“Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God.” (Romans 8:5-8)

Paul cuts right to the chase in this eight chapter of his letter to the Romans. The chapter was sub-titled “Life through the Spirit” (in the NIV bible) and the first few verses have already provided us with critical insight into Christian living. The big takeaway from these opening verses is the simple concept that we cannot serve our own selfish desires and God at the same time. Paul is quite clear about this when he states that the mind guided by sin will repel and be “hostile to God.” He then continues with this thought saying that when sin has successfully entrapped and enslaved a person, that person will not be able to “submit to God’s law.” Paul is highlighting this concept that sin and obeying God’s commands are in a constant fight for our future. The “flesh” desperately wants the fulfilment of a “good time” right now. And God wants us to focus on our eternity with Him, living righteous and holy lives. These dueling ideologies of living for the Spirit, or giving in to the sinful desires of the flesh, are the battle grounds that we fight on every day. So, with all we know about this struggle what do we do? We “Fight the good fight of the faith. [And] take hold of the eternal life to which you were called” – 1 Timothy 6:12.