Becoming Spiritually Minded

BECOMING SPIRITUALLY MINDED

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Romans 8:6

Supporting Texts: Colossians 3:1-2, Philippians 2:5, 1 Corinthians 2:14-16, Galatians 5:16-17, Isaiah 26:3

INTRODUCTION:

To be spiritually minded is to have a mindset, attitude, and focus that is governed by the Holy Spirit and the Word of God. Romans 8:6 draws a sharp contrast between the carnal mind that leads to death and the spiritual mind that brings life and peace. Many believers struggle because their minds are set on the flesh and not the things of God. True transformation begins with the renewal of the mind. Becoming spiritually minded is not just about thinking religious thoughts, but allowing God’s Word and Spirit to govern your perception, decisions, desires, and actions.

Let us examine what it means to be spiritually minded, the danger of a carnal mind, and how to develop a spirit-governed mindset that leads to life and peace.

1. WHAT IT MEANS TO BE SPIRITUALLY MINDED

a) A life governed by the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:5):

Those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit.

b) A focus on eternal, not earthly things (Colossians 3:1-2):

A spiritually minded person prioritises heaven’s agenda over worldly desires.

c) A heart that delights in the Word of God (Psalm 1:2):

The spiritually minded meditate on God's Word day and night.

d) A mind aligned with Christ’s attitude (Philippians 2:5):

Having the mind of Christ means humility, obedience, and selflessness.

Biblical Example: Stephen, even while being stoned, was full of the Holy Spirit and saw the heavens open (Acts 7:55-60).

2. THE DANGERS OF A CARNAL MIND

a) It leads to spiritual death (Romans 8:6):

A carnal mind disconnects one from the life of God.

b) It resists the will of God (Romans 8:7):

The carnal mind is enmity against God and cannot submit to His law.

c) It opens the door to sin and deception (James 1:14-15):

Carnal thoughts lead to sinful actions which end in destruction.

d) It causes instability and confusion (James 1:8):

A double-minded person is unstable in all their ways.

Biblical Example: Lot’s wife looked back because her heart and mind were still in Sodom (Genesis 19:26).

3. CHARACTERISTICS OF A SPIRITUALLY MINDED BELIEVER

a) Walks in the Spirit, not the flesh (Galatians 5:16):

The spiritually minded submit their desires to the Spirit’s control.

b) Has discernment of spiritual things (1 Corinthians 2:14):

They understand and receive spiritual truths that the natural man rejects.

c) Enjoys the peace of God (Isaiah 26:3):

God keeps in perfect peace those whose minds are stayed on Him.

d) Lives a life of prayer and meditation (Joshua 1:8):

Consistent prayer and meditation tune the mind to God’s frequency.

Biblical Example: Mary chose to sit at Jesus’ feet and listen to His Word, choosing the better part (Luke 10:38-42).

4. HOW TO BECOME SPIRITUALLY MINDED

a) Renew your mind daily (Romans 12:2):

Let God's Word transform your thinking and perspectives.

b) Feed on the Word consistently (2 Timothy 3:16):

Scripture equips and corrects the mind to walk in truth.

c) Guard your thoughts (Proverbs 4:23):

What you allow into your mind shapes your spiritual condition.

d) Cultivate spiritual disciplines (1 Timothy 4:7-8):

Fasting, prayer, worship, and study strengthen the spiritual mind.

Biblical Example: Daniel purposed in his heart not to defile himself, maintaining a godly mindset even in a pagan land (Daniel 1:8).

5. REWARDS OF BEING SPIRITUALLY MINDED

a) Life and peace (Romans 8:6):

A spiritual mind results in stability, joy, and divine fulfilment.

b) Victory over sin (Galatians 5:24):

Those who are spiritually minded crucify the flesh with its passions.

c) Intimacy with God (John 14:21):

The spiritually minded enjoy close fellowship with the Father.

d) Clarity in decision-making (Proverbs 3:5-6):

God directs the paths of those whose minds trust in Him.

Biblical Example: Jesus lived with a spiritual mindset, always doing the will of the Father, and was glorified (John 17:4-5).

CONCLUSION:

Becoming spiritually minded is not optional for the believer—it is essential. The quality of your Christian walk depends on what governs your thoughts. Carnality leads to death, but spirituality leads to life and peace. In a world filled with distractions and noise, God is calling His children to set their minds on things above.

Don’t be shaped by the thinking patterns of this world. Let your thoughts be renewed and filled with the Spirit. As you pursue the things of God, your mind will be transformed, your life enriched, and your destiny secured.

PRAYER POINTS:

1. Lord, renew my mind and make me spiritually minded.

2. I cast down every imagination that exalts itself above God’s Word.

3. Fill my heart with the desire for eternal things.

4. Let my thoughts be governed by the Holy Spirit daily.

5. Deliver me from every carnal mindset and worldly desire.