Romans 8:5

“For they that are after the flesh, etc..] By flesh is meant the corruption of nature; and they may be said to be “after” it, not all that have flesh in them, for the best of saints have it in them; regenerating grace does not remove it from them; there is a difference between being in and after the flesh, and flesh being in us; but such who are as they were born, who have nothing but flesh, or corrupt nature in them, in whom that is the governing principle, whose minds are carnal, and whose whole walk and conversation is, such, are here meant: and these persons do mind the things of the flesh: not merely things corporeal, belonging to the welfare of the body; or things natural for the…”

“For they that are after the flesh--that is, under the influence of the fleshly principle. do mind--give their attention to (Phi 3:19). the things of the flesh, &c.--Men must be under the predominating influence of one or other of these two principles, and, according as the one or the other has the mastery, will be the complexion of their life, the character of their actions.”

“For they that are after the flesh - They that are under the influence of the corrupt and sinful desires of the flesh; Galatians 5:19-21. Those who are unrenewed. Do mind the things of the flesh - They are supremely devoted to the gratification of their corrupt desires. But they that are after the Spirit - Who are under its influence; who are led by the Spirit. The things of the Spirit - Those things which the Spirit produces, or which he effects in the mind, Galatians 5:21-23. This verse is for the purpose of illustration, and is designed to show that the tendency of religion is to produce as entire a devotedness to the service of God as people had before rendered to sin; that is, that they…”

“They that are after the flesh - Who remain under the guidance of corrupt nature. Mind the things of the flesh - Have their thoughts and affections fixed on such things as gratify corrupt nature; namely, on things visible and temporal; on things of the earth, on pleasure, (of sense or imagination,) praise, or riches. But they who are after the Spirit - Who are under his guidance. Mind the things of the Spirit - Think of, relish, love things invisible, eternal; the things which the Spirit hath revealed, which he works in us, moves us to, and promises to give us. Romans 8:6”

“8:5 think about sinful things: This phrase describes the general nature of a person’s will, not just the mental process of thought (see also 12:3; 15:5; Phil 2:2, 5).”

“For they: Rom 8:12, Rom 8:13; Joh 3:6; Co1 15:48; Co2 10:3; Pe2 2:10 mind: Rom 8:6, Rom 8:7; Mar 8:33; Co1 2:14; Phi 3:18, Phi 3:19 of the Spirit: Rom 8:9, Rom 8:14; Co1 2:14; Gal 5:22-25; Eph 5:9; Col 3:1-3 Romans 8:6”