“Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God. But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His. And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you” (Romans 8:7-11).
Loving God with all your mind (Matthew 22:37) necessitates the proper use of logic with its various tools of sound reasoning. Paul’s powerful use of logic in his “If, then” sentences of Romans 8:7-11 deserves closer examination.
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If (since) the carnal mindset is enmity against God, then those who are in the flesh (i.e., carnal minded) cannot please God (vv. 7-8).
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If (since) the Spirit of God dwells in you, then you are not in the flesh (and therefore can please God) (v. 9).
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If you do not have the Spirit of Christ, then you do not belong to Him; you are not His (v. 9).
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If (since) Christ is in you, then you do belong to Christ and have spiritual life because of His righteousness (vv. 10-11)
The irresistible conclusion then is: “Therefore, brethren, we are debtors—not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God” (Romans 8:12-14).
