THEY THAT PLEASE GOD

Romans 8:5-8 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.

Here, Paul makes a definite distinction, between people that are spiritually minded, and those that mind the things of the flesh, that is, a distinction between Christians and non-Christians. The differences can be readily noticeable by observing the "fruits" that result from the things, and principles, that dominate one's life, and regulate their conduct. First, they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh. Those that conduct their lives based on pleasing their covetous desires of worldliness, engage in things that tend to satisfy the present lusts of the flesh. In his letter to the Galatian churches, Paul recites some of these works of the flesh, ...(as) adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like; (and saying)... they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God (Gal. 5:19-21).

Paul follows this by saying, but they that are after the Spirit, (mind) the things of the Spirit. In his Galatian letter, Paul also lists the works, or the fruit of those that are spiritually minded as, love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, (and) temperance. Those spiritually minded are identified as they that are Christ's - followers of Christ - Christians. Those that live in the Spirit, are those that have been baptized into His body, and thus, have crucified the flesh ...(including its) affections and lusts. Paul admonishes all Christians by saying; if we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Our fruits will demonstrate where we place our affections - on things of the flesh or things of the Spirit.

As Paul brought out in the preceding four verses, abiding under the law of sin brings death. But those in Christ, meaning those that have been baptized into His body, the church, are free from the law of sin and death. This, Paul, confirms in verse 6 of the lesson text, which reads, For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. To be carnally minded is to be totally separated from the divine influence of God. The carnal mind is the exact opposite of the spiritual mind. The carnal mind is consumed with sensual, worldly thoughts that result from physical appetites and desires. What is the end of the carnally minded person? Death! It could mean physical death, but, without a doubt, it also refers to the punishing judgment of God - eternal death!

The spiritually minded,are the men and women that have obeyed the will of God - those reconciled to God by the remission of their sins through His Son, Jesus Christ. These are God's children; they are Christians that follow His righteous examples and teachings. With what should the spiritual mind be consumed? Paul tells us in his letter to the church at Philippi. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things (Phil. 4:8). Those that faithfully obey God's will, not only think on these things, but their conduct of life will be governed by them - they will not shun God's will, but will gladly obey it. What is the end of the spiritually minded person? Life - eternal life, and peace! As Paul told the Christians at Philippi, if they would think on the spiritual things noted above, the God of peace shall be with you (Vs. 9).

Verse seven, of the lesson text, tells us that the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. To conduct one's life contrary to God's will is enmity against Him - disrespect, hostility, and open rebellion against the law of God. When Paul uses the phrase, neither indeed can be, he is not saying that it is impossible for a sinner to ever become obedient to the law of God, but only as long as they are, and remain, carnally minded. The repentant sinner becomes spiritually minded, and pleasing to God. They that are in the flesh cannot please God. The apostle John writes, for one to be pleasing in God's eyes, they must love not the world, neither the things that are in the world (1 John 2:15a). They that please God must be spiritually minded!