"Those who are dominated by their sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit."
Romans 8:5 NLT
It is what we think about that is important. We can either think about things from our sinful nature or, choose to think about Jesus (Philippians 4:8). Casey Treat says: 'When your mind agrees with your spirit, you're spiritually minded. But when it agrees with your flesh, you're carnally minded.'
David Guzik further comments on this subject:
'We shouldn’t think those who set their minds on the things of the flesh are only notorious sinners. They may be noble people who have good intentions. Peter meant well when he told Jesus to avoid the cross, but Jesus responded to Peter with these strong words: you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men (Matthew 16:23).
For to be carnally minded is death: When our minds are set on the things of the flesh (carnally minded) we bring death into our lives. But walking in the Spirit brings life and peace. We must, however, guard against a false spirituality and see that Paul means the flesh insofar as it is an instrument in our rebellion against God. Paul is not talking about normal physical and emotional needs we may think about, only the sinful gratification of those needs.'
Therefore, we can see that we need to get our thoughts in line with God. As we know, this is never easy but, it is necessary. We cannot possibly please God while our mind is elsewhere. What we bring to God and to all who see us, is, bad fruit and this is not what God requires. It leads to spiritual death, it could lead to physical death because God is not one we should play games with. This is why people who are under the control of their sinful nature, can never please God. If you've been trying to please God and you feel you are getting nowhere, check your behaviour; check your thoughts. It may show you where you have gone wrong.
Yes, we will continue to sin daily, we are not perfect yet (Philippians 1:6). But deliberate, pre-meditated sin is serious. It sits in our minds and slowly spreads until we can't help ourselves. We can't, but God can. This is the time that we need to call out to Him for help. Our sinful nature will try to persuade us differently. This is where the battle begins. But if you want victory here, hang in and praise God. Your delivery will come.
Copyright 2023 Grahame Howard.
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