Romans 8:5 "Sinful Nature or Human Choice?"

Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. ~Romans 8:5

All people are born with a sinful nature. They have an innate desire to go against God’s laws because sin and rebellion were allowed to come into the human existence. God provided free will, but man chose to act on that will and chose poorly. The sinful nature focuses not on God’s ways and direction, but on selfish desires and self-promotion all coming back to the first sinner – Lucifer—and his desire to be God. In the same way, our sins are an acting out of a personal desire to be our own god and in control of all we are and do.

God’s laws, however, are in sharp contrast to the sinful nature. A complete turn-around in fact. We exist for a relationship with Him and to live in that relationship, we must live in holiness as He is holy. The only way for that to happen is to choose to live by His Spirit and not by our selfish desires.

So the answer to the question is “both.” We must constantly fight with our sinful nature which will want to draw us back to all ways contrary to God. But we also have a choice – to choose our own way, or to choose the ways of the Spirit.

Further Thoughts:

1. In what areas do you fight your sinful nature?
2. What Scripture can you memorize to speak against the sinful nature when it wants to take over?
3. What choices can you make today to overcome your sinful nature?
4. What assurances do we have that the sinful nature can be overcome? Support with Scripture.

Father, I know my nature is to sin, but by Your power and cleansing, I claim holiness. Help me Holy Spirit. Amen.