Romans 8:5–8

Freedom from the fear of death

In what very easily could have been set up as two parallel columns, Paul goes on to show the great difference between the mindset of “those who live according to the sinful nature” and “those who live in accordance with the Spirit” (verse 5).

Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. 6 The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; 7 the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. 8 Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God.

At first glance the negatives in verses 7 and 8 do not appear to have positive counterparts, as the previous two verses do. However, the positive mindset, which is Paul’s chief concern and emphasis, follows in verses 9 and 10.