Romans 8:5-6 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.… I. "THE THINGS OF THE FLESH" are the bodily appetites, sympathies, and propensions. These are its great forces moving its members and organs. These are — 1. Good when subordinated to the interests of the soul. When they are controlled by a holy intelligence they are blessed handmaids to the Spirit. 2. Bad when they are allowed to hold empire over the soul. This they do in all unrenewed natures; the curse of humanity is when the body rules the intellect and conscience too. "What shall we eat; what shall we drink?" etc. II. THE THINGS OF THE SPIRIT are its moral intuitions, rational dictates, intuitive longings, and varied powers of thought and sentiment. These are — 1. Good when they control the things of the flesh, when they hold the body in absolute subjection — use it as an instrument. 2. Bad when they are devoted to the things of the flesh. They are often thus devoted; souls are everywhere prostituted to animalism. (D. Thomas, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. |
    |