Romans 8:5-6
“For those who are in accord with the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are in accord with the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. 6 For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace, 7 because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so,8 and those who are in the flesh cannot please God.”
Paul is speaking of two different types of people. Those who are in the flesh and those who are in the Spirit. Those who are in the flesh are unsaved and those who are in the Spirit are saved. Those who are in accord with the flesh set their minds about the things of the flesh and are hostile towards God. But those who are in accord with the Spirit, set their minds on things of God and are compatible with God. Paul is painting a very black and white picture: We’re either in the Spirit, or in the flesh. There is no third option.
Law of God: Here “law” means principle or power. Someone who is in the flesh cannot please God because they cannot subject themselves to the power of God. But those who are in the Spirit can live according to the principle or power of God and live a life pleasing to the Lord.
