But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. (Romans 8:9 KJV)
God desires that Man be in the Spirit as He is in the Spirit. Being in the Spirit is the terrain designed and desired for the interaction of God and Man. Being in the Spirit, is the necessary interface for God and Man to connect. This is an important note and notice for the consummation of God/Man relationship. In fact the Bible reiterates, “…they that are in the flesh cannot please God.” (Romans 8:8 KJV) inferring that Man cannot connect, interact, intercept or interest God in the flesh.
Note how the Bible classifies Man when it says, “But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit…” It is keen to see here that Man in capable of being in the flesh or in the Spirit. It is this feature or capability that defines who among Men can interact with God and who cannot. This is crucial for our learning and notice.
To be in the flesh is to have one’s mind controlled or directed by the controlling influence of the carnal (sensual) nature. This lifestyle or nature is void of God. It is to be without or outside the controlling influence of the Spirit of God and the feature of such a life style is clearly marked by the Bible when it says, “…those who are living according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh [which gratify the body], but those who are living according to the Spirit, [set their minds on] the things of the Spirit [His will and purpose]. (Romans 8:5 AMP)
The clear allegiance of being in the Flesh is to gratify, satisfy, or please the body (one’s self) but those who are living according to the Spirit, [set their minds on] the things of the Spirit [His will and purpose]. The Spirit (here) is the Spirit of God who knows and dictates the will of God to everyone who will yield to His promptings, directive and guidance.
Now this lifestyle (being in the flesh) falls far short of the plan, purpose and pleasure of God. It is also very constrictive and limiting. It is actively opposed and hostile to God and His leadings. It cannot please God…the Bible says. Now this is not the lifestyle anyone who knows or loves God may choose but this is in effect a choice. When one lives in the flesh, he led and controlled by the stimulation of carnal or sensual promptings rather than the guidance and directive of God’s Holy Spirit.
The Bible further describes being in the Spirit… if so be that the Spirit of God dwells in you. Yes! We have the capability of being led, controlled and guided by the Spirit of God …if so be that the Spirit of God dwells in us. The indwelling of the Holy Spirit provides the needed apparatus to be led and controlled by God; to know and do His will. This capability makes one walk as god in human clothes.
It must be noted, the port (here) is not to deny our being Humans but rather being controlled by the Spirit of God as Humans. The natural outcome of this is being naturally supernatural as we function or operate on the Earth. This is God’s lofty plan for you and I to walk and work in the strength of His Spirit on the Earth. It is a lifestyle that is outside plain or natural terrain capable of doing what carnal men are incapable of doing achieving supernatural feats. Welcome to Spirit controlled lifestyle.
