Sermons on Romans 8:5
The various sermons below converge on the understanding that Romans 8:5 addresses the fundamental orientation of the believer’s mind and desires, contrasting a life ruled by the flesh with one led by the Spirit. They collectively emphasize that this is not merely about external behavior or intellectual assent but about a deep-seated, spiritual mindset or disposition that shapes the whole person. Several sermons highlight the Spirit’s empowering role in enabling believers to exercise dominion over their desires rather than simply suppressing them, framing the Christian life as active participation in the kingdom of God here and now. Nuances emerge in how this mindset is described: some focus on the renewal of the mind as a process of aligning the “old mind” with the “mind of Christ,” while others stress the Spirit’s formative influence on the attitude and orientation of the heart. The internal battle is often illustrated through vivid metaphors—such as animalistic appetites or background music—underscoring the pervasive and ongoing nature of this spiritual transformation. Additionally, the sermons collectively underscore that the “things” set on the flesh or Spirit are not merely external objects but represent values, desires, and ultimate loves, with idolatry being a central concern.
In contrast, the sermons diverge in their theological emphases and pastoral applications. Some sermons frame sin primarily as “disordered desires” that dethrone God, while others emphasize the evidence of regeneration as a recognizable “family likeness” or spiritual orientation that transcends mere religious activity. The approach to sanctification varies, with some rejecting the traditional “two natures” model in favor of an “old mind/new mind” paradigm, highlighting the ongoing renewal process, whereas others focus more on the Spirit’s dynamic shaping of the believer’s mindset as a continual transformation. Practical applications also differ: one sermon uniquely uses Romans 8:5 as a diagnostic tool for confronting lust and private sin, urging vigilance over what one mentally consumes, while another stresses integrating a God-centered orientation into all earthly responsibilities without neglect. Linguistically, some sermons delve deeply into the Greek terms to reveal the richness of “mindset” and “things,” whereas others prioritize pastoral exhortation over technical exegesis. The tension between internal disposition and external behavior, between present kingdom participation and future hope, and between the Spirit’s empowerment and human responsibility is handled with varying emphases across the messages.
Romans 8:5 Interpretation:
Transforming Minds: Seeking the Things Above in Christ (Abundant Life Church) interprets Romans 8:5 through the lens of the "old mind" versus the "new mind," rather than the traditional "two natures" model. The preacher asserts that, upon being born again, believers receive the "mind of Christ" (the new mind), but must actively renew their old mind to align with this new reality. The sermon uses the analogy of background music—specifically Motown playing in the background while life goes on—to illustrate how setting one's mind on the Spirit is not about ignoring earthly responsibilities, but about having a constant, underlying orientation toward God that shapes all actions and decisions. The preacher also draws a distinction between "affections" (as in the KJV rendering) and mere thoughts, suggesting that Romans 8:5 is about the deep-seated orientation of one's desires and loves, not just intellectual focus.
Transformative Power of Being Born Again (MLJTrust) provides a distinctive interpretation by focusing on the concept of "family likeness" as the primary evidence of being born of the Spirit, referencing Romans 8:5 to argue that the most obvious characteristic of the regenerate is a spiritual mindset. The preacher highlights that this is not merely a matter of external behavior or intellectual assent, but an intrinsic, Spirit-given disposition that fundamentally reorients one's desires and priorities. The sermon also notes the subtlety of this transformation, warning that one can discuss or even teach spiritual matters with a "secular mind," but the true mark of regeneration is a pervasive spiritual orientation that others can sense, even if the individual is not always consciously aware of it.
Confronting Lust: Love, Integrity, and Spiritual Growth (Desiring God) interprets Romans 8:5 as a diagnostic tool for discerning whether one's mind is oriented toward the flesh or the Spirit, especially in the context of battling lust. The sermon uniquely applies the verse as a self-examination question, asking whether one's engagement with erotic literature is an act of setting the mind on the flesh or the Spirit. This approach frames Romans 8:5 not just as a theological statement but as a practical, probing question for daily choices, especially regarding what one consumes with the mind and senses. The sermon does not delve into Greek or Hebrew, but its notable insight is the use of Romans 8:5 as a lens for evaluating the spiritual orientation of one's desires and habits, particularly in the realm of hidden or private sin.
Romans 8:5 Theological Themes:
Guided by the Spirit: Aligning Desires with God (Community Church) introduces the theological theme of "disordered desires" as the essence of sin, arguing that sin is not simply about bad actions but about allowing good desires to become ultimate, thus dethroning God from the center of one's life. The sermon also reframes the "kingdom of God" as a present reality forfeited when desires rule, rather than merely a future hope, and emphasizes the Spirit's role in empowering believers to exercise dominion over their desires, restoring them to their intended place as image-bearers who rule rather than are ruled.
Transforming Minds: Seeking the Things Above in Christ (Abundant Life Church) presents a nuanced theological theme by rejecting the "two natures" model in favor of an "old mind/new mind" paradigm, suggesting that sanctification is a process of bringing the old mind into alignment with the new, Spirit-given mind. The sermon also explores the distinction between agape (divine love) and lust, arguing that true love originates from the Spirit and is only possible for those who are born again, while what the world often calls love is actually a manifestation of fleshly desire. Additionally, the preacher addresses the practical outworking of Romans 8:5, insisting that spiritual-mindedness does not mean neglecting earthly responsibilities, but rather integrating a God-centered orientation into all aspects of life.
Transformative Power of Being Born Again (MLJTrust) adds the theme of "family likeness" as the primary evidence of regeneration, asserting that the Spirit's work produces a recognizable spiritual orientation that transcends all other identities. The sermon also emphasizes the necessity of humility and the experience of being "dealt with" by God as essential aspects of the new birth, distinguishing true spiritual transformation from mere religious activity or intellectual engagement.
Confronting Lust: Love, Integrity, and Spiritual Growth (Desiring God) introduces the theme of spiritual vigilance in private life, arguing that Romans 8:5 exposes the spiritual danger of compartmentalizing one's mind—publicly appearing spiritual while privately indulging the flesh. The sermon adds the facet that the battle for holiness is fought not just in visible actions but in the unseen choices of what we set our minds upon, especially in the realm of imagination and consumption of media.
Seeking the Eternal: Pursuing Christ Above All (Desiring God) presents the theme that idolatry is the root issue addressed by Romans 8:5, with the "things of the flesh" being anything that becomes more precious than Christ. The sermon adds the fresh angle that even good desires (like sex or food) become "fleshly" when they compete with Christ for ultimate affection, thus reframing the battle as one of supreme love rather than mere rule-keeping.
Deepening Spiritual Insight Through Wisdom and Revelation (Desiring God) develops the theme of the Spirit's ongoing, formative influence on the believer's mindset, suggesting that Romans 8:5 is not just about a one-time decision but about degrees of spiritual fullness and transformation. The sermon uniquely emphasizes the process of being increasingly shaped by the Spirit, resulting in a mindset that is ever more attuned to God's wisdom and revelation.
Romans 8:5 Historical and Contextual Insights:
Transforming Minds: Seeking the Things Above in Christ (Abundant Life Church) provides historical context regarding the city of Colossae, noting its location in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey) and the timing of Paul's letter (AD 61–64) as one of the prison epistles written from Rome. The preacher also references the Jewish understanding of being seated at the right hand as a position of authority, which informs the interpretation of Christ's exaltation and the believer's call to set their minds on things above.
Romans 8:5 Cross-References in the Bible:
Guided by the Spirit: Aligning Desires with God (Community Church) references several passages to expand on Romans 8:5: Galatians 5 (the fruit of the Spirit versus the works of the flesh), Matthew 4 (Jesus' temptation in the wilderness as an example of rightly ordered desires), Genesis 3 (the fall as the original instance of disordered desire), 2 Corinthians 10:5 (taking every thought captive), James 1:14 (temptation arising from one's own desires), Proverbs 14:12 (the way that seems right but leads to death), and John 10:10 (abundant life in Christ). Each reference is used to illustrate the battle between flesh and Spirit, the nature of temptation, and the consequences of letting desire rule.
Transforming Minds: Seeking the Things Above in Christ (Abundant Life Church) cross-references Colossians 3 (setting minds on things above), Romans 8:5 (as a parallel to Colossians 3), the Lord's Prayer ("on earth as it is in heaven"), 2 Corinthians 5:17 (new creation), John 14:6 (Jesus as the way, truth, and life), and 2 Peter 1:4 (partakers of the divine nature). The preacher uses these passages to reinforce the idea of transformation, the distinction between flesh and Spirit, and the practical implications of living out the new identity in Christ.
Transformative Power of Being Born Again (MLJTrust) references Romans 8:5 directly to support the claim that the regenerate mind is oriented toward the things of the Spirit, as well as 2 Corinthians 5:17 (new creation), 2 Peter 1:4 (partakers of the divine nature), James (begotten by the word), Ephesians 2 (resurrection from spiritual death), and Romans 6 (union with Christ in death and resurrection). These references are marshaled to demonstrate the radical nature of regeneration and the resulting spiritual orientation.
Confronting Lust: Love, Integrity, and Spiritual Growth (Desiring God) references Colossians 3:1-2 to parallel Romans 8:5, emphasizing the call to "set your mind on things above, not on things that are on the earth." The sermon also draws on Philippians 4:8 (thinking on what is pure and lovely), Matthew 5:8 (the pure in heart seeing God), Genesis 3 (temptation through the ear), Matthew 23:27 (hypocrisy), Psalm 51:10 (prayer for a clean heart), Romans 13:14 (making no provision for the flesh), Acts 15:9 (faith purifying the heart), and 1 Corinthians 1:9 (fellowship with Christ). Each reference is used to expand on the practical implications of Romans 8:5, showing how the orientation of the mind affects purity, integrity, and spiritual fellowship.
Seeking the Eternal: Pursuing Christ Above All (Desiring God) cross-references Romans 8:5 with Colossians 3:1-5, Philippians 2:21 (seeking the things of Christ), Philippians 2:5 (having the mind of Christ), and Matthew 6:33 (seeking first the kingdom of God). These passages are used to reinforce the idea that "things" refers to attitudes, values, and desires, and to show that the call to set one's mind on the Spirit is a consistent New Testament theme.
Deepening Spiritual Insight Through Wisdom and Revelation (Desiring God) references Ephesians 4:22-23 ("be renewed in the spirit of your minds"), Colossians 1:9 ("filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding"), and Ephesians 5:18 ("be filled with the Spirit"). These cross-references are used to support the interpretation that Romans 8:5 is about the Spirit's ongoing work in shaping the believer's mindset and capacity for wisdom and revelation.
Romans 8:5 Christian References outside the Bible:
Guided by the Spirit: Aligning Desires with God (Community Church) explicitly quotes Jonathan Edwards, referencing his insight that "some things rob our affection while other things stir them," to support the idea that desires can be either misaligned or rightly ordered, and that the Christian life involves discerning which desires lead toward or away from God. This citation is used to reinforce the sermon's emphasis on the heart's orientation and the battle for affection.
Romans 8:5 Illustrations from Secular Sources:
Guided by the Spirit: Aligning Desires with God (Community Church) uses several detailed secular illustrations to illuminate Romans 8:5. The preacher references the Ashley Madison website and its slogan "life is short, have an affair" as a modern embodiment of the ancient temptation to let desire rule, paralleling it with Eve's temptation in Genesis 3. The sermon also uses the example of watching the Ashley Madison documentary on Netflix to highlight the cultural normalization of pursuing personal desires at any cost. Additionally, the preacher draws on the experience of owning a dog (Rosie) who cannot resist food on the table or in the trash, using this as a metaphor for how humans, when ruled by their desires, become like animals—enslaved to instinct rather than exercising self-control. These illustrations serve to make the abstract concept of "living according to the flesh" concrete and relatable for a contemporary audience.
Transforming Minds: Seeking the Things Above in Christ (Abundant Life Church) employs the analogy of Motown music playing in the background during daily activities to illustrate how setting one's mind on the Spirit is not about withdrawing from earthly life, but about maintaining a constant, underlying orientation toward God. The preacher also references a personal story about a man wanting to quit his job to be "more spiritual," using this as a cautionary tale against neglecting earthly responsibilities in the name of spirituality. Additionally, the sermon mentions the news about P. Diddy and the phenomenon of wealthy individuals engaging in increasingly bizarre behaviors as an example of the insatiable nature of fleshly desires, arguing that the flesh always craves what it is forbidden to have. These secular references are used to ground the sermon's teaching in real-world experiences and cultural phenomena.