Romans 8:5-8 

5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. 6 For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. 7 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. 8 Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.

Context: 

For those who live by the flesh, their mindset is on what the flesh desires, but those who live by and with the spirit have their mindsets on what the spirit desires. The mind that is controlled by flesh is death, but the mind controlled by the spirit is life and peace. The mind ruled by flesh is unkind to god; it does not submit to god's law, nor can it do so. So those who live in this realm of the flesh cannot ever please god. 

Questions /interpretation 

1. What is the main point Paul is trying to get across and to whom?

What Paul is trying to get at in this text is this phrase “Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God.” it sums up that whoever chooses to go do what the desires of the flesh are, will never please God, but if they go do what the desires of the Spirit are then they will have a mindset of life and peace, unlike like when they have the mindset of flesh which leads to death. I believe he is directing this to both the Gentiles and Jews as they struggle with their way of living, whether it was Holy or not, what was right or wrong in their eyes. 

Timeless Truth:  A Kingdom value reflects God's character, how Christians should relate to each other, or a moral principle.

• Those who live according to the flesh cannot please God.

Relevance to today's readers: 

We see here how they back then had the chance to choose which mindset they wanted to have, but guess what we do too. The Jews and Gentiles are trying to keep following the old ways, of the old covenant, but there is a new covenant now that Jesus made. We get to choose what mindset we want because God gave us free will. It's just a matter of deciding whether to follow the desires of the flesh or the Spirit. One brings death and the other life and peace. 

In our day to day, we find a lot of people looking for the truth. These days people are searching for life-giving truth, one that can satisfy them, but only God can do that. Following His ways is the only way we can find true satisfaction and truth.  

IMP: we are meant/created to please God, not ourselves, we live for Him and NOT for ourselves.

Who do we listen to daily, our flesh or the Holy Spirit in Us? Make that change and realize and question why you do what you do! Open your heart for the Lord to convict you, God is the ultimate judge and the one you will be standing before. 

How can we apply this to our lives? 

It is also our job, as followers of Christ, to share with those around us about this liquid gold "truth" that is Jesus and what He has done! ( John 14:6) walk in the TRUTH, walk with the HOLY SPIRIT, engage with His word, and know Him. Because if you know Him, you will know His ways and what is pleasing in His eyes. how can you apply this Today? with this acronym 

My example: Family Focus

When I serve my family, I want to do it with the right attitude and the same way I would be serving Jesus Himself! To start with a practical and measurable goal, I will start with when I make dinner and serve them. Then, when I go to bed and I journal, I will come before the Lord and check my heart, letting the Lord convict me! I will re-evaluate after 2 weeks if I have done this and check if I can set another goal.

This will be challenging, as to learn what pleases the Lord, we need to grow in humility, kindness, and love for our family, both in good times and bad. We want to walk in His ways and reflect His character.

How are you applying this truth to your life?