Romans 8:8

So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.

So then {G1161} they that are {G5607} in {G1722} the flesh {G4561} cannot {G3756}{G1410} please {G700} God {G2316}.

Thus, those who identify with their old nature cannot please God.

Those controlled by the flesh cannot please God.

and they that are in the flesh cannot please God.

Romans 8:8 serves as a pivotal summary within Paul's discourse on the profound difference between living "in the flesh" and living "in the Spirit." This verse underscores the complete inability of the unregenerate human nature to genuinely please or obey God.

Context

This verse follows closely on the heels of Paul's profound contrast in Romans 8:5-7, where he explains that "they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit." The mind of the flesh is described as "enmity against God" and "not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be." Romans 8 as a whole presents the glorious freedom and power available to believers through the indwelling Holy Spirit, in stark contrast to the futility of trying to fulfill God's law through human effort, as explored in the preceding struggle of Romans 7.

Key Themes

  • The Nature of the "Flesh": This verse highlights that the unredeemed human nature, apart from God's Spirit, is inherently incapable of living in a way that pleases Him. It's not merely about bad behavior, but a fundamental orientation of the heart.
  • Divine Inability: The phrase "cannot please God" emphasizes a complete lack of capacity on the part of the flesh. No amount of self-effort, good intentions, or religious observance originating from this natural state can satisfy God's righteous demands.
  • Necessity of the Spirit: By implication, the verse points to the absolute necessity of the Holy Spirit's work in a person's life for true spiritual living and pleasing God. This sets the stage for the empowering truth of Romans 8:9 and beyond.

Linguistic Insights

The key term here is "flesh," from the Greek word sarx (σάρξ). In Pauline theology, sarx often refers not just to the physical body, but to the entire human being in its unregenerate state, alienated from God and prone to sin. It represents the sinful principle at work in humanity, inherently hostile to God's will and incapable of true spiritual obedience. This is distinct from the physical body itself, which can be a temple of the Holy Spirit when indwelt by God.

Practical Application

Romans 8:8 offers a sobering but essential truth: we cannot earn God's favor or live a truly righteous life by our own strength or willpower. This verse powerfully underscores the need for spiritual rebirth and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. For believers, it's a reminder that true spiritual growth and the ability to please God come from yielding to the Spirit's leading, not from striving in self-effort. It calls us to recognize our dependence on God's grace and the transforming power of the Holy Spirit, enabling us to walk in the Spirit rather than fulfilling the desires of the flesh.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • John 3:5

    Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and [of] the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

  • John 3:6

    That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

  • Romans 7:5

    For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death.

  • Romans 8:9

    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.

  • Hebrews 11:5

    By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.

  • Hebrews 11:6

    But without faith [it is] impossible to please [him]: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and [that] he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

  • Colossians 1:10

    That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;

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