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The individual born of the Spirit of the Lord becomes a new creature. The desires, the mode of life, will be changed into a much more positive and life giving way. The actions and direction of life which were of this world, are the old things, now, in Christ Jesus, all becomes new. 2 Cor. 5:17 The walk, the manner of life of the old man was according to the ways of this world, the world of sin. Eph. 2:2 But now, being in Christ Jesus will produce a whole new life style. Not only has He saved us, made us to be new creatures, but He has elevated us to sit together with Him in an atmosphere which is heavenly, while we are still on this earth. Eph. 2:5-6.
The wisdom of Solomon caused him to observe that as a person ìthinks in his heart, so is he.î Prov. 23:7a The heart, the inner entity, that which is not visible, the spirit, this is the real person. It is in this inner man that the decisions of life are made. The outside may present a facade common to man but the real, the eternal is that which everlasting. This hidden man will determine whether one lives after the ways of this world or after the will and purpose of the Lord. A drive for the things of the flesh or of the spirit will originate in this area of our being. If the desire for the pleasures of the world and flesh prevail, then that person is dead in trespasses and sin. If the longing and the drive is for the things which pertain to the Lord and are spiritual it is a sign that they are indeed new creatures in Christ. Rom. 8:5.
Paul drew a distinct line between that which is carnal and that which is spiritual. There is no grey area, no free zone. Each and every person is either mindful of the things of the flesh or of the Spirit, or things spiritual. The carnal mind in Godís enemy. In contrast, the Spiritual mind is everlasting life and eternal peace. Which would the wise chose? Confusion arises when we try to combine the two. Anyone trying to do so will be most unhappy, unstable and vacillating in their walk with the Lord. The ways of the flesh, carnal, worldly, can only produce death, not mere physical death but spiritual, eternal separation from the Lord. On the other hand, is that which produces a deep sense of peace and tranquility. A certain knowledge of possessing life eternal. That which is achieved by walking in the Spirit. Here is to be found the life of joy and happiness. It is not dependent on the things which we possess of this world but a certain and absolute knowledge that we are the Lordís. Rom. 8:6 Paul likewise states; that it is an impossibility for those who live after the flesh to please the Lord in any way. Rom. 8:8 Challenging words to say the least.