Audio commentary on this verse

Note 11 at Rom. 8:5: Verses 5-8 explain to us why only those who walk after the Spirit (see note 10 at Rom. 8:4, above) are seeing the righteousness of the law fulfilled in their lives (see note 9 at Rom. 8:4, p. 793). It is because, whatever a person thinks on is what he is going to become or do (Prov. 23:7). Those who are after the flesh think on carnal things and therefore do carnal things. Thinking carnally can only produce death while thinking spiritually (according to the Word-Jn. 6:63) can only produce life (see note 15 at Rom. 8:6, below).

Note 12 at Rom. 8:5: This verse gives us a test so we can determine if we are walking after the flesh or after the Spirit. Just judge what you are thinking about. If you consistently are thinking on the things of the Spirit (Jn. 6:63), then you are walking after the Spirit. If you are dominated with carnal thoughts (see note 13 at Rom. 8:6, below), then you are walking after (see note 20 at Rom. 8:9, p. 795) the flesh (see note 3 at Rom. 7:18, p. 790).