Romans 8:7
Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
Romans 8:7
In Romans 7, Paul describes the struggle between the old, fleshly nature and the longing to live righteously. By saying the carnal mind is enmity against God, he identifies a foundational obstacle: the natural human condition, bent toward self-rule and independence from God, cannot harmonize with God’s will. “The mind” here refers not merely to intellect but to the entire orientation of a person’s life—values, desires, and decisions. In the Jewish-Rosant cultural backdrop, the law reveals sin and condemns, but cannot transform a heart. When Paul declares that the carnal mind is not subject to the law of God and “neither indeed can be,” he isn’t teaching mere moral failure; he is diagnosing the human condition apart from the Spirit. The contrast is with life in the Spirit, which is activated through faith in Christ and results in a transformed orientation toward God.
This verse establishes the central problem of humanity and the need for divine enablement. The enmity of the carnal mind shows that righteousness cannot be produced by human effort alone; it requires a new power—God’s Spirit. It also reinforces the distinction between sin’s dominion and God’s sovereignty. Theologically, it anchors the doctrine of total depravity in a nuanced way: humanity is not as bad as possible in every way, but the governing orientation of the heart is opposed to God without divine intervention. The law remains holy and good, but the carnal mind cannot submit to it. The good news is that God provides a contrary life—walking by the Spirit—that changes the inner disposition and thus the outer behavior.
If you notice patterns of self-reliance, stubborn pride, or persistent self-centered choices, you’re feeling the “enmity” Paul describes. The antidote isn’t greater self-discipline alone but surrender to God’s Spirit. Start with prayer, asking the Spirit to soften resentments, reshape cravings, and align your desires with God’s. Practical steps: confess the areas where you try to control outcomes, invite accountability, and replace unhelpful routines with Spirit-led practices like Scripture engagement, prayer, and service. Recognize that declaring Jesus as Lord isn’t only about belief but about submission to a different ruler—the Spirit who empowers transformation. In relationships, this means seeking reconciliation, practicing humility, and choosing forgiveness even when hurt. The carnal mind wants to win, prove a point, or pursue pleasure; the Spirit invites you to love, pursue righteousness, and participate in God’s mission.
Cross-References: Galatians 5:16-17; Romans 7:14-25; Colossians 2:8-12; Ephesians 4:17-24