Which Path Are You On?

🔥 Romans 8: Life in the Flesh vs Life in the Spirit

This week’s message focused on Romans 8:5–8, a powerful and challenging section of Scripture that draws a clear contrast between two ways of living: according to the flesh or according to the Spirit. According to Paul, everyone is on one of these two paths—and there is no middle ground.

“The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.” — Romans 8:6

🧠 Where the Mind Leads, the Life Follows

The direction of life is shaped by the focus of the mind.

The mind is like a steering wheel—your actions follow your strongest thoughts.

Those who live by the flesh have minds set on self, sin, and control.

Those who live by the Spirit have minds set on God’s desires.

⚔️ Defining the Two Paths

Flesh: The sin-dominated self; life apart from God’s rule.

Spirit: Life led, empowered, and shaped by the indwelling Holy Spirit.

Scripture emphasizes that living in the flesh means:

Hostility toward God

Rebellion against His ways

Inability to please Him (Romans 8:7–8)

Even morally good actions—if not done through the Spirit—are not pleasing to God.

“The Lord detests the sacrifice of the wicked, but the prayer of the upright pleases him.” — Proverbs 15:8

🍏 Real Fruit vs Fake Fruit

A powerful image was shared: a fake apple among real ones. It looked real, but it wasn’t.

In the same way, it’s possible to:

Be in church

Serve and give

Say the right things

Avoid certain behaviors

…and still be spiritually dead without the transforming power of the Holy Spirit.

✅ Marks of a Spirit-Led Life

1. A mindset aligned with the Spirit’s desires

Galatians 5:22–23 describes the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

2. A life submitted to God’s will

Submission isn’t duty—it’s delight.

“I desire to do your will, my God; your law is within my heart.” — Psalm 40:8

3. A focus fixed on eternity

Colossians 3:1–2 reminds believers to set their hearts on what’s above—not just on temporary things.

Priorities shift from self-pleasure to kingdom investment.

4. A changed identity

“For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.” — Colossians 3:3

Life in Christ isn’t self-improvement—it’s transformation.

🚨 A Wake-Up Call

This passage also functions as a sober warning.

Becoming comfortable with sin—whether it’s unforgiveness, sexual compromise, greed, or pride—should prompt deep self-examination.

“Faith without works is dead.” — James 2:26

A life of obedience doesn't earn salvation—but it proves it.

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom…” — Matthew 7:21–23

🎹 A Final Picture

The message closed with a story of a concert pianist who ignored a standing ovation—until his father in the balcony stood and clapped. He explained, “I don’t play for the crowd. I play for him.”

This is the heart of living by the Spirit:

Not living for the approval of the world, but for the pleasure of the Father.

🛤️ The Question Remains:

Which path are you on—flesh or Spirit?

One leads to death. The other leads to life and peace.

This is a call to examine the heart, turn from sin, and truly live.