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I. ITS NATURE. Note —

1. The objects which a spiritually minded man regards. There is a spiritual as well as a material, an intellectual, and a moral world — a world the existence and contents of which are not ascertained by the exercise of the senses, nor by the mere exercise of intellectual energy; "for eye hath not seen," etc. They are, however, graciously revealed to us by the Spirit in the Scriptures; they comprehend the existence, character, and government of God; the responsibility, guilt, and depravity of man; the person, character, and mediatorial work of the Redeemer; the instructions and influences of the Holy Spirit; the graces which adorn the Christian character; and the glory to which the believer is graciously destined.

2. The manner in which a spiritually-minded man regards these objects. He has a spiritual discernment, in the exercise of which he regards spiritual things in a totally different way than he did before. The things themselves remain the same, but he is changed. He regards them now —

(1) Devoutly. He meditates on them not as matters of mere speculation, but as the means of holiness and of eternal life. You may think of religion in all its aspects and yet he as far from all spiritual contact with religion itself as the astronomer is from the star he contemplates. But if you think of them devoutly, your thoughts will be accompanied with such feelings as correspond with their character and importance.

(2) Supremely. Not that he disregards those which are secular and temporal, but to him their importance is secondary; "he seeks first the kingdom of God and His righteousness."(3) Habitually. It is no uncommon thing for a worldly-minded man, under the influence of strong excitement, to direct his attention to spiritual things, and with some degree of anxiety. But his regard is as transitory as the excitement by which it was occasioned. But spirituality is the law of the mind of a spiritually-minded man, and it displays itself both by its resistance to evil and by its pursuit of good.

(4) Practically. Its internal influence on the heart is indeed invisible, but this is always connected with visible effects, like the sap which secretly circulates through the tree, and then exhibits its existence by the fruit. "By their fruits ye shall know them."

3. The general principles by which a spiritually-minded man's regard to these objects is regulated.

(1)  A firm belief in the existence of spiritual things.

(2)  A solemn conviction of the Divine presence.

(3)  An obedient regard to Divine authority.

(4)  A holy love to the Divine character.

(5)  A penitential conviction of guilt.

(6)  The prospect of standing before the judgment seat of Christ.

II. THE LIFE AND PEACE WITH WHICH SPIRITUAL MINDEDNESS IS CONNECTED.

1. To be spiritually minded is life. This life is —

(1) Real. A speculative knowledge of the gospel is not life; nor is a performance of the ceremonies of religion; nor a visible union with the Church. These things may adorn the worldly-minded professor, as fragrant flowers adorn the lifeless corpse. There is no life, unless you live by the faith of the Son of God.

(2) Is of the highest and noblest character. The lowest degree of life is vegetable life; the next is animal; the next is intellectual. But beyond all these is spiritual life, which assimilates its possessor to its Divine source.

2. To be spiritually minded is peace. This peace arises from —

(1) Pardon, for, "being justified by faith we have peace with God."(2) Confidence in God; "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Thee."(3) The smile of God, when we walk in the light of His countenance.

(4) Peace in affliction; for "in the world ye shall have tribulation, but in Me ye shall have peace."(5) Peace in death; for "mark the perfect man, and behold the upright, for the end of that man is peace."

III. THE MEANS BY WHICH SPIRITUAL MINDEDNESS MAY BE PRODUCED AND PROMOTED.

1. Carefully avoid everything which is opposed to spirituality of mind.

2. Contemplate the Word of God in the exercise of faith.

3. Pray without ceasing.

(J. Alexander.)

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KJV: For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

WEB: For the mind of the flesh is death, but the mind of the Spirit is life and peace;