In the Spirit or In the Flesh

Two "Addresses"

In the flesh
(Ro 8:8+)

In the Spirit
(Ro 8:9+)

Two Controlling Forces

Two Spiritual Conditions

He does not belong to Him
(Ro 8:9+)

He belongs to Christ
(He is a believer in Christ)

Two Conceptions
(All mankind belongs to one of two families)

In Adam
(1Cor 15:22+)
Born of flesh
(John.3:6+)
(All men by natural birth
are born in Adam, Ro 5:12+)

In Christ
(1Cor 15:22+)
Born of Spirit
(John 3:5-6+)
(Believers are now
in Christ by virtue of the new birth)

Two Controlling Mind Sets

Sets mind on the things of the flesh
(Ro 8:5-7+)

Sets his mind on the things of the Spirit
(Ro 8:5+, Col 3:1-2+)

Present Condition

Death
(Ro 8:6+)
(Having no relationship with God)
Cannot please God (Ro 8:8+)

Life and Peace
(Ro 8:6+)
Life in a dead world
Peace in a troubled world

Future Condition

Eternal Death
(Ro 8:13a+ cf Gal 5:19-21+)

Resurrection life
(Ro 8:11+; Ro 8:13b+)

Present Possession

He does not have the Spirit
(Ro 8:9+)

He has the Spirit
(Ro 8:9+)

Two Relationships to God’s Law

Lawless
A rebel who cannot even submit
(Ro 8:7+)

The law is fulfilled
in the Spirit-controlled person
(Ro 8:4+)

Two Relationships to God

An enemy
(Ro 8:7+ cf Ro 5:10+)

A son
(Ro 8:14+)

Two Guides

No supernatural guidance
(Ro 8:14+)

Led by the Spirit
(Ro 8:14+)

Two Obligations

To live after the flesh (Ro 8:12+). The unregenerate person simply has no other choice because "That which is born of the flesh is flesh" (Jn 3:36+). The unsaved person is "in the flesh", in total bondage to indwelling Sin and thus can only live dominated by the power of the Sin nature inherited from Adam (Ro 8:7+). This person can live only to fulfill the lusts of the sinful flesh nature.

To mortify (put to death) the deeds of the body (Ro 8:13a+). Positionally this has already been done (Gal 5:24+, Ro 6:6+) but Practically (Experientially) this needs to be done continually by faith (Col 3:5+; Ro 6:11+) considering oneself dead to the ruling power of Sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. (cf Ro 6:11+, Ro 6:12-14+)