Literally, “the mind [or “minding”] of the flesh.” In this case, “mind” means “thought,”“purpose,”“intention,”“inclination,” as in the clause, “he ... knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit” (v. 27).
Death.
To think of nothing but the gratification of fleshly desires is death. The one who lives for this selfish purpose is dead while he lives (1 Tim. 5:6; see also Eph. 2:1, 5), and the present condition of spiritual death can lead only to final eternal death. The reason for this is explained in Rom. 8:7.
To be spiritually minded.
Literally, “the mind [or “minding”] of the Spirit.”
Life and peace.
To set the mind on the things of the Spirit, and to have the thoughts and desires governed solely by the Spirit of God, result in that healthful, life-giving harmony of all the functions of the soul that is a sure pledge and foretaste of the life to come (see Eph. 1:13, 14). The presence of the Holy Spirit brings love, joy, and peace in the life (Gal. 5:22), the beginning within us of the kingdom of God, which is “righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost” (Rom. 14:17).
Those who are “spiritually minded” and “walk ... after the Spirit” (ch. 8:1) enjoy the peace of forgiveness and reconciliation (ch. 5:1). The love of God is “shed abroad” in their hearts (ch. 5:5), and they have the joy and encouragement of seeing the righteous requirement of the law fulfilled in their lives (ch. 8:4). They look forward to final salvation and eternal life. On the contrary, those who are “carnally minded” and “walk ... after the flesh” (vs. 4, 6) know only the destroying experience of bondage and condemnation (vs. 1, 15, 21) and can look forward only to judgment and death (chs. 1:32; 2:5, 6; 6:21, 22).