wise people, instead seek out the poor and associate with them.

Romans 15:5 “Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus,”

When we work with others we start to see their weaknesses. But God will give us perseverance and encouragement to continue to work with them. A fleshly mind will make decisions for themselves and not for the benefit of others. God helps us keep a mind on the Spirit by working with others. One of the ways of walking in the Spirit is to encourage others.

Colossians 3:2 “Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.”

Our mindset is not just on God but seeing God in others. Jesus prayed for us to live in unity with each other. in John 17. I would of thought that He would have prayed for us to be filled with power and knowledge. But it is not this, but unity that He is after. It is unity and love that Jesus wants from us. John 13:34-35 With love and unity, power flows effectively.

We don't set our minds on the things above if we don't die to our desires here. Galatians 2:20 is the verse of the cross. We live by faith, but if there is no death to the mind set on the flesh our faith will be compromised. For we will be doubled minded. Faith has to have a single purpose. James 1:6-7

This brings to mind the passage of Matt 7:7,8 Ask, seek, and knock. Keep on asking, keep on seeking and keep on knocking. Keep seeking the things of God. Keep trying new ways and asking for God's directions. You don't keep on asking, seeking and knocking if there already is an answer. We hope for what we don't see, not for what we already see. A mind set on the Spirit will ask, seek and knock for the things sought for.

Paul talks about doing one thing in Phil 3. There is not a double mind. There is not an accommodation of the desires of the flesh. Romans 13:14 Romans 7:25 shows the beginning of the answer when it says, “Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord, ….”

Psalm 1 talks of not being influenced by the ungodly, sinners and the scornful. Instead we are to set our mind on God's word. Reading a Bible reading in the morning is not what this is talking about. Instead it is to consider God's ideas morning, noon and night. An impossible activity without the help of the Holy Spirit. We can't do what is needed without Jesus. I approach this in four ways. First, I memorize Bible verses that speak to me. This way I can meditate on Scripture while I am busy with many things of life. Second, I accept the cross of Christ each day. Meaning, not my will but the will of God. That way I can set aside what I want and desire and do what the Lord directs. Third I'm quiet before the Lord, as I muse on the meaning of a Scripture I have chosen. Forth, I see this verse happening in my life.

There are times when following Christ is unpleasing to me. I stop and commit my time to the Lord and this changes my attitude and I am willing to follow what Jesus has for me to do.

Philippians 4:6-9 “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
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.
9 The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.”

Much of the mind set on the flesh is a mind of worry. Use the plan of Phil 4:6-9 to counter worry with faith and action. Don't blow this verse off. It does not glorify God to worry or complain. Bring it to God in prayer with thanksgiving. Then guard your mind from the things that would bring back the worry. Find those who have had a good outcome to their faith and follow their example. Hebrews 13:7

Numbers 11:1 “Now the people became like those who complain of adversity in the hearing of the LORD; and when the LORD heard it, His anger was kindled, and the fire of the LORD burned among them and consumed some of the outskirts of the camp.”

Our worry brings complaints, which bring disaster on us by removing us from living in the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus. When we worry and complain we are expressing faith in the natural. Instead express faith in our loving and all powerful God. He will deliver us from the trap of the enemy, when we give Him opportunity to, by our faith.

Psalm 16:8-11 “I have set the Lord continually before me;
Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
9 Therefore my heart is glad and my glory rejoices;
My flesh also will dwell securely.
10 For You will not abandon my soul to Sheol;
Nor will You allow Your Holy One to undergo decay.
11 You will make known to me the path of life;
In Your presence is fullness of joy;
In Your right hand there are pleasur
es forever.”

There is a real benefit to setting our mind on the spiritual things. Even when it seems like we are shaken, we are not. Because we are not looking to ourselves but Jesus in all things. As we put our mind on the Lord we learn the path we are to walk. Our mind on the things of the spirit will bring us pleasure for our desires are changed to those of Christ.

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Summary of Romans 8

Western King bird

Introduction

I started writing this on October 13th 2014. I have set it aside at different times for reflection and pralyer. Romans 8 is a passage of Scripture that covers a lot of areas of Christianity. I  plan to update it as time goes on, for I am always learning, and will post updates periodically. I like to tie in other parts of the Bible as it explains and sheds light on Romans 8. All quotes from the Bible are New American Standard Bible, NASB unless otherwise noted.

Summary

Chapter 7 talks of Paul not being able to live as he would desire. He was trapped in sin. At the end of the chapter he states the answer is Jesus.

Romans 8 starts with the powerful statement of, there is now no condemnation. We are free from the curse of the law and are free to live under the spirit of life in Christ Jesus.

The way to do this is to stop putting our minds on the flesh and the things of the flesh and put them instead on the things of the Spirit. Our living by being Spirit led, brings life. We have the Holy Spirit living in us with all power and we will be able to live in this power.

The ifs of Romans 8 show that we have a part to play in this endeavor. It is not automatic as some would say.  There is suffering to go through. Just as in this life, we have work to do. So in the spirit we have work. It is by the suffering of our work, we change and overcome the obstacles in the spirit. If we are willing to work with belief and faith, we become more than conquers because God gives us all things to accomplish His work.

We are not alone in this work of suffering but the Spirit of God helps us. And no matter what happens or mistakes we make, God turns it for good.

He will give us whatever we need in this endeavor of life in the spirit and changing life here on earth. Because we have the love of God and nothing can separate us from this love.

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Romans 8:4

"So that the requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit."

We have all the blessings of the law of Deut 28 and are protected from all the curses. Gal 3:13

These blessings are for the purpose of expanding the kingdom of God Deut 8:18. If we don't get our prayers answered we could be in James 4:3,4 having our eyes on ourselves and not being a friend of God. Another aspect to unanswered prayer is that we are not putting energy into it. If our heart is in it we will expend energy to gain what God is leading us to. When we truly believe Jesus and what He has called us to do no demon from hell can stop us. Don't give up but keep praying, knocking and seeking. Matthew 7:7-8; 1 Corinthians 15:58

To walk according to the Spirit is to walk in faith in the direction from the Word of God to us in the work we have to do. We don't just think about it and talk about it but we also dream of it and follow the directions we have.

We can walk in the blessing as we walk with Christ.

When we are living under condemnation we are self absorbed in our inability to measure up. When we know we are justified we are free to step out and advance the gospel and build for Christ the kingdom of God.

To renew our mind is to renew our mind, see, consider, accept and live by the Scripture. It is to believe God. To not worry about things counter to Scripture. It is to believe God. To worry about things counter to Scripture means our minds aren't renewed. Turn your worry to prayer. Don't let your worry win. Instead, pray over God's promises till you are assured that God will fulfill what He said He will do.

Living Free From the Law of Sin and of Death -

1. We are justified in Christ. (Acts 13:38-39 Galatains 2:16)
We testify to others that we are free from the condemnation of sin.
Colossians 2:14 “having canceled out the certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us, which was hostile to us; and He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross.” Our debt is paid and we can walk free.

2. We are free from sin and death (Romans 8:2)
Sin has no power over us. Romans 6:14 There is no sting in death. 1 Corinthians 15:55 When our body stops living we are with Jesus. There is no fear of death and we can live without sin.

Be careful about bragging on yourself. I heard of a guy that said he did not sin. Yet he was not loving to his wife. That is ridiculous. We should not say we have no sin. 1 John 1:8-10 Instead we should point to Jesus and how He is helping us. Never focus on yourself, instead focus on Jesus.

3. Free from condemnation (Romans 8:1-4
Our past is gone. God does not remember our past and we can live with the understanding that the past won't stop what God wants to do through us today.

4. Redeem (Romans 3:24-31; Galatians 3:13-14)
We are no longer living under the curse. We can by faith, turn from the domain of darkness and live in the light of God and His Kingdom of light.

5. Give inheritance (Romans 4:13-14)
We are born again and with this new birth we have an inheritance that we can access today. I will get to this more in verse 17.

6. Bring righteousness (Romans 8:4)
Knowing we are in right standing with God. And this confidence with God brings us to works for God according to our response of that to His Word and guidance.

7. Impart Holy Spirit (Galatians 3:2)
We have the Holy Spirit when we were born again. Ephesians 1:13. Then with a second experience we have the baptism in the Holy Spirit. Acts 1:8; Acts 2:4

8. Preform miracles  (Galatians 3:5)
To walk with God miracles are required. What??  Jesus tells the disciples to raise the dead in Matthew 10:8. But we can't do that! The ability is with the Spirit not us. It is as we learn to let the Spirit of God move through us that the power will flow. This is not a condemnation that we can't accomplish this. It is a hope that God can do it through us as we allow His power to flow. Always look at Scripture as hope for what God will do through us. Not as condemnation of what we are not doing. Again it is focusing on Jesus and not ourselves.

9. Free from the curse ( Galatians 3:10-14)
In my nature hikes there are many obstacles. I am free from the curse and can navigate through the woods by the Spirit of God. We can go through the obstacles of life with God, and accomplish what He has for us.

10. Impart grace Galatians 5:4)
Grace is God's ability freely given to us. And how do we get this grace? Through prayer Hebrews 4:16; and through the Scriptures.

Acts 20:32
"And now I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified.”

11. Impart faith (Galatians 3:12)
Faith comes from the word. Romans 10:17 Faith comes from God. Romans 12:3; 2 Peter 1:1. All of us have faith and we can use it as we look to Jesus.

12. Make perfect (Hebrews 7:19)
We are perfect because of the Scriptures clean us and Jesus paid it all. John 15:3; Colossians  2:14

13. Control sin in man (Romans 7:7-23; Romans 8:2, 7)
There is a new and living way. We are free now to put our mind on the things of the Spirit and not the flesh.

14. Enable a man to obey (Hebrews 7:18)
It is through Christ we can do what God is calling us to do. Philippians 4:13

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Romans 8 Index

Introduction & Summery of  Romans 8

Verse 1    Verse 2     Verse 3     Verse 4

Verse 5    Verse 6     Verse 7     Verse 8

Verse 9    Verse 10    Verse 11   Verse  12

Verse  13    Verse  14    Verse  15    Verse  16

Verse  17    Verse  18    Verse 19    Verse 20

Verse 21    Verse 22    Verse 23    Verse 24

Verse 25    Verse 26    Verse 27    Verse 28

Verse 29    Verse 30     Verse 31    Verse 32

Verse 33    Verse 34    Verse 35    Verse 36

Verse 37    Verse  38     Verse  39

Confession taken from Romans 8

Key Points in Romans 8
1 Freedom from the law v1-4
Our freedom comes from where we set our mind. Laws in Romans 8

2 Proper  mindset  -  Set mind on the Spirit who is in you.v5-13
Mind set o the Spirit allows Him to lead.

3 Being led of the Spirit v13-14
This leading brings us to relationship

4 In God's Family v15-17
People in a family will help  each other.

4 Suffering v17-18,
5 Creation v 19-22
6 Hope v23-25
7 Weakness to strength v26-28
8 Growth v29-30
9 God is our Advocate v31-34
10 God's love can't be removed. 35-39
11 IF: the conditions to be met.

The Confession of Romans 8


Areas of interest in Romans 8
Life and Death
Suffering in Scripture
We know v22, 28
Setting your mind.
Law v 2,3,4,7
Sons of God
Teaching on the Spirit in Romans

Praying Scripture

Start with Colossians 3:16 “Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.”

Sing to the Lord worship songs. Then sing to the Lord a verse that is a promise to what you are praying about.

Proclaim about yourself what God has promised!
Believe God is answering prayer and pray that belief.

Renew your mind according to what the Bible says about you. Romans 12:1,2

Turn your Bible reading from gaining info to prayer. This will help you learn it as well.

When we say what the Bible says we are speaking according to the will of God.

Pray about what the Bible talks of for the specific issue at hand.

Pray favorite passages of Scripture. Those that have meant a lot to you.

Put yourself into the verse, or the person prayed for.

Pray a verse emphasizing one word at a time. Then pray the verse again emphasizing the next word.

When you are praying Scripture, you are following Jesus' example.

Colossians 1:9-11 Amplified “For this reason, since the day we heard about it, we have not stopped praying for you, asking [specifically] that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom [with insight into His purposes], and in understanding [of spiritual things], 10 so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord [displaying admirable character, moral courage, and personal integrity], to [fully] please Him in all things, bearing fruit in every good work and steadily growing in the knowledge of God [with deeper faith, clearer insight and fervent love for His precepts]; 11 [we pray that you may be] strengthened and invigorated with all power, according to His glorious might, to attain every kind of endurance and patience with joy;”

Don't stop: Praying, asking specifically that:
| 1) You will be filled with the knowledge of His will. With insight into His purposes, and understanding of spiritual things.
| 2) Walk in a manner worthy of the Lord.
Displaying: admirable character, moral courage, personal integrity.
| 3) Fully please God in all things.
What pleases God?
  Faith Hebrews 11:6
  Mind set on the Spirit. Romans 8:5-8
  Walk with God. Genesis 5:24
  Fear the Lord. Psalm 147:11: Proverbs 2:1-5
  Follow the example of Jesus. Matthew 17:5; Philippians 2:5-9
  God takes pleasure in obedience. 1 Samuel 15:22; Matthew 6:6
  Offer a sacrifice of praise to God, doing good and sharing. Hebrews 13:15-16
  Do God's will. Hebrews 13:20-21
  Go beyond God's will/commands and do what is pleasing in His sight. 1 John 3:22
| 4) Steadily grow in the things of God.
And this involves action and not just understanding. James 1:22
If we don't do what we think we know, we don't really know it. Faith comes by hearing God's word. Romans 10:17 Prove your faith by doing what you have been taught. 2 Corinthians 13:5
| 5) All power would flow through you. We already have the blessings  of God in our life. Ephesians 1:3 It is there to draw on. Paul endeavored not to preach without it. 1 Thessalonians 1:5 We should pray for this power as Colossians 1:9-11 says. Jesus asks us to go in power. Matthew 10:8; These signs will follow those who believe. Mark 16:17
| 6) Face life with endurance and patience with joy. James 1:2-4; Romans 5:1-5
If we are in a problem that persists, ask God for wisdom. James 1:5 with faith James 1:6-8

Here is a list of Paul's prayers that could be prayed.
Romans 1:8-10
Romans 10:1
Romans 12:12
Rom 15:6
Rom 15:13
Rom 15:30-33
1 Cor 1:4-9
1 Cor 16:23
2 Cor 1:3-7
2 Cor 2:14-16
2 Cor 9:12-15
2 Cor 13:7-9
Gal 6:18
Eph 1:3-5
Eph 1:15-23
Eph 3:14-21
Eph 6:19-20
Phil 1:3-6
Phil 1:9-11
Phil 4:6,7
Phil 4:23
Col 1:3-14
Col 4:2-4
1 Thes 1:2-3
1 Thes 2:13-16
1 Thes 3:9-13
1 Thes 5:23-24
1 Thes 5:28
2 Thes 1:3-5
2 Thes 1:11-12
2 Thes 2:16-17
2 Thes 3:2-5
2 Thes 3:16
1 Tim 1:12
1 Tim 2:1-3
2 Tim 1:3-7
2 Tim 1:16-18
2 Tim 4:22
Titus 3:15
Philemon 4-7
Philemon 1:25