Romans 8:7-8
For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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What’s easy to miss is that the verse isn't just saying the "mind of the flesh" disobeys God's law; it states that it cannot submit. This isn't about capability but about fundamental nature – its very essence is hostility, making obedience impossible without a radical inner transformation.
Paul is explaining why being "set on the flesh" leads to death, as he stated in the previous verse. He's arguing that this mindset isn't just a neutral inclination; it's fundamentally opposed to God's nature and law. Therefore, anyone whose primary focus is the flesh, rather than the Spirit, is in a state of hostility towards God and incapable of genuine obedience to Him.
Paul doesn't just say the unregenerate mind is different from God's, but that it's actively opposed. What does this deep-seated hostility look like?
The phrase 'mind of the flesh' refers to the entire disposition and way of thinking that is centered on earthly and sinful things, rather than God. Paul uses the strong word 'enmity' to describe this state. This isn't just a neutral disinterest or a passive disagreement with God's ways; it's an active, deeply ingrained opposition. Think of it like a fundamental incompatibility, a 'personal hostility,' as one commentator puts it.
This isn't about individual actions but the core orientation of the unregenerate heart. It inherently rejects God's claims and His very nature because it’s fundamentally self-centered. This is why it's described as 'enmity itself' – an essential characteristic of being alienated from God.
Paul makes a stark claim: this hostile mind 'does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot.' What does this 'cannot' truly mean?
The text emphasizes that the mind set on the flesh is not merely unwilling to obey God's law, but is incapable of doing so. This is a profound statement about the nature of sin and the fallen human condition. It's not a matter of lacking effort, but a fundamental inability stemming from its very nature.
The 'mind of the flesh' is characterized by a deep-seated rebellion. It cannot willingly align itself with God's righteous requirements because its desires and priorities are diametrically opposed to God's will. It's a 'moral inability' – not a lack of physical capacity, but a lack of the right inclination and desire. Until there's a radical internal change, a transformation by the Spirit, this submission is impossible.
Understand the original words
echthra · Greek Noun
Open opposition or enmity; a state of being an enemy. In a biblical context, it describes the rebellious posture of the unregenerate heart against the sovereign rule and character of God.
nomos · Greek Noun
The instruction of God, reflecting His holy character and will for humanity. While often associated with the Mosaic Law, it represents the standard of righteousness that God demands, which the flesh is inherently incapable of satisfying.
areskō · Greek Verb
To do what is well-pleasing or acceptable to God. This term denotes the posture of one whose life and actions align with God's will and are validated by His favor.
This passage describes the pervasive wickedness of humanity before the flood, stating that 'every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.' This echoes Romans 8:7's assertion that the mind set on the flesh is inherently hostile to God and incapable of submitting to His law, highlighting a consistent theme of human fallenness.
John 8:43Jesus tells the Jews, 'Why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot endure my word.' This inability to 'hear' or 'understand' Jesus' word is directly linked to the carnal mind's inability to submit to God's law, as stated in Romans 8:7.
1 Corinthians 2:14The Apostle Paul writes, 'The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.' This passage directly supports Romans 8:7 by explaining *why* the carnal mind cannot submit to God’s law—it is fundamentally unable to grasp or appreciate spiritual truths.
James 4:4James states, 'Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God?' This verse provides a powerful parallel to Romans 8:7, equating a mindset aligned with the world (akin to the 'mind of the flesh') with active hostility toward God.
cambridgeRomans 8:7: "Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be."
7 . Because ] The reason of the radical difference of the two “minds” is now further shewn by a description of the essential condition of the “mind of the flesh.” the carnal mind ] Lit. the mind of the flesh ; the same phrase in Gr. as that rendered “to be carnally minded,” Romans 8:6 . enmity ] Cp. ch. Romans 5:10 . The expression here is as forcible as possible. As trul…
clarkeRomans 8:7: "Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be."
Because the carnal mind is enmity against God - Because it is a carnal mind, and relishes earthly and sinful things, and lives in opposition to the pure and holy law of God: therefore, it is enmity against God; it is irreconcilable and implacable hatred. It is not subject to the law of God - It will come under no obedience; for it is sin, and the very principle of rebelli…
What’s easy to miss is that the verse isn't just saying the "mind of the flesh" disobeys God's law; it states that it cannot submit. This isn't about capability but about fundamental nature – its very essence is hostility, making obedience impossible without a radical inner transformation.
Paul is explaining why being "set on the flesh" leads to death, as he stated in the previous verse. He's arguing that this mindset isn't just a neutral inclination; it's fundamentally opposed to God's nature and law. Therefore, anyone whose primary focus is the flesh, rather than the Spirit, is in a state of hostility towards God and incapable of genuine obedience to Him.
Paul is explaining why being "set on the flesh" leads to death, as he stated in the previous verse. He's arguing that this mindset isn't just a neutral inclination; it's fundamentally opposed to God's nature and law. Therefore, anyone whose primary focus is the flesh, rather than the Spirit, is in a state of hostility towards God and incapable of genuine obedience to Him.
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"For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God." — What’s easy to miss is that the verse isn't just saying the "mind of the flesh" disobeys God's law; it states that it cannot submit. This isn't about capability but about fundamental nature – its…
