Developing an Encouraged Mindset: Lessons from Romans 8

In Romans 8, the Apostle Paul provides profound insights into how our mindset shapes our relationship with God. Understanding the difference between a mind set on the flesh versus a mind set on the Spirit can transform our entire approach to faith and life.

What does it mean to have a mind set on the flesh?

Romans 8:8 tells us, "Those who are in the flesh cannot please God." This might sound discouraging at first, but it's important to understand what Paul means by "flesh." One helpful translation puts it this way: "Those controlled by their sinful nature cannot please God."

Every person is born with a sinful nature inherited from Adam and Eve. When Paul uses the term "flesh" or "sinful nature," he's referring to this inherent tendency toward sin that we all possess.

In Romans 7:18, Paul admits, "For I know nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh." Remarkably, Paul writes this as a Christian, acknowledging that even after salvation, his sinful nature remains a reality he must contend with.

Why is a fleshly mindset dangerous?

Romans 8:7 explains that "the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law. Indeed it cannot." This reveals something crucial: it's not just our sinful nature that's the problem, but the mindset that focuses on that nature.

The Greek word for "mindset" (phronoma) appears only four times in the New Testament, with three occurrences in this passage. It refers to "a habitual or characteristic mental attitude that determines how one will interpret and respond to situations." This isn't just occasional thoughts but the fundamental framework through which we perceive life and make decisions.

With a mindset fixed on the flesh, we might have good intentions or desires, but we lack the ability to carry them out consistently. As Paul confesses in Romans 7:18, "For I have a desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out."

How does a spiritual mindset differ?

Romans 8:6 offers hope: "For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace." This contrast reveals that we have an alternative to the mindset of the flesh.

The "life and peace" mentioned here isn't about material prosperity or absence of conflict. Rather, it refers to our restored relationship with God. One mindset leads to spiritual death and separation from God, while the other leads to spiritual life and reconciliation with Him.

How does the Gospel transform our mindset?

The "Three Circles" evangelism tool helps illustrate this transformation:

• God's Design: God originally created a perfect world where everything and everyone fit together harmoniously.

• Sin: When we ignore God and insist on our own way, life stops working as designed. The Bible calls this sin.

• Brokenness: Sin leads to brokenness, where we realize life isn't working and begin searching for solutions.

• Gospel: God didn't leave us in our brokenness. Jesus came to do for us what we couldn't do for ourselves.

• Repent and Believe: We must admit our sinful brokenness, ask God for forgiveness, and believe in Jesus Christ.

• Recover and Pursue: When God restores our relationship with Him, we begin discovering meaning and purpose even in this broken world.

How do we live according to the Spirit?

Romans 8:5 states, "For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit."

Living in the Spirit means being obedient to the Spirit as He:

• Organizes our lives according to God's will

• Guides us to opportunities to share the gospel

• Helps us become better reflections of Christ

What does it mean to recover and pursue?

Recovering in Christ:

• Recover Identity: Romans 8:16 says, "The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God." Our true identity isn't found in our past, our job, or what others say about us—it's in whose we are: children of God.

• Recover Communication: Through prayer and Bible reading, we develop two-way communication with God. When our mindset is on the Spirit, our prayers shift from selfish wants to alignment with God's will.

• Recover Direction: Like Psalm 23 describes, God leads us in paths of righteousness. Instead of following our own desires, we seek God's guidance for our lives.

Pursuing God's Design:

• Pursue God's Will: Romans 12:2 instructs, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind." This happens through personal study, discipleship relationships, and community groups.

• Pursue God's Good Works: Ephesians 2:10 reminds us, "We are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." These aren't works we produce, but ones God prepared for us to walk in.

• Pursue God's Mission: The Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 calls us to "make disciples of all nations." Nothing matters more than sharing the gospel with others, whether through formal evangelism or simply being present with people in their struggles.

Life Application

The church is the hope of the world. Christ died for us, ascended to heaven, and now we represent Him to a lost world. We must engage not as individuals alone, but together in community, empowered by God.

When our minds are set on the Spirit, we live differently. People notice this difference and are drawn to the hope we have in Christ. This only happens when we truly understand our identity in Christ and live purposefully according to that identity.

Ask yourself these questions this week:

• Where is my mindset currently focused—on the flesh or on the Spirit?

• How might my prayers change if I focused more on God's will than my wants?

• What good works has God prepared for me to walk in?

• How can I better represent Christ to those around me who don't know Him?

Challenge yourself to spend time each day in prayer and Bible reading, asking God to renew your mind and shift your focus to the things of the Spirit. Then watch how this transformed mindset begins to change your perspective, your relationships, and your impact on the world around you.