1. The mind of sinful man (5a,6a,7,8)

The mind of sinful man is set on the flesh (see the footnote). God created mankind with a physical as well as a spiritual nature, and said, 'It is good.' But he wants us to seek him and his righteousness first (Mt 6:33). When we only think about physical comfort and worldly pleasure, or when we worry about our physical bodies, excluding God from our hearts and minds, God is very sorry (Lk 17:27; Ge 6:6). The sinful nature is in rebellion against God, so one whose mind is set on the flesh cannot submit to God's law and cannot please God.

2. The mind controlled by the Spirit (5b,6b)

The mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace. When we are in Christ and our lives are founded on him, his Spirit controls us, and we have God's life and God's peace. The Spirit of God puts God's life in us; his Spirit gives us peace in our hearts. So we must set our minds to seek what God desires and what pleases him.

Application: Lord, forgive me for being preoccupied with things of the flesh so much of the time. Teach me to walk with you in a life led by your Spirit.
One Word: Set your mind on spiritual things