Vine Living is Fullness of Life in the Spirit

Key Verse to Read and Treasure:

For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law, indeed, it cannot (Romans 8:5-7, ESV)

For Insight

Paul wrote a similar message to the Corinthians when he talked about having the mind of Christ (I cor. 2:16). Having the mind of Christ and setting our mind on the Spirit is more than knowing random things or walking around saying Hallelujah, or Praise the Lord every other word or sentence. It is more than feeling intellectually empowered as a Christian. More than being a heavyweight in Bible knowledge. It is part of but not limited to understanding our assignment and purpose of taking the Gospel into the world, sharing the Good News with others.

In summary Paul wanted the believers in Rome and Corinth, and now us, to know having a mind set on the Spirit means God has entrusted spiritual matters to us. That we know the impact of operating in the spiritual realm and walking in concert with the Spirit who dwells within us. Setting our mind on and having the mind of Christ and the things of the Spirit are housed in the soul, not our brain or mental capabilities. This is what brings life not death.      

Living according to the flesh or our carnal nature leads to death because for the flesh there is nothing beyond or better than what we have or receive right now. The flesh is a demanding monster. It is narcissistic, self-centered, entirely evil, only about self-gratification, and does not care about tomorrow or consequences at all. The flesh is not concerned about separation from God nor where it will end up in eternity. Paul says the flesh is hostile to God because the flesh is its own god.

But there is a greater force at work in the believer living in the Vine. Vine living is a submitted life. Living in Christ our life is available to the Spirit and the mind becomes set like stone in the ways of the Spirit this is why the Spirit trains us to become spiritually discerning.          

Having the mind of Christ and setting our mind on the ways of the Spirit we have access to all the benefits which are part of an abiding relationship with Christ. We can’t possibly put words to them all but one of those benefits is what Paul touches on in his letter to the Corinthian believers and us today. He reminds them though they, nor we, have the mind of God the Father; knowing all things, we do have the mind of Christ. Meaning we can understand and share in the plan, purpose, and perspective of Christ. It means we can understand God’s plan of salvation to the world, how he plans and desires to bring glory to himself and identify with Christ’s purpose to reach the lost and spread the Good News of salvation to others.    

Father, on the cross Jesus reconciled us to you so we embrace and enjoy your original plan and design. We are no longer hostile to the ways of the Spirit but able to receive him and live in the fullness of God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. In tis we rejoice and share our way of life with others. Amen

Ask Yourself

Am I growing spiritually to understand what a life set in the ways of the Spirit is about? Am I enjoying the benefits of a submitted life?    

For more Devotions Visit: http://www.devotionallyyours.com