More Than A Conqueror: What Makes Us Flesh Or Spirit

We previously discussed the characteristics of those who live according to the flesh and those who live according to the Spirit. The next question Paul answers in Romans 8 is: What actually makes a person one or the other? Thus ultimately what makes one More Than A Conqueror!

Paul gives clarity in Romans 8:7–10:

“[7] Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. [8] So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. [9] But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

[10] And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.”

The Mind Governed by the Flesh (vv. 7–8)

Paul teaches that the person governed by the flesh is carnal. Unger’s Bible Dictionary defines carnal as:

“The mere human nature, the earthly nature of man apart from divine influence and therefore prone to sin and opposed to God; accordingly it includes in the soul whatever is weak, low, debased, tending to ungodliness and vice.”

To be carnal means to live controlled by human desire rather than divine direction. Paul says this mindset is enmity against God actively hostile and resistant to God’s authority. The carnal mind does not submit to God’s law and, in fact, cannot submit because it rejects God’s rule. This explains why a person can appear kind, generous, and moral yet still be spiritually separated from God. Without a relationship with Christ, even good behavior does not change the heart’s rebellion toward God.

Paul then concludes in verse 8:

“They that are in the flesh cannot please God.”

Because their lives are not submitted to God, obedience is impossible. God may still love them, but their lives do not bring Him pleasure because they are not walking in alignment with His will.

The Life Governed by the Spirit (vv. 9–10)

In verse 9, Paul shifts from description to affirmation. Believers are no longer in the flesh but in the Spirit, because the Spirit of God dwells within them. God does not merely influence believers from a distance He makes His home within them. Paul makes a strong statement, “If any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.”

Belonging to Christ is not based on church membership, good intentions, or religious activity it is based on the indwelling presence of the Spirit. Verse 10 explains what this indwelling produces:

“If Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.”

The old sinful self has been crucified with Christ. Though the physical body remains mortal, the controlling power of sin has been broken. Through Christ’s righteousness, believers are made spiritually alive. They are no longer driven by the flesh but empowered by the Spirit to live obediently and therefore can be More Than A Conqueror!!!