What does Romans 8:6 mean?

Explanation

Romans 8:6 is a verse that contrasts two ways of living and their ultimate outcomes.

It is part of a larger discussion in the eighth chapter of the Apostle Paul's letter to the Romans concerning life in the Spirit as opposed to life in the flesh.

Being "carnally minded" refers to living with one's mind set on the desires and impulses of the sinful nature, which in Christian theology, often referred to as the flesh.

The result of this mindset, according to Paul, is death – not just physical death, but spiritual death, which is eternal separation from God.

On the other hand, to be "spiritually minded" means to live with one’s mind set on the desires of the Spirit of God.

This inclines a person towards holiness, righteousness, and a life in communion with God.

Paul asserts that this mindset leads to life, which is not just the physical life on earth but also eternal life, and peace, which in this context is the peace with God that comes from being right with Him, as well as the inner peace that comes from the assurance of salvation and a life led by the Spirit.

Historical Context

Romans was written by the Apostle Paul in approximately AD 56-58.

He had not yet visited the church in Rome at the time of writing the letter.

Rome was the cosmopolitan hub of the Roman Empire and had a diverse population, including Jews and Gentiles (non-Jews).

Early Christian communities often struggled with integrating these two groups and understanding how the laws of the Old Testament applied to the new Christian faith, especially regarding life in the Spirit versus adherence to the old Jewish law.

In the first seven chapters of Romans, Paul addresses sin, law, grace, and justification by faith.

Chapter 8 shifts the focus to the life in the Holy Spirit.

The "carnally minded" likely refers to those living under the law and in sin, while the "spiritually minded" refers to those living a life transformed by the Spirit of God.

Theological Insights

Different theological traditions have varied interpretations of Romans 8:6.

• Calvinist Perspective: May emphasize the total depravity of man and the necessity of God's grace to move from a carnal to a spiritual mind.
• Arminian Perspective: Could emphasize the importance of human free will in choosing to set the mind on the Spirit.
• Catholic Perspective: Might focus on the role of the Holy Spirit in sanctifying believers, helping them to live virtuous lives that are pleasing to God.

These perspectives share the central belief that the Spirit leads to life and peace, contrasting with the death that comes from living according to the flesh.

Practical Applications

Romans 8:6 has several practical implications for everyday living:

1. Choice of Focus: Individuals are encouraged to set their minds on spiritual matters rather than on sinful desires.
2. Moral Living: This verse promotes the pursuit of a lifestyle that is congruent with spiritual values.
3. Inner Peace: By embracing a spiritual mindset, believers can experience peace regardless of external circumstances.
4. Mindfulness: It suggests being deliberate about one's thoughts and actions, actively choosing those that align with the Spirit.

Cross-References

• Galatians 5:17: "For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would."
• Galatians 6:8: "For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting."
• James 4:4: "Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God."
• Colossians 3:2: "Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth."

Language Study

In the original Greek text, key terms are critical to understanding Romans 8:6:

• "Carnally minded" translates from the Greek phrase "τὸ φρόνημα τῆς σαρκός" (to phronema tes sarkos), with "σάρξ" (sarx) meaning "flesh" and "φρόνημα" (phronema) meaning "mindset" or "inclination."
• "Spiritually minded" comes from "τὸ φρόνημα τοῦ πνεύματος" (to phronema tou pneumatos), where "πνεῦμα" (pneuma) signifies "Spirit" or "spirit."

Understanding the nuances of these terms provides insight into the deep division Paul illustrates between living according to one's sinful nature versus in alignment with the Spirit.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The idea of a dichotomy between the desires of the body and spiritual enlightenment is not unique to Christianity.

Many ancient religions and philosophical systems, such as Buddhism, Hinduism, and Stoicism, speak about overcoming carnal desires to achieve a higher state of being or understanding.

These traditions often recommend meditation, ascetic practices, or other forms of spiritual discipline as the path to enlightenment or peace.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern psychology and neuroscience recognize the impact of mindset on an individual's well-being and mental health.

While these disciplines do not necessarily frame their understanding in the same spiritual terms as Romans 8:6, there is acknowledgment that focusing on positive, altruistic, and purpose-driven thoughts can contribute to improved life satisfaction and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Commentaries

• John Calvin: Suggests that the mind controlled by the Spirit is alive because it contemplates the life eternal and is at peace with God.
• Matthew Henry: Relates the "carnal mind" to death because it is enmity against God and does not submit to God's law.

The spiritual mind is life and peace because it leads to reconciliation with God.

• **N.T.

Wright**: Wright would likely elaborate on the idea of the "spiritually minded" as those who are in tune with the Spirit's work, participating in God's purposes for the world, which leads to true life and peace.