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)