Romans 8:5-8 (NIV)
5 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.
6 The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace;
7 the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so.
8 Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God.

I would encourage you to read the book by John Stott on Romans. Romans chapter 8 is a filled with tremendous truths about our walk with the God. It is one of the premiere chapters on our walk in the Spirit.



If I am counting correctly, Paul uses the word 'mind' in these 4 verses, no less than 5 times. Paul is wanting us to mind our P's and Q's. Our mindset is so important in anything we do. When we go to work our mindset can be one of disdain or we can take our work as a challenge and ask God to help us make it a ministry. If a believer still has the mindset that their life is their own then the results for that believers life will be radically different than those of a believer who has the mindset of surrender to the Lord and His Spirit. This mindset principle works in sports, family, marriage, and and yes the church's life. Our mind as a believer is to be controlled by the Holy Spirit. What does a person look like that has their mind controlled by the living Spirit of God? How does a person whose mind is controlled by the Holy Spirit behave in life? There is only one way to please God and that is to be controlled by God's Holy Spirit.

The Spirit’s control will replace sin’s control. His power is greater than the power of all your sin.

Erwin W. Lutzer (1941– )