What does Romans 8:7 mean?

Explanation

Romans 8:7 speaks of a fundamental conflict between the mindset governed by the sinful nature, "the carnal mind", and God.

The term "carnal" is derived from the Latin "carnalis," which means "fleshly." Here, it refers to a way of thinking and living that is rooted in human desires and impulses, independent of God's influence and guidance.

This verse points out that the carnal mind is hostile or in opposition to God because it does not and cannot submit to God's laws.

The "law of God" represents God's will and commandments, which are the standards of righteousness.

The deeper meaning of this verse reveals the theological concept that without the transforming work of the Holy Spirit, humans are incapable of living in a way that pleases God, due to their inherent sinful nature.

Historical Context

The Book of Romans is an epistle written by the Apostle Paul to the believers in Rome. Paul wrote this letter in the mid-first century, likely around A.D. 57, while he was in Corinth. The Roman church at that time was a mix of Gentile (non-Jewish) and Jewish Christians.

Therefore, Paul addressed both groups, clarifying complex issues such as the relationship between the law and grace, and the role of Christ in salvation.

The cultural and historical context includes the tensions between Jews and Gentiles, and between the early Christians and the pagan Roman world.

The discussions reflect an early Christian understanding of how faith in Christ set believers apart from both traditional Jewish law and the secular world.

Theological Insights

This verse presents the critical theological stance that the natural human condition is fundamentally at odds with God.

From a Reformed perspective, this aligns with the doctrine of Total Depravity, which suggests that because of original sin, every aspect of human nature is corrupted and cannot, on its own, align with God’s nature.

From a Catholic view, there is an emphasis on the need for divine grace that comes through faith in Christ and the sacraments to correctly orient one's will towards God.

Charismatic traditions may emphasize the role of the Holy Spirit in bringing a person's mind and heart into alignment with God's purposes, overcoming the ‘carnal’ nature.

In most Christian traditions, it is agreed that a transformation through faith in Jesus is required for one to be able to live according to God's will.

Practical Applications

Romans 8:7 challenges believers to recognize the areas in their lives that are not in submission to God's law.

Practical application involves self-examination and repentance, turning away from fleshly desires and asking God for the strength to resist them.

Believers are encouraged to live by the Spirit, which brings about a transformed mind.

It suggests a daily surrender to God, a conscious effort to allow spiritual values to guide one’s actions and decisions, rather than selfish or worldly impulses.

Cross-References

• Romans 7:18: "For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not."
• Romans 8:6: "For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace."
• Galatians 5:17: "For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would."
• 1 Corinthians 2:14: "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."

Language Study

The key words in the original Greek text of this passage from Romans 8:7 include:

• "Carnal" (Greek: σαρκικός, sarkikos) meaning fleshly or worldly, indicating human nature apart from divine influence.
• "Mind" (Greek: φρόνημα, phronema) which represents the mindset or the focus of one's life.
• "Enmity" (Greek: ἔχθρα, echthra) meaning hostility or active opposition.
• "Subject" (Greek: ὑποτάσσω, hypotassō) meaning to submit, subordinate, or to be subjected to someone's authority.

These words highlight a stark contrast between a life guided by human nature and one that is influenced by the divine nature of God.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Some ancient myths, like those from Greco-Roman traditions, often depicted humans as playthings of the gods, subject to whims rather than moral codes.

In contrast, Judaism strongly emphasized the law and ethical living as central to religious life.

Christianity, while acknowledging the value of the law, introduced a nuanced understanding through the concept of grace. The idea of the "carnal mind" is unique to Christianity in that it signifies not just a lack of morality but a deep-seated rebellion against divine authority.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern psychology recognizes a variety of factors influencing human behavior including genetics, environment, and individual experience.

It also speaks of the human capacity for self-destructive behaviors which can be seen as analogous to the biblical concept of a 'carnal mind.' However, science tends to focus on observable phenomena and generally does not posit intrinsic hostility towards divine law as the driver of these behaviors.

The reconciliation of scientific perspectives with theological views often depends on the openness of individuals to integrate or distinguish between spiritual beliefs and scientific understanding.

Commentaries

Commentaries on Romans 8:7 offer various insights.

For instance, John Stott understands Romans as emphasizing the need for the Holy Spirit's work in believers to overcome the carnal mind.

Matthew Henry sees the verse as an illustration of the depravity of a person's nature before God's grace intervenes.

Reformed commentators often discuss the impossibility of appeasing God's law through human effort, due to the total corruption of nature, while Lutheran interpretations might challenge believers to live in accordance with the Spirit, given this intrinsic enmity of the flesh against God.

These insights draw from the larger biblical narrative that underscores humanity's need for redemption through Jesus Christ.