Summary:

Our spirits agree with the Word of God. Therefore, when we allow our souls (our minds) to agree with the Word, the body has to submit. However, when the body is leading us, we are being led by what we can see, hear, touch, and smell. To believe with our spirits means to believe beyond what our senses tell us. The battle of believing the Word despite the senses is the essence of carnality versus spirituality.

  1. “For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace” (Romans 8:6).

    1. In other words, to be carnally minded equals death.

      1. “Carnality” is a mind-set that is separated from God, which leads to death in every way that death can be experienced.

      2. “Death” in this context is not only describing ultimate death but also death’s progressive efforts, such as discouragement, loneliness, sickness, lack, etc.

    2. A carnal mind is not necessarily a sinful mind. However, all sin is carnal.

      1. A carnal mind is simply a mind that is governed entirely by the senses.

      2. A person who has a carnal mind is directed only by what he or she can see, hear, touch, and smell.

    3. “Spiritual mindedness” means being led by our spirits (or the Word). This releases the flow of the life of God within us.

      1. When our thoughts are dominated by the Word, we are spiritually minded.

  2. “This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind” (Ephesians 4:17).

    1. “Gentiles” in this context describes people who are unbelievers, and those who are not in covenant with God.

    2. We must not walk as unbelievers. They do not use their minds to perceive spiritual truth.

      1. We must train ourselves in the Word. We must train our feelings to obey our spirits.

    3. The mind will gravitate toward darkness (carnality) if it is not focused on the Word (Ephesians 4:18).

      1. The Word must be understood to be useful.

      2. When our minds are focused on our issues and problems, we have no peace.

    4. There is peace within our born-again spirit.

      1. However, in order to draw that peace out, we must keep our minds focused on the Word of God.

Scripture References:

  • Romans 8:6

  • Ephesians 4:17-18

Pastor Robert Bagonza

Senior Pastor Redeemed Church

www.mrolec.org