ENMITY AGAINST GOD
Romans 8:7
Morning Meditation 4/19/2015
"Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be."
The word "Because" sets us up to discover a reason about to be presented. He follows the word "because" with the words, "the carnal mind is enmity against God." The word "carnal" according to Easton's Dictionary, "carnal" is used of "converted men who are so called (1 Cor. 3:3). They are represented as of a "carnal mind, which is enmity against God" (Rom. 8:6, 7). Enjoyments that minister to the wants and desires of man's animal nature are so called (Rom. 15:27; 1 Cor. 9:11). The ceremonial of the Mosaic law is spoken of as "carnal," because it related to things outward, the bodies of men and of animals, and the purification of the flesh (Heb. 7:16; 9:10). The weapons of Christian warfare are "not carnal", that is, they are not of man's device, nor are wielded by human power (2 Cor. 10:4)." --Easton's Dictionary.
The word mind translates "phronema" and it means, "what one has in the mind, the thoughts and purposes." The believer's flesh nature is always present to oppose all the things that will honor God. Paul shows that it is impossible to please God when the carnal mind is in control of the flesh."
The "carnal mind" is enmity against God." It does not say that the carnal mind is AT enmity against God. It is in its very nature enmity against God. The words "hateful and hostile" are also used to translate this word.
Paul continues this thought with the words, "for it is not subject to the law of God." The word "subject" translates "hupotasso," and means, "to be subjected." It is a military term and a present passive indicative verb. The present tense tells us that what is described by this verb is continuous action. The passive voice means that the subject is acted upon.
The words "neither indeed can be," refers to the permanent damage that Satan and sin had done to Adam and all his decedents. This tells us how Satan and sin opposes God and the Bible by showing how this takes place:
BY TRIFLING WITH THE NAME OF GOD
Exodus 20:7, "Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain."
The Jews hold the name of God in such reverence that when they come to "Jehovah" they pronounce "Adonai," another of God's names, instead. God never objected to this. However the ancient Hebrew is a language that has no vowel points. The only way the correct pronunciation of a word could be passed on, is for one to obtain the pronunciation audibly, and pass it on verbally. The Jews took the warning concerning the use of this name and when they came to it in the Scriptures they pronounced "Adonai" in it's stead. The Jews do not know the correct pronunciation because it was lost to them through the lack of pronunciation passed down from father to son. Next--
THE CARNAL MIND SHOWS ITS ENMITY BY NEGLECTING THE WORD OF GOD
Amos 8:11-12, "Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD: And they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the LORD, and shall not find it."
This is the penalty for neglecting the Word of God when they had opportunity. God did not create man to blaspheme Him. Man's purpose is to glorify God in word and deed. God's response to this is to bless Israel in such a way people will know that there is a God who is benevolent and loving in His very being.
THE CARNAL MIND SHOWS ITS ENMITY BY SCOFFING AT THE PEOPLE OF GOD
James 3:8-10, "But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be."
It is easy to become a Christian, but it is a hard life of self discipline to maintain a testimony to them which are out.
The carnal mind is enmity against God and shows itself--
BY UNTHANKFULNESS FOR THE MERCIES OF GOD
There is always a danger of allowing a spirit of ingratitude to enter and to control one's life. When a man is truly lost and finds himself on the broadway that leads to destruction, and he hears the gospel and trusts the Lord to saved him, and the Lord does save him and this one does not serve Him and praise Him, this is a classic example of one who is filled with ingratitude.
May the Lord bless these words to our hearts..
In Christ
Bro. White
