UASV’s Daily Devotional All Things Bible, Tuesday, May 13, 2025

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Living According to the Spirit: A Devotional Meditation on Romans 8:5

The Distinction Between the Mindset of the Flesh and the Mindset of the Spirit

“For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit.” — Romans 8:5

Romans 8 stands as a towering chapter within the apostle Paul’s inspired letter to the believers in Rome. After explaining in the preceding chapters that salvation is by grace through faith, Paul addresses the struggle believers face with indwelling sin (Romans 7:14–25). He then triumphantly declares in Romans 8:1, “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Romans 8 goes on to describe the new life believers possess through the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit and how that life is diametrically opposed to the desires and influences of the flesh.

Romans 8:5 provides the foundational contrast that governs the rest of the chapter: two ways of living, determined by two opposing mindsets. Paul describes the radical division between those who live according to the flesh and those who live according to the Spirit. This is not a superficial difference in lifestyle preferences but an eternal distinction between spiritual death and spiritual life.

Let us now examine this verse phrase by phrase to grasp its profound meaning, the warning it issues, and the hope it offers for those who belong to Christ and walk by the Spirit.

“For those who live according to the flesh…”

Paul begins with the phrase “those who live according to the flesh” (Greek: οἱ γὰρ κατὰ σάρκα ὄντες, hoi gar kata sarka ontes). The term σάρξ (sarx), translated “flesh,” does not refer simply to the physical body, but to fallen human nature, unredeemed humanity under the control of sin.

To live “according to the flesh” is to be:

Governed by sinful desires (Galatians 5:19–21)
Pursuing self-centered goals and passions (Ephesians 2:3)
Separated from the life of God (Ephesians 4:18)

This describes the condition of all who are outside of Christ. Their lives are ordered by the values, appetites, and ambitions of the sinful world system, which is at enmity with God.

Importantly, Paul does not suggest that there is a third category. Humanity is divided into two groups: those living according to the flesh, and those living according to the Spirit. Every person is in one of these two conditions.

“…set their minds on the things of the flesh…”

The first group is defined by what they “set their minds on” (Greek: φρονοῦσιν, phronousin), meaning to think, to be intent upon, or to be inwardly disposed toward something. It reflects both thought and desire.

Those who are of the flesh are consumed with “the things of the flesh.” These include:

Self-exaltation and pride (1 John 2:16)
The pursuit of sinful pleasure (Galatians 5:19–21)
Materialism and covetousness (Colossians 3:5)
Rebellion against God’s law (Romans 8:7)

This mindset does not produce life, peace, or righteousness. It leads only to death (Romans 8:6). Such persons may appear religious, moral, or respectable outwardly, but their inward focus remains centered on self, not on God.

Paul’s description serves as both a diagnosis and a warning: a mind set on the flesh evidences an unregenerate heart.

“…but those who live according to the Spirit…”

In contrast, Paul describes the second group: “those who live according to the Spirit” (Greek: οἱ δὲ κατὰ πνεῦμα, hoi de kata pneuma). The word πνεῦμα (pneuma) refers to the Holy Spirit. These are believers who have been born again (John 3:5–8), sealed by the Spirit (Ephesians 1:13–14), and now live under His influence and guidance.

To live according to the Spirit means:

Walking in step with the Spirit (Galatians 5:25)
Producing the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23)
Being led by the Spirit in holiness (Romans 8:14)
Submitting to the Word of God inspired by the Spirit (2 Peter 1:21)

These individuals have been freed from the power of sin and no longer walk according to the flesh (Romans 6:11–14). Their lives bear witness to the transforming power of grace.

“…set their minds on the things of the Spirit.”

The defining mark of this group is that they “set their minds on the things of the Spirit.” The same verb φρονοῦσιν is used as in the first clause, showing that what separates the believer from the unbeliever is the orientation of the inner person.

The “things of the Spirit” include:

The Word of God (John 6:63; Ephesians 6:17)
Prayer and communion with God (Romans 8:26–27)
The pursuit of holiness and Christlikeness (2 Corinthians 3:18)
Obedience to the commands of God (John 14:15–17)

The believer’s mind is not perfect, nor is the struggle with sin entirely absent (Romans 7:21–25). Yet the overarching direction of his life is toward pleasing God, submitting to His will, and loving righteousness.

This is the evidence of true conversion. A person who consistently desires the things of the Spirit demonstrates that he has been born of the Spirit.

Theological Implications: The Two Mindsets

Romans 8:5 draws a sharp line between spiritual life and death. It teaches that:

The mind reveals the heart. What one consistently thinks about and pursues shows whether they are of the flesh or of the Spirit.
Salvation changes a person’s desires. While perfection is not achieved in this life, regeneration causes the believer to love what God loves and hate what He hates.
No neutral ground exists. Every person is either dominated by the flesh or led by the Spirit.

This is consistent with Paul’s teaching elsewhere:

“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)
“You were formerly darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of light.” (Ephesians 5:8)

Devotional Application: Where Is Your Mind Set?

What occupies your thoughts?
Are you primarily concerned with temporal, earthly matters, or do your affections seek the things above (Colossians 3:1–2)?
What do you pursue with your time and energy?
Do your actions reflect a desire for the “things of the Spirit,” or are they driven by self-centered goals?
Do you see the Spirit producing transformation?
Are you growing in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, and the other fruit of the Spirit?
Are you resisting the pull of the flesh?
Do you fight against sin with the help of the Spirit, or have you grown complacent?

Romans 8:5 calls every believer to examine whether their life truly reflects the supernatural work of the Spirit.

Conclusion: The Evidence of Life in the Spirit

Romans 8:5 is both a warning and a promise. It warns that those who live with their minds set on the flesh remain under condemnation and spiritual death. But it promises that those led by the Spirit are no longer slaves of sin but sons and daughters of God, destined for life and peace (Romans 8:6, 14).

The mind set on the Spirit is the mark of the true believer. It produces holiness, perseverance, and a longing for the return of Christ. May we strive, by the help of the Spirit, to set our minds continually on the things that glorify our God and Savior.

“For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit.”

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About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).