" The Carnal Christian "

 

1st.Corinthians 3:1-4  "And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in CHRIST. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men ? For while one says, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal ?

     Every person falls into one of three categories: a natural man, a spiritual Christian, or a carnal Christian, that is, a believer who is controlled by the flesh. While this individual is spiritually alive because he has trusted CHRIST for salvation and is permanently indwelt by the HOLY SPIRIT (in contrast to the natural man), he is not walking in fellowship with the very GOD WHO saved him. Many of the Corinthian believers fell into this category. They were surrounded by paganism and worldliness, and they allowed the things of the world to rule their hearts and minds. By failing to possess the mind of CHRIST and judge all things (1st.Corinthians 2:15-16 pictured above), they fell into sin and wandered from a proper, intimate relationship with GOD. Rather than abiding in CHRIST and living according to HIS will, they tried to live according to their own self-effort. As a result, they were defeated and fruitless, lacking spiritual growth. In fact, the Apostle wrote that he needed to speak to them as "babes in CHRIST" because of their carnality.

     Is it possible for a true believer to be controlled by the flesh rather than by the SPIRIT ? It certainly is, and the fruit of such living is detrimental to the believer's spiritual health. While the spiritual believer who abides in JESUS CHRIST experiences peace, joy, and fellowship with his LORD, the carnal Christian exhibits "envying, and strife, and divisions" (v.3). Certainly this breaks our SAVIOR's heart, for HE desires a proper fellowship with all HIS children - this is why man was created in the first place ! How can we avoid falling into the category of the carnal Christian ? We must possess the mind of CHRIST, judge all things, and yield ourselves unto GOD (Romans 6:11-16). MDC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

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