What does it look like when a mind is set on the things of the flesh – and what does it look like when it is set on Christ? Romans 8:5-8 draws a stark line between the carnal mind, which is death and enmity against God, and the spiritual mind, which is life and peace. Like a doctor diagnosing a serious condition, the symptoms of a carnal mind are laid bare – distracted, darkened, defiled, and deceived – while the remedy is found in the mind of Christ as seen in Philippians 2: humble, servant-hearted, obedient, and devoted to others. The power to live with that Christ-like mindset comes not from self-effort but from salvation and daily sanctification through the Lord Jesus Christ.
Romans 8:5-8 presents two fundamentally opposed mindsets: the carnal mind that pursues the things of the flesh, and the spiritual mind that pursues the things of God. These are not merely different preferences but entirely different orientations with drastically different outcomes. The carnal mind is death – not merely physical death but eternal separation from God. The spiritual mind is life and peace.
The word translated “carnally minded” is composed of two Greek elements: sarx (flesh) and phronema (mindset). It describes a person whose entire orientation is toward the things of the flesh. This is not simply a matter of occasional failure but of fundamental direction. Those who are carnally minded have their attention fixed on what satisfies the flesh rather than what honours God.
Four symptoms help identify this condition. First, the carnal mind is a distracted and desiring mind. Ephesians 2:1-3 describes the former life of believers as one spent walking according to the course of this world, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind. Galatians 5:19-21 catalogues the works of the flesh in vivid detail – adultery, fornication, idolatry, hatred, strife, envyings, and more – summarised with the phrase “and such like,” indicating the list is not exhaustive. These are the things the carnal mind craves and pursues.
Second, the carnal mind is a darkened mind. Satan actively blinds the minds of those who do not believe, as 2 Corinthians 4:4 states, so that the light of the gospel cannot shine upon them. Romans 1:21 traces the same trajectory: when people refuse to glorify God or give thanks, they become vain in their imaginations and their hearts are darkened. Ephesians 4:18 speaks of having the understanding darkened. The carnal mind operates in spiritual blindness.
Third, the carnal mind is a defiled mind. Titus 1:15 says that to those who are defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure – even their mind and conscience is defiled. Second Timothy 3:8 speaks of men of corrupt minds who resist the truth. The carnal mind does not dwell on things that are pure and holy but only on what feeds the desires of the flesh. The proverb rings true: as a man thinks in his heart, so is he.
Fourth, the carnal mind is a deceived mind. It may believe it has the truth while being easily captivated by false teaching. Second Corinthians 11:3 warns that just as the serpent beguiled Eve through subtlety, so minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. Second Timothy 3:6-7 describes those who are ever learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
The outcome of this condition is devastating. Romans 8:6 declares that to be carnally minded is death – the Greek word thanatos, pointing to eternal separation from God, far worse than physical death. Verse 7 adds that the carnal mind is enmity against God. The word “enmity” carries the sense of active hostility – the same word used of an adversary. The sinner is a rebel against God, and if any proof were needed, the crucifixion of Christ is the clearest demonstration. Verse 8 completes the picture: those in the flesh cannot please God. No good works, religious observances, or sacrificial services can earn God’s approval while a person remains in a carnal state.
The cure is the mind of Christ. Philippians 1:27 through 2:8 paints the portrait of what a Christ-like mind looks like in practice. It begins with saintly love expressed in unified labour – standing fast in one spirit, with one mind, striving together for the faith of the gospel. The emphasis on unity is striking: one spirit, one mind, one accord, like-minded, the same love. The word “one” simply means singular – the same word used of the body of Christ and the marriage union.
This love is also unselfish. Philippians 2:3 calls for lowliness of mind – the same word used in secular documents to describe the Nile River at its lowest point. It means to consider others superior to oneself. The image of Christ washing the disciples’ feet in John 13 captures this perfectly: God incarnate, clothed in humility, getting down to perform the lowest task. The practical outworking is found in verse 4: looking not on one’s own things but on the things of others – not a casual glance but a fixed attention, actively seeking opportunities to serve.
Beyond saintly love, the Christ-like mind reflects the Saviour’s own likeness. Philippians 2:5-8 traces the steps of Christ’s humiliation: He existed in the form (nature) of God, yet did not cling to His divine prerogatives. He made Himself of no reputation, took upon Himself the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men. He humbled Himself and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. From heaven to earth, from glory to shame, from master to servant, from life to death – this is the pattern. He was permanently clothed in a sinless physical body, and He used that body to serve, to suffer, and to die for sinners.
The Christ-like mind is also an obedient mind. Christ came not to do His own will but the will of the Father. John 8:29 records His words: the Father has not left Him alone, for He always did those things that pleased the Father. If Christ was willing to suffer and be obedient even unto death, the challenge to believers is clear. By comparison, the inconveniences and discomforts of Christian service – knocking on a door, enduring unkind words – are small things.
The whole book of Philippians underscores this theme: the word “joy” occurs fifteen times and “mind” twelve times. The Christ-like mind is what gives joy through any circumstance. But joy and obedience and service are impossible in one’s own strength. Philippians 4:13 provides the answer: “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” No other person can give the strength to sustain a Christ-like mind – not a spouse, not a parent, not a friend. When human supports are removed, outward conformity without heart change collapses.
The path forward has two parts. For the one who has never trusted Christ, the carnal mind must come in humility to the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation. Romans 8:3-4 shows that what the law could not do, God did by sending His own Son. John 3:17 confirms that God sent His Son not to condemn the world but that the world through Him might be saved. For the believer, there must be daily sanctification – a continual renewal of the mind. Romans 12:2 commands transformation by the renewing of the mind. Second Corinthians 4:16 speaks of the inward man being renewed day by day. Ephesians 4:23 calls for renewal in the spirit of the mind. The believer must know by faith that they are dead to sin, reckon it to be so, yield to the Spirit, and mortify the deeds of the flesh.
The diagnosis is deadly, but the remedy is available. The command is to let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus – and what God commands, He enables.
Sermon Audio Id: 282602566001