Romans 8:5-7
O: I can see that Paul makes a large distinction between the flesh and the Spirit - That those who are in the flesh continue to think of sin, which leads to death, whereas those who are live in the Spirit will think and do things of the Spirit. Paul speaks of how those who are set upon the flesh are unable to submit to God's law-I see that, conversely, those who set their minds upon the Spirit would joyfully and gladly submit to God's law (thanks to the fact that those in Christ Jesus are able to see that the law is is good-Christ's fulfillment of the law actually making it possible for someone to set their mind on the things of the Spirit).
But what are things of the Spirit? In verse 11: "If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you." The Spirit is life - in contrast to sin, which is death. I mean, real life is to live for and like Christ, isn't it? To give us life by effectually working in us to be more conformed to a greater Christlikeness. God, who sent Christ to die, also sent the Spirit to dwell in those who truly belong to Him.
In that, those who truly have the Spirit will without a doubt set their minds to the things of the Spirit. Paul goes on to write that those who are in the latter receive:
1. The Spirit of adoption where children of God are assured by the Spirit of their adoption and heirship with Christ (in His suffering).
1. The Spirit of adoption where children of God are assured by the Spirit of their adoption and heirship with Christ (in His suffering).
2. Help in weakness from the Spirit-intercession from the Spirit himself.
But, I also believe that beyond that which is clearly outlined in the words of Scripture, things of the Spirit is also the discipline of setting our minds upon that which is eternal and heavenward-which provides a great deal of comfort and inspiration to continue living this life joyfully, as we look toward the future glory that is promised-Paul writes "the present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us."
"...to set the mind on the Spirit is life..." and the promise in verse 11, "...he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life..." I find it to be interesting that the Spirit gives life, and that setting our minds upon the Spirit is...well, living. I think this is another example of how someone who lives according to the flesh, unable to submit to Christ's Lordship, can only come into true life by the means of God's choosing and giving.
A: I do not think I can willfully set my mind upon the things of the Spirit, but I understand that by this passage, if the Spirit dwells in me, life will be given to me-a mind that dwells upon Christ will ensue in the one who is given the Spirit, along with the reassurance of adoption as well as comfort in weakness. Also, a submission to the law is also present in the one who sets their mind upon the Spirit. In practical application, I will try my best (and may the Spirit be pleased to help me) to set my mind on that which are life-giving things of the Spirit.
P: Lord, I ask that Spirit be present in me-There are such wonderful promises for those who are given the Spirit...from adoption to comfort as well as a promise to be given life is something I really do want. I know that in me there really isn't anything good-death reigns in me, and I see that my life is often lived according to the flesh. My mind is set on the flesh and I know that that is a path towards destruction. I ask that your Spirit would change my heart and mind towards that which is pleasing to you-I pray to be given life from the very Spirit that raised Christ; To be given an assurance of sonship and heirship; I want to know what it's like to see and taste how good it is to be with Jesus and to long for that all my days. Set my mind to be filled with that which is of your Spirit, if it may please you-so that I may live according to your Spirit.
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