Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.
Romans 8:8 NET
We divide people in many ways today–gender, color, ethnicity or nationality, education, social status, political leanings, or sexuality. But Paul talks here about another, more significant divide. Are you in Christ, following the lead of the Holy Spirit? Or are you in the flesh, following your own desires?
For those who are in Christ, living according to the Spirit, there is no condemnation (Rom. 8:1). They have put to death the misdeeds of the flesh and are now children of God (Rom. 8:13:14).
But those who are in the flesh cannot please God. They are hostile to God, and their future is death (Rom. 8:6-7).
In the Flesh
So, what does it mean to be “in the flesh?” This is humanity’s natural state. To be in the flesh is to have a human perspective on life and the world around us (Rom. 8:5). It is living to satisfy one’s own desires. When you are in the flesh, you are on the throne of your life.
A life lived in the flesh is not necessarily a bad life. One who is in the flesh might live a morally upright life, be generous to those in need, and work to make the world a better place. They might call themselves Christians, be regular in church attendance, and support the church with their money and time. But if the Spirit does not lead them, they are in the flesh.
Led by the Spirit
A person led by the Spirit may outwardly look very similar to the one described in the previous paragraph. But there is one significant difference. Who is in charge?
If I am in charge, doing what seems best to me, then I am in the flesh. And it makes no difference how good my life might be. I cannot please God.
But if Jesus is Lord, not just in word, but in truth, I will listen to the Spirit and follow where he leads. And my life will be pleasing to God.
Thank you for this helpful insight, including the passage from James. I agree, consulting with God first when planning one’s day or making difficult decisions seems the right path. I have found waiting for His answer is far better than living impulsively, which often leads to regret.
If I am in charge, doing what seems best to me, then I am in the flesh. And it makes no difference how good my life might be. I cannot please God.
But if Jesus is Lord, not just in word, but in truth, I will listen to the Spirit and follow where he leads. And my life will be pleasing to God.
Dear Mr. Jarrett, I appreciate your reflection on Rom. 8:8 and completely agree. In response to your statements above, I struggle on how to discern what the Spirit is saying versus my inner voice. Also, are Christians to have no personal choice in some matters without being thought as living the flesh? Any suggestions?
Thank you.
I also sometimes struggle to distinguish my own will from the direction of the Holy Spirit. My will can be strong, and the voice of the Spirit still and small. It sometimes takes an effort to still my own spirit to hear the Spirit’s voice.
But I do not believe that I should have no say in what I do. As a trivial example, I do not think God cares one way or the other whether I have raisins or blueberries in my oatmeal this morning. James 4:13-17 tells me that there is much I am free to do. But as I do it, I need to be listening for God to direct me into another course, acknowledging Him as my sovereign.