Life in the Spirit

There are two categories of people in God’s eyes: those who are His and those who are not.

When it comes to salvation, we are spiritually dead or spiritually alive.

And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)Ephesians 2:1-5

By default, we are born spiritually dead.

He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.John 3:18

The mindset of the flesh leads to death, while the mindset of the Spirit leads to life and peace.

The carnal mind is preoccupied with worldly things. This is the mindset of the unsaved and the spiritually immature.

And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?1 Corinthians 3:1-3

The spiritual mind focuses on eternal things.

While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.2 Corinthians 4:18

Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.Colossians 3:2

The spiritual mind is not concerned about personal advancement, comfort or well-being, but desires to honor, please and live for God.

Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.Matthew 6:31-33

The carnal mind is hostile toward God and cannot submit to His law.

The carnal mind opposes God.

But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.1 Corinthians 2:14

The carnal mind cannot please God.

But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.Hebrews 11:6

The Holy Spirit is the defining characteristic if we belong to Christ or not.

If you are saved, you have the Holy Spirit.

“Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?”

Corinthians 3:16

If you are not saved, you do not have the Holy Spirit.

All three parts of the Godhead were instrumental in the resurrection.

The Spirit raised Christ from the dead.

God the Father raised Christ from the dead.

And God hath both raised up the Lord, and will also raise up us by his own power.1 Corinthians 6:14

Jesus rose again of his own power.

Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.John 10:17-18

The Spirit who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to our mortal bodies.

The Spirit will give life both here on earth and in eternity.

It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.John 6:63

Being spiritually minded requires discipleship and growth.

Being spiritually minded requires transformation of our heart and mind.

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.Romans 12:1-2

The Holy Spirit is one of the greatest gifts given to the believer. Yield to Him.