Those controlled by the fleshThis phrase refers to individuals who live according to their sinful nature, prioritizing earthly desires over spiritual ones. In biblical context, "flesh" often symbolizes human weakness and propensity to sin, as seen in
Galatians 5:19-21, where the "acts of the flesh" are contrasted with the "fruit of the Spirit." The term "controlled" implies a lack of freedom, suggesting that those who live by the flesh are in bondage to sin, as Paul elaborates in
Romans 7:14-25. Historically, this reflects the Greco-Roman understanding of the body and soul, where the body was often seen as a hindrance to spiritual enlightenment.
cannot please God
This phrase underscores the impossibility of earning God's favor through human effort alone.Hebrews 11:6 states that "without faith it is impossible to please God," highlighting the necessity of faith over works. Theologically, this aligns with the doctrine of total depravity, which posits that sin affects all parts of a person, making divine grace essential for salvation. This concept is rooted in the Old Testament, where sacrifices and rituals were insufficient without a heart aligned with God's will, as seen inIsaiah 1:11-17. The inability to please God through the flesh points to the need for a transformative relationship with Christ, who fulfills the law and enables believers to live by the Spirit, as described inRomans 8:9-11.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Paul the ApostleThe author of the Book of Romans, Paul was a key figure in the early Christian church, known for his missionary journeys and theological teachings.
2.
The Roman ChurchThe recipients of the letter, the Roman Christians were a diverse group of Jewish and Gentile believers living in the heart of the Roman Empire.
3.
The FleshIn this context, "the flesh" refers to the sinful nature of humanity, which is in opposition to the Spirit of God.
4.
GodThe ultimate authority and the one whom believers seek to please through their lives and actions.
5.
The SpiritThe Holy Spirit, who empowers believers to live in a way that is pleasing to God, in contrast to living according to the flesh.
Teaching Points
Understanding the FleshRecognize that "the flesh" represents our sinful nature and tendencies that are contrary to God's will.
Living by the SpiritEmphasize the importance of being led by the Holy Spirit, who enables us to live in a way that pleases God.
The Incompatibility of Flesh and SpiritUnderstand that living according to the flesh and pleasing God are mutually exclusive; one cannot do both.
The Role of FaithHighlight that faith is essential in overcoming the desires of the flesh and living a life that is pleasing to God.
Practical Steps to Overcome the FleshEncourage practical steps such as prayer, scripture reading, and fellowship with other believers to strengthen one's walk in the Spirit.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Romans 8:8?
2.What does Romans 8:8 reveal about living "in the flesh" versus "in the Spirit"?
3.How can believers ensure they "please God" according to Romans 8:8?
4.How does Romans 8:8 connect with Galatians 5:16-17 on walking by the Spirit?
5.What practical steps help avoid living "in the flesh" as per Romans 8:8?
6.How can Romans 8:8 guide daily decisions to align with God's will?
7.What does Romans 8:8 mean by "those controlled by the flesh cannot please God"?
8.How does Romans 8:8 challenge the concept of free will in Christianity?
9.What historical context influenced Paul's writing of Romans 8:8?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Romans 8?
11.What are the works of the flesh?
12.What does 'carnally minded is death' mean?
13.What does "carnally minded is death" mean?
14.In Romans 7:25, if Christ is the solution to sin, why does the struggle described still persist according to the text and other New Testament passages?What Does Romans 8:8 Mean
Those• Paul is speaking of people as they naturally are, descendants of Adam, born with a bent toward sin (Romans 3:10-12;Psalm 51:5).
• “Those” draws a line between two humanities: those in the flesh and those in the Spirit (Romans 8:5).
• Jesus made the same distinction: “That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit” (John 3:6).
controlled by the flesh• “Controlled” points to a dominating influence, not a momentary lapse. Life is habitually steered by desires that run counter to God’s will (Ephesians 2:3;Galatians 5:17).
• “Flesh” means the fallen human nature with its self-centered passions—everything that resists the rule of the Spirit (Galatians 5:19-21).
• This control shows up in mind-set: “The mind of the flesh is death” (Romans 8:6) and cannot submit to God’s law (Romans 8:7).
cannot please God• The verdict is absolute. No amount of moral effort, religious ritual, or worldly success can bridge the gap (Isaiah 64:6;Titus 3:5).
• Pleasing God requires faith that unites us to Christ and His righteousness (Hebrews 11:6;Philippians 3:9).
• Only the Spirit frees us from flesh-dominion, enabling true obedience and fruit that delights the Father (Romans 8:9-11;Galatians 5:22-24;Colossians 1:10).
summaryRomans 8:8 delivers a sober but hopeful truth: left to ourselves, we are powerless to live lives that satisfy God. Yet by turning from flesh-reliance to Spirit-dependence through faith in Christ, we move from the realm of “cannot” to the freedom of “well done.”
(8)
So then. . .--Rather,
and. Neither can it be expected that those who are absorbed in the things of sense should be able to please God.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
Thoseοἱ(hoi)Article - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.controlled byἐν(en)Preposition
Strong's 1722:In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.[the] fleshσαρκὶ(sarki)Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4561:Flesh, body, human nature, materiality; kindred.cannotδύνανται(dynantai)Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 1410:(a) I am powerful, have (the) power, (b) I am able, I can. Of uncertain affinity; to be able or possible.pleaseἀρέσαι(aresai)Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 700:To please, with the idea of willing service rendered to others; hence almost: I serve. Probably from airo; to be agreeable.God.Θεῷ(Theō)Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316:A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.
Links
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NT Letters: Romans 8:8 Those who are in the flesh can't (Rom. Ro) 
