What is a “carnal” Christian? Well, let’s define the word, “carnal”. Carnal is translated from the Greek word sarkikos, which literally means, “fleshy”. The dictionary defines carnal as pertaining to or characterized by the flesh or the body, its passions and appetites.
What is a Christian? A Christian is a person who believes in Jesus Christ and follows his teachings.
Is there such a thing as a “Carnal Christian”? YES! Paul says, “And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ” 1 Corinthians 3:1.
To live carnally, satisfies the flesh rather than pleasing and honoring God. A carnal Christian may have accepted the gift of salvation, but not the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit, and the transforming power of the inner man.
All of us Christians, are still works in progress. We still have some areas in our lives where we may at times live carnally, because we are not perfect, yet.
A Carnal Christian, is not willing to “present his or her body as a living sacrifice pleasing and acceptable to the Father” (Romans 12:2).
The Carnal Christian, lives in the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. Simply put, they are fleshy minded. Paul says that they are babes in Christ. They are unable to digest solid spiritual food, and they are filled with strife, envy, and division. As I said earlier, we were all carnally minded at one time or another, but we have matured in Christ. We are supposed to grow up and become mature. This is a process that continues daily.
It is God’s will for a Carnal Christian, to mature and grow from milk to solid food. This is done through faith and a walk of obedience.
But you can overcome the works of the flesh. How? Through the Spirit of God, and by renewing of your mind. “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (Romans 12:2).
Renewing your mind, can be initiated at any time with the help of the Holy Spirit, who is living within you. When we have the mind of Jesus, and the Holy Spirit in us, then we have options to be spiritually minded, and we will start thinking like Jesus. God can renew your mind, and refocus your thoughts.
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