Romans 8:8

So then Lit. But; and perhaps better thus. The oppositionis to the idea impliedby the previous clausesof a condition which canlove and submit.

in the flesh Of course in the moralsense of "the flesh," and as being not merely beset by it, but characterized and determined by it. Practically the phrase = "afterthe flesh" (Romans 8:4). The difference in idea is that between a condition and the resulting action. It is clear that "they that are in the flesh" means "all men before special grace." For the only other condition of the soul contemplated by St Paul is the being "in the Spirit," i.e. actuated and ruled by "the Holy Ghost given unto us."

cannot please God See Colossians 1:10 for the bright contrast of the state of grace. This ver. proves that "the mind of the flesh" is viewed by St Paul as the true, ruling, determining, "mind" of the unregenerate man. It is not only a dangerous element, but that which gives its quality to his whole attitude towards God. He "cannot" (a moralimpossibility of course is meant) "please God;" he cannot make God his supreme choice, object, and rule; in short he cannot "love Him with all his mind;" and no other condition of the soul than this can, in the true sense of the word, "pleaseGod." Particular acts, in themselves, He may approve; but not the real attitude of the doer's soul.