Paul said that to set the mind on the flesh would bring death, but to set the mind on the Spirit would be both life and peace. Those who live according to their fleshly nature simply cannot please God. On the other hand, if we are in the Spirit we are not in the flesh, for the Spirit of God indwells us. If we do not have God’s Spirit, we do not belong to Christ. If Christ indwells us by his Spirit, our body has been rendered dead to sin, and now the Holy Spirit leads us into life because of righteousness.

To set the mind on the flesh is to live by sight, and not by faith. It is to reject God’s purpose in Christ and choose our own desire or will. Instead of life and freedom, we find slavery and death.

Free us, Lord, from setting our mind on the flesh.

Singing the praises of God and the Lamb is undoubtedly an important Christian activity. It is a way of affirming fundamental gospel truths together and of acknowledging God’s powerful but gracious rule over nature and history.

~ David G. Peterson, Engaging with God: A Biblical Theology of Worship. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1992. p. 278.

Let God Arise! Seasonal Focus
Jesus, the Light of the World, John 9.1-41

Book Reading
Peterson, Engaging with God