Useful Bible Studies > Romans Commentary > chapter 8
Our actions are the result of our inner thoughts (Mark 7:18-23). Therefore, God’s people should think in a different way from other people (see Philippians 4:8). That is not something that we can just do naturally. By nature, our thoughts are often for our own selfish benefit. We must learn to think in the way that God approves of (1 Corinthians 3:1-3). We must allow God’s Holy Spirit to be our teacher (John 16:13).
Children must learn to think in the way that an adult thinks (1 Corinthians 13:11). As children, they find it so difficult to make sensible plans for their future. Their attention is too strongly on the things near them: what they can see, or feel, or touch. So we all, by nature, care too much about the things that belong in this world. We give all our attention to our natural feelings and desires. We neglect the things that our spirits need. That, is we neglect our relationship with God. In Mark 8:33, Jesus complained that Peter was thinking only about human things, and not about the things of God. Paul urged Christians to think about the things that are above (Colossians 3:2). They need to think much about God and about heaven. Only with a correct attitude towards God can we live in the right way here on earth (Proverbs 3:5-6).
The opposite of selfish thought is to allow the Holy Spirit to guide our lives (Galatians 5:16-17). That is not to neglect our lives on earth, but rather to live as God directs us. That is the way that God always intended people to live. Jesus described it as the most wonderful kind of life (John 7:38-39; John 10:10).
Next part: The forces that bring us life or death are working inside us (Romans 8:6)
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