Romans 8:7-8 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.… I. THE MIND OF MAN IS CARNAL. By the "mind" we are to understand all the powers of the soul, and the affections. It is called carnal, because its desires and delights are fleshly (John 3:6). 1. The understanding of man, however rational, is carnal (Colossians 2:18). (1) In its conceptions of the Divine Being, of His worship, and of the way of acceptance with Him (Romans 1:23). (2) In its ideas of the holy law of God (Romans 7:14). (3) In its views of the gospel. Some understand by it nothing but the history of Christ; others only a set of good precepts; others a kind of new law, offering us salvation on easier terms than the old law. "The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God." Many hear the truths of the gospel plainly preached for years, and never understand them. To many others its great doctrines seem nonsense, and they revile them accordingly. And the apostle says it cannot be otherwise (1 Corinthians 2:14). 2. The will is also carnal. "It is not subject to the law of God." It rejects those things which are truly good and excellent, while it chooses those things which are bad and hurtful (John 5:40). 3. The affections, such as hope, desire, and love, are also carnal (ver. 5). "What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?" These are the inquiries of carnal persons; not, "What shall I do to be saved?" not, How shall I please and glorify God? II. MAN, BEING CARNAL, IS IN A STATE OF ENMITY AGAINST GOD. This is the very essence of sin; the transferring that love, which is due to God, to His creatures, and to sin. It is turning our backs upon Him, as if He whom angels adore were not worthy of our notice. The carnal man — 1. Takes no pleasure in the perfections of God. That glorious attribute, holiness, is peculiarly obnoxious to him. 2. Greatly dislikes the spiritual worship of God. That which constitutes the joy of angels and the redeemed, is a burden: and therefore wholly omitted, or very carelessly performed. 3. Is in opposition to the law of God. The law is holy, and just, and good; it requires only that we should love Him supremely, and our neighbour disinterestedly. God certainly has a right to require this; and it is our most reasonable service; but the carnal mind refuses submission. Nor is the enmity of the carnal mind against the gospel less than that against the law. The proud Pharisee disdains to submit to the righteousness of Christ; the carnal worldling, intent upon his land, his oxen, etc., begs to be excused; the vain philosopher, puffed up with his mental acquirements, cavils at all its humbling doctrines. 4. Contemns or hates God's people. (G. Burder.) Parallel Verses KJV: Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. |
    |