What do chili con carne and Christian con carne have in common? Meat -- the flesh. In chili the more meat the better the taste. However, in the Christian, the presence of flesh creates a whole set of ugly problems. The Christian with flesh is represented in Scripture as a carnal person. Though a child of God can never fully remove the flesh from his life, he can determine whether it will control him.
I. THE PROBLEM DEFINED
Galatians 5:17 “For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would” (KJV). I like the way the NIV puts it, “For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want.” (NIV).
II. THE PROBLEM DEVELOPED (1 Cor. 2:14-3-6)
THERE ARE THREE TYPES OF PEOPLE ON EARTH: Natural, Spiritual and Carnal.
Natural (2:14). The natural man is the individual who has never come to know God through Jesus Christ. He is unsaved or never born again. His characteristics are: He does not welcome the things of the Spirit of God. And he does not understand spiritual issues.
Spiritual (2:15-16). This is the Christian dominated by the Spirit of God. His characteristics: He appraises “all things.” And he has the mind of Christ.
Carnal (3:1-3). Though a Christian, he lives by the flesh -- a Christian con carne -- “fleshly” (v. 3) The intended thought is not only that of possessing flesh, but being possessed by or under the control of the flesh.
THE GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CARNAL PERSON ARE FOUND IN (1 Cor. 3:1-3)
He is a member of the Christian family (v.1) “But I, brethren, could not address you as spiritual men, but as men of the flesh...” (RSV) This shows us that he does not lose your salvation when you become carnal.
He is lacking in spiritual growth (v. 1b) “...as babes in Christ.” (RSV) Babies! What is a baby like? Dependent and demanding; unable to feed himself; unable to stay out of messes; wants to be the center of attention; driven by impulse; no manners, no control, no abilities, no concern for others; Point: The carnal Christian is not only one who is not growing, but he is not interested in growing.
He focuses upon the horizontal (v. 3) “For ye are yet carnal: for whereas [there is] among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal,” (KJV) His focus is on people, rather than God.
He resembles a non-Christian (v. 3) “...and walk as men?” (KJV) Literally, this means according to the norm and standard of ordinary, sinful, unredeemed mankind. How? He is selfish, proud, stubborn, prejudiced, fighting.
HERE IS HOW CARNALITY REVEALS ITSELF (1 Cor. 5:1-12; 10:5-12)
In Activities (5:1) “It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that does not occur even among pagans...” (NIV) Their sin was of the kind that would even make a non-Christian wince. Observation: When the flesh dominates, there is nothing it will not do.
In Attitudes (5:2) “And you are arrogant! ....” (RSV) A lack of guilt, no brokenness over sin, an absence of righteous indignation.
In Associations (5:9-11) “I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with immoral men; ... anyone who bears the name of brother if he is guilty of immorality or greed, ... not even to eat with such a one.” (RSV) Point: Evil company corrupts good morals (1 Corinthians 15:33 Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners. (KJV)
In Appetites (10:6) “Now these things are warnings for us, not to desire evil as they did.” (RSV) In the Greek language our word “crave” means a strong desire, a longing; an appetite for that strictly forbidden.
III. AN INWARD LOOK
Please ask yourself: “Am I genuinely a Christian?” Am I lacking in spiritual growth?” “Do I focus on people, rather than upon God?” Do I habitually take part in the activities of the flesh?”
I titled this post “How to become Spiritual.” Here is the reason why. Unless we purge those things from our lives that are keeping us from being spiritual we will never be spiritual ourselves.
Exhortation, followed by examination that results in confession and repentance, leads to cleansing and restoration.
Exhortation, followed by rationalization, which resists confession and repentance, leads to discipline and sometimes death.