St Paul challenges his readers with the goal of living 'righteous lives', contrasting the mindset arising from the sinful nature with the mindset of the Spirit. We need to work with the Spirit to change the way we live, as he motivates, challenges, and strengthens us to deal radically with our sinful nature. The outcome is a life consistent with our calling to be children of God.

Sam focuses on Jesus' rebuttal of the Pharisees found in Mark 2:23-3:6. The Pharisees criticise Jesus and his disciples when they appear to break the law of the Sabbath by performing tasks such as picking wheat or healing the sick. But Jesus' statement that "The Sabbath is made for man, not man for the Sabbath" revolutionises our understanding of the Sabbath, and this should explain Jesus' fierce critique of the Pharisees.