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.
What does Romans 8:5 mean?
Believers may be chastened of the Lord, but will not be condemned with the world. By their union with Christ through faith, they are thus secured.
Key themes
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Keep this verse inside Romans 8:1-5 and alongside a few nearby related passages.
Commentary on Romans 8:5
For they that are after the flesh - They that are under the influence of the corrupt and sinful desires of the flesh; Galatians 5:19-21 . Those who are unrenewed. Do mind the things of the flesh - They are supremely devoted to the gratification of their corrupt desires. But they that are after the Spirit - Who are under its influence; who are led by the Spirit. The things of the Spirit - Those things which the Spirit produces, or which he effects in the mind, Galatians 5:21-23 .
Key words
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Context in Romans 8
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Romans 8 belongs to the middle movement of the book, especially the section often described as justification and Abraham. Romans is Paul’s fullest sustained exposition of sin, grace, righteousness, faith, Israel, the Spirit, and transformed life in Christ. Read this chapter with the wider themes of justification, grace, and faith in view so the individual verses keep their proper weight.
Related topics
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Passages on trusting God, receiving Christ, persevering without sight, and the relation between faith and lived obedience.
Key passages on God's unmerited favour, the grace of Christ, salvation by grace through faith, and how grace transforms the way believers live.
Passages on the nature of sin, its consequences, God's judgment, repentance, and the way of forgiveness through Christ.