What does Romans 8:9 mean by not being in the flesh?
Being free from the flesh means the believer is no longer under old Adam, but is in the Spirit and under His control instead of old Adam. According to Romans 8:9, this is conditional: it holds if the Holy Spirit is dwelling in that person.
Les explains that Romans 8:9 sets the believer in a different sphere: not in the flesh, not under old Adam, but in the Spirit, under His control instead of old Adam. He says this is conditional—if the Holy Spirit is dwelling in you. Les also notes that when you become a believer, your whole circle of friendships and desires will probably change because it is two totally different worlds. Yet he cautions that this does not mean being so heavenly minded as to be no earthly good; believers still function, work, and plan. There is nothing wrong with accumulating wealth or an estate for family, as long as it is in God's timetable and plan for your life.
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.
More Questions
What does Romans 8:9 mean when it says you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit?
In Romans 8:9, being in the Spirit rather than in the flesh or under old Adam means being under the Holy Spirit's control, and this applies only if the Holy Spirit is dwelling in you.
What does it mean to be in the Spirit rather than in the flesh in Romans 8:9?
In Romans 8:9, being in the Spirit rather than in the flesh means you are under the Holy Spirit's control instead of under old Adam's control.
Why is Romans 8:9 about not having the Spirit of Christ such a scary verse?
Paul's statement that if any man has not the Spirit of Christ he is none of His is a scary verse, and Les says people sometimes need to be scared a little bit by it.