Living by the Spirit: A Life of Freedom and Peace

• I. Introduction

* “For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.” (Romans 8:6)

• Satan’s Strategy is to defeat us
  * Briefly introduce the human struggle against sin and the desire for freedom.
  * Highlight the importance of Romans 8 in understanding Christian living.

• II. The Flesh vs. The Spirit (Romans 8:5-8)
  * “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.” (Romans 8:5)
  * Natural inclinations, desires, and appetites.
  * Focus on self-gratification, worldly pursuits, and disobedience to God.
  * Emphasize the limitations and destructive nature of living according to the flesh.

• * “For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.” (Romans 8:6)
  * The Holy Spirit dwelling within believers, empowering them for godly living.
  * Focus on obedience to God, love for others, and a desire for righteousness.
  * Emphasize the freedom and peace that come from living according to the Spirit.
  * “Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.” (Romans 8:7)
  * Clearly distinguish between the two, highlighting the opposing forces at work within believers.

• III. The Mind Set on the Spirit (Romans 8:6-8)
  * “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.” (Romans 8:9)
  * Explain how our thoughts and attitudes shape our actions.
  * “For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.” (Romans 8:6)
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  * Actively choosing to focus on spiritual things: God’s Word, prayer, fellowship, etc.
  * Cultivating a mindset of gratitude, humility, and dependence on God.

• * “For the minding of the flesh is death; but the minding of the Spirit is life and peace.” (Romans 8:6)
  * Explain how setting our minds on the Spirit leads to:
  * Freedom from the law of sin and death.
  * Peace that surpasses all understanding.
  * The ability to live a life that is pleasing to God.
• IV. Practical Application
  * “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.” (Romans 8:5)
  * Identify areas of your life where you are tempted to live according to the flesh.
• * “For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.” (Romans 8:6)
  * How can you actively set your mind on the Spirit in those areas?
  * Specific examples: spending time in prayer and Scripture, engaging in acts of service, cultivating godly relationships.
  * “Be ye not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” (Romans 12:2)
  * Encourage listeners to cultivate a daily practice of renewing their minds.

V. Conclusion
* “For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.” (Romans 8:6)
* Reiterate the importance of living by the Spirit for a life of freedom, peace, and joy.
* Offer a final word of encouragement and assurance of God’s grace and power.

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Keywords:
Flesh vs. Spirit
Mind Renewal
Holy Spirit
Christian Living
Freedom
Peace
Obedience
Transformation