5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. (Romans 8:5 KJV)
William Burkitt’s Commentary
Observe here, 1. A difference of persons mentioned. Those who are after the flesh and those who are after the Spirit.
2. A difference of properties belonging to these persons; one minds the things of the flesh, the other minds the things of the Spirit. They mind them; that is, they relish and savour them, they lay out their thoughts about them, and let out their endeavours after them.
Learn hence, 1. That there are but two sorts of men in the world; some after the flesh, and some after the Spirit.
2. That these two different sorts of men have two different objects, which they savour and relish; namely, the things of the flesh and the things of the Spirit.
3. That all men discover the true temper of their minds, and the complexion and disposition of their souls, by the respect which they give to either of these objects by minding the things of the flesh and the things of the Spirit; that is, by minding them willingly and cheerfully, resolvedly and constantly.