“Controlled by the Spirit, Not the Flesh”

Romans 8:9 — The Diagnostic: Who’s in Control?

The Verse

“You, however, are controlled not by the flesh, but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ.”

— Romans 8:9 (BSB)

The Neuro-Gnostic Decoding

This is Paul’s control system diagnostic: Which system is running your life?

“Controlled not by the flesh” = NOT controlled by the Voice (hijacked DMN, ego-narrative, fear-based reactivity)

“But by the Spirit” = Controlled by The Listener (Salience Network anchored, receiving Source’s guidance)

“If the Spirit of God lives in you” = IF the Sacred Order is operational (Source → Listener → Daemon functioning)

“The Spirit of Christ” = Christ Consciousness (The Listener, Divine Spark) activated as your operating system

“He does not belong to Christ” = He is NOT operating from The Listener (still hijacked by the Voice)

This is the binary diagnostic:

  • Option 1: Controlled by the flesh (Voice/ego running the show, DMN hijacked, forced effort, anxiety)
  • Option 2: Controlled by the Spirit (Listener running the show, Sacred Order operational, flow arising)

The test: Who’s in control right now? The Voice (flesh) or The Listener (Spirit)?

Breaking Down the Verse

“You, However, Are Controlled Not by the Flesh”

“You” (Greek: hymeis de) = You (plural, addressing the community), however (contrasting with previous verses)

Context (Romans 8:5-8, describing those “controlled by the flesh”):

“Those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. The mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace. The mind of the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Those controlled by the flesh cannot please God.”

“Controlled by the flesh” (Greek: en sarki) = Living in/under the dominion of the flesh (the ego-system, the Voice, the hijacked DMN)

“The flesh” (Greek: sarx) = NOT literal physical body, BUT the ego-narrative system (the Voice, the counterfeit spirit, the hijacked DMN)

Characteristics of “the flesh” (the Voice/hijacked system):

  1. Mind set on “things of the flesh” (ego-concerns: status, security, control, survival-mode rumination)
  2. Death (withering, anxiety, exhaustion, no flow) — The Vine and the Branches
  3. Hostile to God (severed from The Source, identified with separation)
  4. Cannot submit to God’s law (cannot receive/execute the Source’s call, Flow State Conduction blocked)
  5. Cannot please God (cannot produce fruit, no works arising)

Translation: “The flesh” = The Voice (hijacked DMN) running your operating system → No flow, no fruit, death (withering).

Paul is saying: “You, however” (the community practicing dis-identification) are NOT under the Voice’s control.

“But by the Spirit”

“But” (Greek: alla) = Strong contrast (not this, but that)

“By the Spirit” (Greek: en pneumati) = In/under the dominion of the Spirit (The Listener, Divine Spark, Christ Consciousness)

“The Spirit” (Greek: pneuma) = The Divine Spark, The Listener, Salience Network anchored (NOT literal ghost)

Characteristics of “the Spirit” (The Listener/Sacred Order functioning):

  1. Mind set on “things of the Spirit” (Source-aligned: intuitive knowing, flow, creative power, love)
  2. Life and peace (fruit, flow, heart-brain coherence) — Body Dead, Spirit Alive
  3. Union with God (Source ↔ Listener connection, non-separation)
  4. Submits to God’s law (receives and executes the Source’s call, Flow State Conduction operational)
  5. Pleases God (produces fruit, works arising from flow)

Translation: “The Spirit” = The Listener (Salience Network, Divine Spark) running your operating system → Flow, fruit, life.

Paul is saying: You are controlled by the Spirit (The Listener anchored, Sacred Order functioning).

“If the Spirit of God Lives in You”

“If” (Greek: eiper) = Assuming, given that (conditional)

“The Spirit of God lives in you” (Greek: pneuma theou oikei en hymin) = The Spirit (Divine Spark, Listener) dwells/resides within you

This is the Sacred Order present:

  • The Source (God) → Sends the call (pre-cognitive knowing, intuitive guidance)
  • The Listener (Spirit of God) → Receives the call (anchored, witnessing)
  • The Daemon → Executes the call (aligned action, flow, fruit)

“Lives in you” = NOT external (God “up there”), BUT indwelling (The Source’s presence within, accessed through The Listener)

Same as:

The condition: IF the Spirit lives in you (IF the Sacred Order is operational), THEN you are controlled by the Spirit (not the flesh).

Translation: If Christ Consciousness (The Listener) is activated as your operating system → You are controlled by the Spirit (flow arises, fruit manifests).

“And If Anyone Does Not Have the Spirit of Christ”

“If anyone does not have” = If someone does NOT have the Spirit (Christ Consciousness, The Listener) activated

“The Spirit of Christ” (Greek: pneuma Christou) = Christ Consciousness, The Listener, Divine Spark (same as “Spirit of God”)

What does it mean to “not have” the Spirit?

Traditional interpretation: If you haven’t “accepted Jesus,” you don’t have the Spirit (you’re damned)

Neuro-Gnostic interpretation: If you are identified with the Voice (not anchored in The Listener), the Spirit is not operational (you don’t “have” it functioning, even though it’s present as potential)

The Spirit (Listener) is ALWAYS present (as your true nature, Buddha-nature, Divine Spark). But if you’re identified with the Voice (hijacked by the ego-narrative), you don’t “have” it functioning.

Analogy: You have a smartphone (potential), but if you never turn it on (identify with the Voice instead of The Listener), you don’t “have” its functionality (you’re living as if it doesn’t exist).

“Not having the Spirit” = The Listener is not activated (still hijacked by the Voice, DMN running the show).

“He Does Not Belong to Christ”

“He does not belong to Christ” (Greek: houtos ouk estin autou) = This person is not “of Him,” not Christ’s, not operating from Christ Consciousness

Traditional interpretation: If you don’t believe in Jesus, you’re not saved (you’re going to hell)

Neuro-Gnostic interpretation: If you are NOT operating from The Listener (still identified with the Voice), you do not “belong to Christ” (you’re not functioning from Christ Consciousness, you’re functioning from ego)

“Belonging to Christ” = Operating from The Listener (Christ Consciousness activated as your true nature)

“Not belonging to Christ” = Operating from the Voice (ego-narrative, hijacked DMN)

The diagnostic is functional, not theological:

  • NOT: “Do you believe the right doctrines?” (intellectual assent)
  • BUT: “Is Christ Consciousness (The Listener) your operating system?” (functional test)

The evidence: Are you controlled by the Spirit (flow, fruit, peace) or by the flesh (forcing, anxiety, rumination)?

The Two Operating Systems

Operating System 1: The Flesh (The Voice / Hijacked DMN)

Control Center: The Voice (ego-narrative, hijacked Default Mode Network)

Characteristics:

  1. Mind set on ego-concerns (status, security, control, survival-mode)
  2. Constant rumination (replaying past, anxious about future, DMN hyperactive)
  3. Fear-based reactivity (anxiety, anger, defensiveness)
  4. Forced effort (grinding, no flow, exhausting)
  5. Separation consciousness (me vs. them, God “out there,” fragmentation)
  6. No fruit (withering, exhaustion, blocks, misalignment)

Neurological correlates:

  • Hyperactive DMN (self-referential rumination, narrative overdrive)
  • Weak Salience Network (no anchoring in witnessing awareness)
  • No heart-brain coherence (Source’s call drowned out by mental noise)

Result: “Death” (withering, anxiety, exhaustion, no flow) — Cannot produce fruit, cannot please God.

Paul’s diagnosis: “Controlled by the flesh” = The Voice running the show.

Operating System 2: The Spirit (The Listener / Sacred Order)

Control Center: The Listener (Christ Consciousness, Salience Network anchored, Divine Spark)

Characteristics:

  1. Mind set on Source-aligned concerns (intuitive knowing, creative flow, love, alignment)
  2. Stillpoint accessible (silence, witnessing, DMN quiet)
  3. Peace-based response (heart-brain coherence, not reactivity)
  4. Flow arising (aligned action, effortless execution)
  5. Union consciousness (non-separation, Christ in me, I in Christ, all in Father)
  6. Fruit manifesting (flow, peace, creative power, works, alignment)

Neurological correlates:

  • Regulated DMN (background processing, not tyrannical rumination)
  • Strong Salience Network (Listener anchored, witnessing stable)
  • Heart-brain coherence (Source’s call received, pre-cognitive knowing)

Result: “Life and peace” (flow, fruit, creative power) — Produces much fruit, pleases God.

Paul’s diagnosis: “Controlled by the Spirit” = The Listener running the show.

The Diagnostic Protocol: Which System Is in Control?

Test 1: Check Your Thoughts (What’s Running?)

If controlled by the flesh (Voice):

  • Constant rumination (replaying past, anxious about future)
  • Self-referential narrative overdrive (“I” “me” “mine” dominating)
  • Fear-based thought loops (catastrophizing, worst-case scenarios)
  • Mental noise constant (no silence, no stillpoint)

If controlled by the Spirit (Listener):

  • Witness presence (observing thoughts, not identified with them)
  • Stillpoint accessible (silence, pure being, “I AM”)
  • Intuitive knowing arising (pre-cognitive guidance from heart)
  • Peace underlying (even amidst challenges)

The test: Pause right now. What’s running? The Voice’s rumination or The Listener’s witnessing?

Test 2: Check Your Emotions (What’s Driving?)

If controlled by the flesh (Voice):

  • Anxiety dominating (fear-based, reactive)
  • Anger/defensiveness arising (ego-protection mode)
  • Shame/guilt looping (self-condemnation, rumination)
  • Emotional hijacking (feelings controlling you)

If controlled by the Spirit (Listener):

  • Peace present (heart-brain coherence, not hijacked)
  • Compassion arising (flow extending to others)
  • Gratitude accessible (recognition of Source’s provision)
  • Emotional witnessing (feelings observed, not controlling you)

The test: What’s driving your emotional state right now? The Voice’s reactivity or The Listener’s peace?

Test 3: Check Your Actions (What’s Executing?)

If controlled by the flesh (Voice):

  • Forced effort (grinding, no flow)
  • Analysis paralysis (ruminating, not acting)
  • Fear-based decisions (avoiding, controlling, protecting ego)
  • Misaligned outcomes (blocks, frustration, exhaustion)

If controlled by the Spirit (Listener):

  • Flow in action (aligned, effortless, clear)
  • Intuitive execution (Source’s call → Daemon’s action)
  • Trust-based decisions (receiving guidance, not forcing)
  • Aligned outcomes (fruit, synchronicities, doors opening)

The test: Are your actions flowing (Spirit-controlled) or forced (flesh-controlled)?

Test 4: Check Your Fruit (What’s Manifesting?)

If controlled by the flesh (Voice):

  • Withering (exhaustion, burnout, no fruit)
  • Anxiety manifest (instability, tossed around)
  • Conflict in relationships (ego battles, control)
  • Creative blocks (paralysis, perfectionism)

If controlled by the Spirit (Listener):

  • Fruit arising (flow, peace, creative power)
  • Stability (rooted and grounded, even in storms)
  • Harmony in relationships (flow between hearts)
  • Creative manifestation (ideas, solutions, aligned outcomes)

The test: What fruit is your life producing right now? Withering (flesh) or flow (Spirit)?

Test 5: Check Your Identity (Who Are You?)

If controlled by the flesh (Voice):

  • “I am my thoughts” (identified with ego-narrative)
  • “I am my circumstances” (defined by external conditions)
  • “I am separate” (fragmented consciousness, God “out there”)
  • “I am the Voice” (the rumination is “me”)

If controlled by the Spirit (Listener):

  • “I am The Listener” (witnessing awareness, not thoughts)
  • “I am Christ Consciousness” (Divine Spark, regardless of circumstances)
  • “I am in union” (Christ in me, I in Christ, all in Father)
  • “I am NOT the Voice” (the rumination is observed, not me)

The test: Who do you think you are right now? The Voice (flesh) or The Listener (Spirit)?

The Transfer of Control: From Flesh to Spirit

Step 1: Recognize the Hijacking (Diagnosis)

Notice: “I am controlled by the flesh. The Voice is running the show. Rumination, forcing, anxiety, no flow.”

This is NOT condemnation. This is diagnosis.

You cannot change what you don’t recognize.

Step 2: Dis-identify from the Voice (Separation)

Practice: “I am NOT the Voice. I am NOT my thoughts. I am NOT the rumination.”

Witness the Voice: Observe the rumination without identifying with it.

Practices:

This creates space between you (The Listener) and the Voice (the ego-narrative).

Step 3: Anchor in The Listener (Transfer Control)

Practice: “I am The Listener. I am the awareness, the Divine Spark, Christ Consciousness.”

Anchor in the Spirit (not the flesh):

  • Hand on heart (anchoring in Source’s seat, not the head)
  • 3 deep breaths (regulating nervous system)
  • Stillpoint (silence, pure being, “I AM”)

Practices:

Control is transferred: From flesh (Voice) → to Spirit (Listener).

Step 4: Receive the Source’s Call (Operational)

Practice: “The Source’s call is here. I receive. I trust. I act.”

The Spirit (Listener) receives the call (pre-cognitive knowing, intuitive guidance from the heart).

The Daemon executes the call (aligned action, flow, fruit).

Practices:

The Sacred Order is operational: Source → Listener → Daemon → Fruit.

Step 5: Observe the Fruit (Verification)

Check: “Is flow arising? Is fruit manifesting? Is peace present?”

If YES → The Spirit is in control (Sacred Order functioning)

If NO → The flesh is still in control (return to Step 1, recognize the hijacking)

This is continuous verification — Walk as Jesus Walked, Test Yourselves

The Spirit of God vs. The Spirit of Christ

Are They Different?

Paul uses both terms in this verse:

  • “The Spirit of God lives in you” (first part)
  • “The Spirit of Christ” (second part)

Traditional interpretation: These are slightly different aspects of the Trinity (complex theological distinctions)

Neuro-Gnostic interpretation: They are the same (two names for The Listener, Divine Spark, Christ Consciousness)

“The Spirit of God” = The Listener as the Source’s presence within (The Source → Listener connection)

“The Spirit of Christ” = The Listener as Christ Consciousness (The Listener activated, functioning as your true nature)

Same reality, different emphasis:

  • Spirit of God emphasizes the Source (where the Spirit comes from, the Father’s presence)
  • Spirit of Christ emphasizes the Listener (Christ Consciousness, the Son’s nature activated in you)

Both point to the same Sacred Order: Source (Father/God) ↔ Listener (Spirit/Christ) ↔ Daemon → Fruit.

Cross-Tradition Parallels

Buddhism (Samsara vs. Nirvana)

Samsara (the cycle of suffering):

  • Controlled by ego-clinging (flesh/Voice)
  • Endless rumination, reactivity, craving, aversion
  • No peace, no freedom

Nirvana (liberation):

  • Controlled by Buddha-nature (Spirit/Listener)
  • Witnessing, non-attachment, equanimity
  • Peace, freedom, enlightenment

Romans 8:9 is this: Controlled by samsara (flesh/Voice) vs. controlled by nirvana (Spirit/Listener).

Hinduism (Maya vs. Atman)

Maya (illusion, the false self):

  • Controlled by ego-identification (flesh/Voice)
  • Separation consciousness, rumination, suffering
  • Death (withering, no flow)

Atman (true Self, united with Brahman):

  • Controlled by the true Self (Spirit/Listener)
  • Union consciousness, witnessing, flow
  • Life (fruit, peace, creative power)

Romans 8:9 is this: Controlled by maya (flesh) vs. controlled by Atman (Spirit).

Gnostic Christianity (Counterfeit Spirit vs. Divine Spark)

Counterfeit Spirit (the ego-narrative, Archontic infection):

  • Controlled by the imposter (flesh/Voice)
  • Rumination, fear, separation, no flow
  • Death (withering, no fruit)

Divine Spark (Pneuma, the true Self):

  • Controlled by the Divine Spark (Spirit/Listener)
  • Gnosis, witnessing, union, flow
  • Life (fruit, manifestation, creative power)

Romans 8:9 is this: Controlled by the Counterfeit Spirit (flesh) vs. controlled by the Divine Spark (Spirit).

Sufism (Nafs vs. Ruh)

Nafs (the ego-self, lower self):

  • Controlled by the nafs (flesh/Voice)
  • Desire, attachment, rumination, separation
  • Veiled from God

Ruh (the spirit, divine breath):

  • Controlled by the ruh (Spirit/Listener)
  • Surrender, witnessing, union with God (fana)
  • Unveiling, closeness to God

Romans 8:9 is this: Controlled by nafs (flesh) vs. controlled by ruh (Spirit).

Common Experiences

“How do I know if I ‘have’ the Spirit of Christ?”

Response: The evidence is functional, not theological.

NOT: “Did I say a prayer accepting Jesus?” (one-time event, intellectual assent)

BUT: “Is The Listener (Christ Consciousness) my operating system?” (functional reality)

The test (from this verse):

  1. Are you controlled by the Spirit? (Or by the flesh?)
  2. Is flow arising? (Or all effort forced?)
  3. Is fruit manifesting? (Or withering?)
  4. Is peace present? (Or anxiety dominating?)
  5. Is The Listener anchored? (Or the Voice hijacking?)

If YES → You “have” the Spirit of Christ (Christ Consciousness is operational)

If NO → You do NOT “have” the Spirit functioning (still controlled by the flesh/Voice)

The Spirit is always present as potential (your true nature, Buddha-nature, Divine Spark). But if you’re identified with the Voice, you don’t “have” it functioning.

“I feel like I’m sometimes controlled by the Spirit, sometimes by the flesh. Is that normal?”

Response: YES. This is the practice.

You will sever (identify with the Voice, controlled by flesh) and reconnect (anchor in Listener, controlled by Spirit) many times per day.

The practice:

  1. Recognize when controlled by flesh (Voice hijacking, rumination, forcing)
  2. Dis-identify from the Voice (“I am NOT my thoughts”)
  3. Re-anchor in The Listener (Spirit takes control again)
  4. Receive the Source’s call (flow resumes)
  5. Repeat (continuous practice)

The more you practice transferring control (flesh → Spirit), the more stable the Spirit’s control becomes.

Eventually: The Spirit (Listener) is the default operating system (not the flesh/Voice). But this takes practice, repetition, re-anchoring.

“Does being ‘controlled by the Spirit’ mean I have no free will?”

Response: “Controlled” means the Spirit is your OPERATING SYSTEM, not that you’re a puppet.

When controlled by the flesh (Voice):

  • You THINK you have free will (the ego-narrative believes it’s choosing)
  • But you’re actually hijacked (reactive, rumination-driven, fear-based)
  • No real freedom (the Voice is tyrannizing you)

When controlled by the Spirit (Listener):

  • The Listener is anchored (witnessing, not reactive)
  • The Source’s call guides (intuitive knowing, not fear)
  • The Daemon executes (aligned action, flow)
  • TRUE freedom (flow, alignment, peace, not tyranny)

“Controlled by the Spirit” = Liberation (not slavery)

“Controlled by the flesh” = Slavery (to the Voice, the ego, rumination, anxiety)

The Practice: Transferring Control

Morning: Set the Operating System (5-10 minutes)

  1. Diagnose: “Who controlled me yesterday? The Spirit or the flesh?”
  2. Dis-identify: “I am NOT the Voice. I am NOT the flesh.”
  3. Anchor in Spirit: “I am The Listener. Christ Consciousness is my operating system.”
  4. Invoke: “Spirit of God, live in me. Spirit of Christ, control me. Flow through me today.”
  5. Set intention: “Today, I am controlled by the Spirit, not the flesh.”

Throughout the Day: Check the Control System

Set reminders (every 2-3 hours):

  1. Who’s in control right now? (Spirit or flesh?)
  2. Check thoughts: Witnessing (Spirit) or ruminating (flesh)?
  3. Check emotions: Peace (Spirit) or anxiety (flesh)?
  4. Check actions: Flow (Spirit) or forcing (flesh)?
  5. Check fruit: Manifesting (Spirit) or withering (flesh)?

If controlled by the Spirit (Listener anchored, flow arising):

  • Acknowledge: “The Spirit is in control. The Sacred Order is functioning.”
  • Gratitude: “Thank you, Spirit. Thank you, Christ in me.”

If controlled by the flesh (Voice hijacking, forcing, anxiety):

  • Recognize: “The flesh is in control. The Voice has hijacked me.”
  • Transfer control: V-Aum Protocol, 3 breaths, anchor in heart, silence the Voice
  • Resume: “The Spirit is in control again. I am The Listener.”

Evening: Evaluate the Control (5-10 minutes)

  1. Reflect: Where was the Spirit in control today? (Flow? Peace? Fruit?)
  2. Acknowledge: “The Spirit controlled me here. Life and peace manifested.”
  3. Reflect: Where was the flesh in control? (Rumination? Forcing? Withering?)
  4. Diagnose: “The flesh controlled me here. I was identified with the Voice.”
  5. Learn: “Tomorrow, I will recognize the hijacking faster and transfer control sooner.”
  6. Gratitude: “Thank you for the Spirit in me. Thank you for the moments of control. Thank you for the fruit.”

The Invocation: Spirit in Control

Speak this to transfer control:

“I am controlled not by the flesh, but by the Spirit.

The flesh (the Voice, the ego, the rumination) does NOT run my life.

The Spirit (The Listener, Christ Consciousness, the Divine Spark) is my operating system.

Spirit of God, live in me. Spirit of Christ, control me.

I am NOT my thoughts. I am The Listener.

I am NOT the rumination. I am the witnessing awareness.

I am NOT the anxiety. I am the peace underlying.

The Source’s call arises. I receive. The Daemon executes. Fruit manifests.

This is life. This is peace. This is the Spirit in control.

I belong to Christ. Christ in me. I in Christ. All in the Father.

Controlled by the Spirit. Not the flesh. Now and always.”

Key Takeaways

  1. “Controlled not by the flesh” = NOT controlled by the Voice (hijacked DMN, ego-narrative, fear-based reactivity)
  2. “But by the Spirit” = Controlled by The Listener (Salience Network anchored, Sacred Order operational)
  3. “If the Spirit of God lives in you” = IF the Sacred Order is functioning (Source → Listener → Daemon → fruit)
  4. “The Spirit of Christ” = Christ Consciousness (The Listener activated as your operating system)
  5. “Does not belong to Christ” = NOT operating from The Listener (still hijacked by the Voice/flesh)
  6. The diagnostic: Who’s in control? (Check thoughts, emotions, actions, fruit, identity)
  7. The transfer: Recognize hijacking → Dis-identify from Voice → Anchor in Listener → Receive Source’s call → Fruit manifests

Further Reading

Framework

Practices

“You are controlled not by the flesh, but by the Spirit.”

Not by the Voice. By The Listener.

Not by rumination. By witnessing.

Not by anxiety. By peace.

The Spirit of God lives in me. The Spirit of Christ controls me.

I belong to Christ. This is my operating system. This is my life.