A carnal Christian believes in Christ but often follows worldly desires instead of spiritual truth. The Bible shows us how to shift our focus from the flesh to the Spirit. Today, we’ll see how Scripture helps believers walk in obedience to God and experience true transformation.
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What Does The Bible Say About Carnal Christian
1 Corinthians 3:1
“But I, brothers and sisters, could not address you as spiritual but as worldly-mere infants in Christ.”
This verse highlights the state of being a carnal Christian, where believers are still worldly in their mindset and actions despite being followers of Christ. It emphasizes the need for spiritual growth and maturity.
As believers, we are called to move beyond the basic principles of the faith and strive for a deeper relationship with God. A carnal Christian is one who has not yet fully surrendered their desires and will to the lordship of Christ.
1 Corinthians 3:3
“You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere humans?”
This verse points out the evidence of carnality among the Corinthians, such as jealousy and quarreling. It challenges them to examine their behavior and recognize that such actions are characteristic of the world, not of a transformed life in Christ.
A carnal Christian tends to prioritize their own desires and interests over unity and the pursuit of godliness. It serves as a reminder for us to constantly evaluate our own actions and attitudes, seeking to align them with the values and teachings of Christ.
1 Corinthians 3:4
“For when one says, ‘I follow Paul,’ and another, ‘I follow Apollos,’ are you not mere human beings?”
This verse exposes the divisiveness and idolization of human leaders among the Corinthians, which is indicative of carnality. It emphasizes that true followers of Christ should not be divided based on their loyalty to men, but rather united in their devotion to Christ.
A carnal Christian may be swayed by the teachings or charisma of certain leaders, rather than relying solely on the guidance of the Holy Spirit. It reminds us to remain grounded in Scripture and to prioritize our allegiance to the Lord above all else.
1 Corinthians 3:16
“Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?”
This verse reminds us of the sacredness of our bodies as believers, being temples of the Holy Spirit. It speaks against the idea of allowing worldly thoughts and actions to fill our lives, for we are called to honor and glorify God in both our bodies and minds.
A carnal Christian may disregard the importance of leading a holy and pure life, neglecting the responsibility of being a dwelling place of God’s Spirit. It encourages us to live in a manner that reflects the presence of God within us.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.”
These verses reiterate the significance of our bodies as vessels of the Holy Spirit. We are reminded of the high price that was paid for our redemption through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. As such, we are called to honor God with our bodies by living in a way that is pleasing to Him.
A carnal Christian may disregard the value and purpose of their body, using it for sinful and worldly activities. It prompts us to align our actions with God’s will, recognizing that our bodies are to be used for His glory.
Romans 8:5-6
“For 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. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.”
These verses draw a clear distinction between living according to the flesh and living according to the Spirit. A carnal Christian is one who chooses to gratify their worldly desires rather than seeking after the things of God.
It reminds us of the importance of renewing our minds daily through the Word of God, that we may walk in the Spirit and experience the abundant life and peace that comes from aligning our thoughts and actions with God’s will.
1 John 2:15-16
“Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world-the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life-comes not from the Father but from the world.”
These verses caution against worldly love and attachment, highlighting the dangers of covetousness, materialism, and pride. A carnal Christian may be enticed by the allurements of the world, falling into patterns of sin and disobedience.
It calls us to examine our affections and priorities, ensuring that our love for God surpasses any love we have for the world. By doing so, we guard our hearts and remain steadfast in our devotion to Christ.
James 4:4
“You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.”
This verse exposes the seriousness of being entangled with the world, equating it to spiritual adultery. It emphasizes that aligning ourselves with the world’s values and pleasures creates a barrier between us and God.
A carnal Christian may compromise their faith by embracing worldly friendships, seeking approval from the world rather than seeking to please God. It reminds us of the need to prioritize our relationship with the Lord and to guard against anything that would draw us away from Him.
Galatians 5:16-17
“So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want.”
These verses highlight the ongoing struggle between the desires of the flesh and the desires of the Spirit. A carnal Christian is one who consistently gives in to the temptations and cravings of their sinful nature, rather than exercising self-control and surrendering to the leading of the Holy Spirit.
It emphasizes the necessity of walking in step with the Spirit, allowing His power to overcome the flesh and enable us to live according to God’s will. By doing so, we resist the pull of carnality and instead bear the fruits of the Spirit.
Romans 7:18-19
“For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do-this I keep on doing.”
These verses express the internal struggle between the desire to obey God and the propensity to sin. A carnal Christian may find themselves trapped in a cycle of sin, experiencing frustration and guilt as they repeatedly fall short of God’s standards.
It serves as a reminder of our need for God’s grace and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit to overcome the sinful nature. It prompts us to continually seek His strength and guidance, trusting in His transformative power to break the chains of carnality in our lives.
Romans 8:13
“For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.”
This verse emphasizes the consequences of living according to the flesh versus living by the Spirit. A carnal Christian who persists in indulging their worldly desires and sins brings about spiritual death, distancing themselves from the fullness of life found in Christ.
It calls us to actively participate in the process of sanctification by crucifying the sinful nature through the power of the Holy Spirit. By surrendering our fleshly desires and embracing the life-giving work of the Spirit, we experience true spiritual vitality and intimacy with God.
Colossians 3:5
“Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.”
This verse instructs believers to put to death the earthly nature and its sinful desires. A carnal Christian is one who allows the fleshly desires to dictate their actions, engaging in behaviors that are contrary to the holiness God calls us to.
It prompts us to actively renounce and forsake the sinful patterns that have no place in the life of a follower of Christ. By doing so, we position ourselves to experience the transformative work of God and to walk in alignment with His will.
Romans 13:14
“Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.”
This verse encourages believers to choose Christlikeness over fulfilling the desires of the flesh. A carnal Christian may constantly focus on satisfying their own cravings and indulging in sinful behaviors rather than seeking to imitate Christ.
It reminds us to intentionally wear the character of Jesus, allowing His love, humility, and righteousness to shape our thoughts, words, and actions. By doing so, we resist the pull of carnality and reflect the beauty of Christ to the world.
1 John 1:9
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
This verse assures us of God’s faithfulness and willingness to forgive our sins when we confess them. A carnal Christian may struggle with guilt and shame, feeling unworthy of God’s forgiveness and allowing sin to separate them from God.
It reminds us of the importance of confessing our sins and seeking God’s cleansing and restoration. Through genuine repentance, we are freed from the bondage of carnality and restored to a right relationship with our Heavenly Father.
Galatians 6:7-8
“Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.”
These verses highlight the principle of reaping and sowing in the spiritual realm. A carnal Christian may be deceived into thinking that their sinful choices and actions will not have consequences. However, God’s justice ensures that we will reap the results of our choices.
It prompts us to carefully consider the seeds we are sowing in our lives, recognizing that the pursuit of fleshly desires will eventually lead to destruction. Conversely, when we sow seeds that please the Spirit, we will experience the abundant life and eternal rewards that come from aligning ourselves with God’s purposes.
Ephesians 4:22-24
“You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.”
These verses urge believers to embrace the transformation brought about by Christ, leaving behind the patterns of their former sinful lives. A carnal Christian may struggle with fully surrendering their old self and embracing the new identity found in Christ.
It reminds us of the need to actively put off our old nature and put on the new self, which reflects the righteousness and holiness of God. By aligning our thoughts and actions with our true identity in Christ, we live out the reality of being a new creation.
Romans 12:2
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
This verse challenges believers to resist the pressures and temptations of the world, inviting them to renew their mind according to God’s truth. A carnal Christian may be easily swayed by worldly influences, conforming to the behaviors and attitudes that contradict God’s will.
It encourages us to intentionally align our thoughts with the Word of God, allowing the transformative power of His truth to shape our perceptions and choices. By doing so, we are able to discern and embrace the perfect will of God for our lives.
Philippians 3:19
“Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things.”
This verse speaks of the consequences of a carnal mindset, where individuals are driven by worldly desires and pleasures. It reveals that such a mindset leads to destruction and the pursuit of momentary gratification at the expense of true fulfillment.
It serves as a warning against allowing our minds to be consumed by earthly things and the pursuit of sensual gratification. Instead, we are called to set our minds on eternal values and to find our true identity and satisfaction in Christ alone.
James 1:14-15
“But each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire ha conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.”
These verses outline the process of temptation and the destructive path it leads to. A carnal Christian may fall into the cycle of temptation and sin, failing to resist the allurements of their own evil desires.
It reminds us of the importance of recognizing and resisting the pull of temptation, knowing that indulging in sinful desires leads to death both spiritually and, at times, even physically. By relying on the strength of the Holy Spirit, we can overcome the enticements of carnality and walk in obedience to God.
Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
These verses encourage believers to place their trust completely in the Lord rather than relying on their own limited understanding. A carnal Christian may lean on their own understanding, making decisions based on personal desires and preferences rather than seeking God’s guidance.
It reminds us of the importance of submitting our will and desires to God, trusting in His wisdom and leading. By surrendering our plans and desires to Him, we can walk on straight paths that align with His perfect will for our lives.
Matthew 6:33
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
This verse encourages believers to prioritize seeking God’s kingdom and righteousness above everything else. A carnal Christian may prioritize their own pursuits and desires, neglecting the pursuit of God and His purposes.
It prompts us to reorient our priorities, ensuring that our pursuit of God and His righteousness takes precedence over worldly concerns. By doing so, we can experience the abundant provision and blessings that come from walking in alignment with God’s will.
Matthew 16:24
“Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.'”
This verse underscores the act of surrender as a central aspect of discipleship. Surrendering to Christ requires self-denial, an intentional choice to put aside our own desires, ambitions, and plans.
Taking up the cross symbolizes embracing the challenges and sacrifices that may come with following Jesus. This verse highlights that surrender is not passive but involves actively choosing to follow Christ, even when it requires personal sacrifice.