When the Flesh Resists the Righteousness of God (Part 2)

# Living in the Spirit

### The Carnal Mind Cannot Submit to God's Law

Romans 8:7 gives us another dimension of this truth:

*"The carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be."*

To be "not subject" means that the carnal mind is not aligned with God's law. It cannot cooperate with the operation of God's Word because its orientation is contrary to God.

The carnal mind is therefore described as an enemy of God.

Whatever law of God is in operation, the carnal mind cannot submit to it. It cannot be brought into agreement with God's way of thinking while it remains carnal.

This includes the law of faith.

### The Law of Faith Requires the Word in the Heart

Romans 10:6 says:

*"The righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise…"*

Then verse 8 explains:

*"The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart."*

This shows us something about the operation of faith.

The Word is to be in the heart and in the mouth.

Faith operates from the Word received and retained in the heart and expressed through the mouth. The Word becomes the governing reality from which we speak and act.

But the carnal mind works against this.

The carnal mind does not want to submit to the Word, keep the Word in the heart, or allow the Word to govern our thoughts, responses, and actions.

Therefore, the carnal mind is not subject to the law of faith, and neither can it be.

### Living in the Spirit

This brings us to the heart of the matter.

The issue is not simply learning how to control anger. It is learning how to live in the Spirit.

When anger, bitterness, resentment, envy, jealousy, and other expressions of the flesh govern us, they hinder the righteous work God desires to accomplish through us.

But when we yield to the Holy Spirit and allow the Word to govern our hearts, our circumstances become opportunities for Christ to be expressed.

The goal is not merely to suppress the flesh. The goal is to walk in the Spirit.

Every difficult situation can become an opportunity to grow.

Every offense can become an opportunity to express Christ.

Every temptation can become an opportunity for victory.

Every test can become an opportunity to allow the righteousness of God to be manifested through us.

Living in the Spirit is learning to yield to the Spirit, reject the control of the flesh, and allow the Word of God to govern our hearts, our responses, and our lives.

Hassan Thomas Nenger Author, *My Divine Identity as the Righteousness of God* Living in the Spirit Series