BIBLE PASSAGE:
Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on
what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the
Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.
(Romans 8:5)
MEDITATION:
Jesus promised the Holy Spirit to all those who belong to Him. The Holy
Spirit was confirmation of His resurrection, so in itself, it shows us the
importance of the Holy Spirit. But is it important for believers to allow
the Holy Spirit to guide them? Paul gives us valuable advice regarding
the control of our mind and thoughts.
First, he tells us that if our mind is controlled by our sinful nature, we
will have the same thoughts and desires that the sinful nature desires.
Conversely, if we are living our lives under the control of the Holy Spirit,
we will have the same desires and thoughts that the Spirit does.
The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life
and peace; the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God’s law,
nor can it do so. Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God.
(Romans 8:6-8)
Paul tells us that a mind NOT controlled by the Spirit
will have a gloomy outlook. In addition, the Holy Spirit,
in control, we are hostile to God and lack the ability to
submit to God and obey His commands.
In fact, we don’t have what it takes to please God if we are
under the control of non-righteous desires. However, when
we yield to the control of the Holy Spirit, we can enjoy living
as God intended us to live, and we can experience an unusual
peace, regardless of what is going on around us.
You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit,
if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit
of Christ, he does not belong to Christ.
(Romans 8:9)
Paul suggests that we will be controlled by either a sinful
nature (where sin is overly attractive), or by the Spirit of
God (where we have a desire to avoid sin). We can get an
idea of which one is controlling our mind and thoughts
when we evaluate what we think, do, and say.
If we are NOT controlled by our sinful nature, then God’s
Spirit lives within us. And when He is in control, we will
lean strongly toward purity and righteousness.
Lastly, Paul bluntly tells us in this verse, that if we are not
under control of the Holy Spirit, then we don’t belong to Christ.
Therefore, brothers, we have an obligation—but it is not to the sinful
nature, to live according to it. For if you live according to the sinful
nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds
of the body, you will live, because those who are led by the Spirit of
God are sons of God.
(Romans 8:12-13)
Paul tells us that regardless of which controls our mind, death
will be involved. If we live according to our sinful nature, then
we don’t belong to God, and we will be facing an eternal death
(which is not really the end of life, but rather the death of our
being able to fellowship with the Lord forever, and the pain of
being punished forever for not surrendering our lives to the Lord).
We also experience the death of the life we could have enjoyed
as God intended for us, while we were still living our earthly life.
Conversely, if we live according to the Spirit, then we are called
‘sons of God’, and will experience the death of the misdeeds of the
body (in other words, sin will no longer be as attractive to us, and
when we do sin, we will feel remorse for our actions).
According to Paul, we have the responsibility and choice to ‘crossover’
from the control of our sinful nature. to the control of the Holy Spirit.
This means we must make a conscious effort to change.
ACTION:
Questions to consider:
– Have I determined how my mind is being controlled?
– Do any of these sinful natures sound too familiar, or attractive to me?
The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and
debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits
of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness,
orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live
like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
(Galatians 5:19-21)
If I feel that none of the things listed above are a part of my nature,
then can I confirm that I do have the following characteristics?
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness,
faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions
and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.
Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.
(Galatians 5:22-26)
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances,
for this is God’s will for you”
(1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
The level of the Holy Spirit in our life can
be measured by our level of thankfulness.
“give thanks in all circumstances”
It doesn’t mean all circumstances are good,
but God is good in all circumstances.
Pray,
“Heavenly Father, You know how my mind is being controlled.
Make me aware if I have not yielded to the guidance of the Holy
Spirit. I want to enjoy life now, experience peace, and look forward
to spending eternity with You. Lord, don’t let me go through this life
convinced that I am under the control of the Spirit when I am not.
Help me develop the fruits of the Spirit as proof that the Spirit is
in control of my life. Don’t let me be stagnant and retain the same
attitudes and habits that I had when I didn’t have the Holy Spirit
guiding my thoughts and actions. I want to be called a son of Yours
and I need You to help me become the person You want me to be.
Teach me to become more selfless and by eliminating my selfishness.”
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