These verses set forth a clear distinction between a Christian and a non-Christian. This understanding is supported by Paul's words in verse 9. Non-Christians are those who live according to the flesh and Christians are those who live according to the Spirit.
In this case, here in verses 5-9, the "flesh" refers to the "sinful nature". A Non-Christian aspires to satisfy the appetites of his sinful nature. His mind is set on this. This person is hostile to God. In Colossians 1:21 Paul states it this way, "You, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds". In short, a Non-Christian is an enemy of God.
Next, a Non-Christian does not submit to God's law. 1 John 3:4 states, "Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness." To break God's law is a crime against God, therefore a Non-Christian is a guilty, condemned sinner before God. No matter how hard he tries, he can never obey God's holy law and satisfy His perfect standards.
Finally, Paul tells us that a Non-Christian cannot please God. In Isaiah 64:6, God tells us that He views all the "righteous" deeds of a Non-Christian as a polluted garment. Because his heart is not pleasing to God, his thoughts and actions can never please God. Romans 3:10 says, "None is righteous, no, not one."
This is the spiritual condition of all Non-Christians before God. They are (1) sinners by nature, (2) enemies of God, (3) law breakers of God's law, and (4) incapable of pleasing God. The desires of the flesh hate the desires of the Spirit, and is at war against it (see Galatians 5:17). In this state, all sinners are the "recipients of God's wrath" (see John 3:36 and Ephesians 2:1-3).
For this reason, we need God's Gospel. It teaches us that the moment we start trusting in Christ as our one and only Savior, God transforms us from "living according to the flesh" to "living according to the Spirit". This transformation is called "conversion". This is "regeneration". We are regenerated the moment the Holy Spirit indwells us. At this point we begin living according to the Spirit. This means that (1) we possess a new nature; (2) we are God's children; (3) we are justified and righteous; (4) we are able to please God.
Is the Holy Spirit dwelling in you? Without His indwelling presence in your life, you cannot be a Christian. Start trusting in Jesus alone for salvation, and you too can "live according to the Spirit".
Next, a Non-Christian does not submit to God's law. 1 John 3:4 states, "Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness." To break God's law is a crime against God, therefore a Non-Christian is a guilty, condemned sinner before God. No matter how hard he tries, he can never obey God's holy law and satisfy His perfect standards.
Finally, Paul tells us that a Non-Christian cannot please God. In Isaiah 64:6, God tells us that He views all the "righteous" deeds of a Non-Christian as a polluted garment. Because his heart is not pleasing to God, his thoughts and actions can never please God. Romans 3:10 says, "None is righteous, no, not one."
This is the spiritual condition of all Non-Christians before God. They are (1) sinners by nature, (2) enemies of God, (3) law breakers of God's law, and (4) incapable of pleasing God. The desires of the flesh hate the desires of the Spirit, and is at war against it (see Galatians 5:17). In this state, all sinners are the "recipients of God's wrath" (see John 3:36 and Ephesians 2:1-3).
For this reason, we need God's Gospel. It teaches us that the moment we start trusting in Christ as our one and only Savior, God transforms us from "living according to the flesh" to "living according to the Spirit". This transformation is called "conversion". This is "regeneration". We are regenerated the moment the Holy Spirit indwells us. At this point we begin living according to the Spirit. This means that (1) we possess a new nature; (2) we are God's children; (3) we are justified and righteous; (4) we are able to please God.
Is the Holy Spirit dwelling in you? Without His indwelling presence in your life, you cannot be a Christian. Start trusting in Jesus alone for salvation, and you too can "live according to the Spirit".
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