This week is all about Colossians 3:2, “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things” (NIV84).
Before we look into setting our minds, we need to have an understanding of the two realms which can govern, or rule, the mind. Let’s read a description of this from Romans 8.
The Two Realms of Romans 8
5“Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires;
but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.6“The mind governed by the flesh is death,
but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.7“The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God;
it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so.
8Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God.9“You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ.”
Romans 8:5-9 (NIV84)
What is a Realm?
A realm is defined as a kingdom, sphere, or domain.
| Kingdom: | a) a realm or region in which something is dominant; b) an area or sphere in which one holds a preeminent position |
| Sphere: | 4b) an area or range over or within which someone or something acts, exists, or has influence or significance |
| Domain: | 2) a territory over which dominion [supreme authority; sovereignty] is exercised; 4) a sphere of knowledge, influence, or activity |
Therefore, we can infer that in the Realm of the Flesh, the Flesh:
is dominant;
holds a preeminent position;
acts, exists, and has influence or significance;
exercises supreme authority;
controls knowledge.
Paul paints a vivid picture of this in Galatians 5.
In the Realm of the Flesh
“When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear:
sexual immorality,
impurity [something that is not good (lewd or foul) mixed in with something good],
lustful pleasures [intensely longed for and craved excess and indulgence],
idolatry [immoderate attachment or devotion to something; worship of an image as a god],
sorcery,
hostility [deep-seated usually mutual ill will],
quarreling [finding fault; contending or disputing actively],
jealousy [hostile in disposition, attitude, or feeling toward a rival or one believed to enjoy an advantage],
outbursts of anger,
selfish ambition [an ardent desire for rank, fame, or power, or to achieve any particular self-centered end],
dissension [a lack of agreement or harmony, esp. strife or discord],
division,
envy [painful or resentful awareness of an advantage enjoyed by another joined with a desire to possess the same advantage],
drunkenness,
wild parties,
and other sins like these.
Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God,”
(Galatians 5:19-21, NLT; definitions from merriam-webster.com).
In the Realm of the Spirit
In stark contrast, Paul’s next list is like a breath of fresh air.
“But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives:
love,
joy,
peace,
patience,
kindness,
goodness,
faithfulness,
gentleness,
& self-control.
There is no law against these things!”
(Galatians 5:22-23, NLT).
What We Must Ask Ourselves
Which list reflects my lifestyle?
In which realm do I live?
If you are indeed a Christian, your answer must be The Realm of the Spirit! Remember: “You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ,” (Romans 8:9).
However, as we have noted in past posts [Day 13, Day 14], we are works “in progress.” While Christians do not live a lifestyle of sin, we do, in fact, sin. In the process of sanctification, we cooperate with the Holy Spirit as He frees and redeems every part of us from The Realm of the Flesh.
Tomorrow we will go further into the Flesh vs. the Spirit topic. For now, please join me in prayer.
Day 21 PRAYER:
Father God,
You know me inside and out, “for You created my inmost being,” (Psalm 139:13).
“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting,” (Psalm 139:23-24).
Thank You that the Spirit of the Living God lives in me! Help me cooperate more fully with the Holy Spirit so He can free and redeem every part of me from The Realm of the Flesh.
Purify me where I am impure in heart, mind, and body. Change my desires that I may not crave anything more than I crave time in Your presence. May I become wholly devoted to You — free me from my immoderate attachments to earthly things.
If I bear ill will toward anyone, Lord, convict me of it immediately! If I am quarreling with anyone, reveal to me the way of peace as far as it depends on me. If I am entertaining thoughts & feelings of jealousy, or envy, or which lead to outbursts of anger, show me how to deal with the root of my problem. If my ambitions in life are self-centered, bring it to my attention and help me make my life God-centered and gospel-centered. If I have promoted dissension and caused division, especially in the Body of Christ, Lord, shine the bright light of truth in my eyes that I may see the way to peace and healing.
Forgive me, Lord, for my sins. Give me the courage to ask for the forgiveness of others whom I have wronged.
If I am living the lifestyle of one who is not a Christian, please draw me to Yourself and guide me to a trusted Christian pastor, minister, or friend who can walk me through the truth and grace and hope of the Gospel.
Father God, teach me how to love as You love.
May my life be characterized by joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
I love You; thank You for first loving me.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.