Carnality refers to living according to fleshly desires instead of following God’s will. The Bible addresses this struggle and provides encouragement to pursue a life led by the Spirit. Today, we’ll explore what Scripture says about turning from carnality to holiness.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Carnal Minded
What Does The Bible Say About Carnality
1 Corinthians 3:1-3
Brothers and sisters, I could not address you as people who live by the Spirit but as people who are still worldly—mere infants in Christ. I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready. You are still worldly.
This passage highlights the problem of carnality among believers. It emphasizes that there are spiritual immaturity and a worldly mindset in those who should be walking in the Spirit. It implies the need to progress from a shallow faith to a deeper understanding and practice of godliness.
Carnality hinders spiritual growth and maturity, preventing believers from fully embracing the truths and wisdom of God’s Word. It points to the need for believers to abandon fleshly desires and align themselves with the Holy Spirit, allowing His transformational work to take place in their lives.
Romans 8:5-6
Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace.
This verse distinguishes between the mindset of carnal individuals and those who live according to the Spirit. It emphasizes that carnal minds are focused on fulfilling their sinful desires, leading to spiritual death, while spiritual minds are set on what the Holy Spirit desires, producing life and peace.
Carnality is characterized by self-centeredness and indulging in worldly pleasures, which lead to spiritual decay and separation from God. Conversely, a mindset shaped by the Holy Spirit brings about a renewed perspective, aligning our desires and thoughts with God’s will, resulting in abundant life and a deep sense of peace.
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.
This verse speaks to the battle between the fleshly desires and the promptings of the Holy Spirit within believers. It calls for a life lived in step with the Spirit, which enables believers to resist and overcome the temptations of carnality.
Carnality seeks to satisfy our human desires, often contrary to God’s will, while the Spirit prompts us to seek what is pleasing to God. The struggle between these two forces necessitates the intentional choice to submit to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, denying the desires of the flesh and embracing a life led by God’s Spirit.
1 Peter 2:11
Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul.
This verse calls believers to reject carnal desires, which wage war against the soul. It recognizes the internal conflict between our fallen human nature and the renewed nature we receive through Christ.
Choosing to abstain from fleshly lusts requires acknowledging our identity as strangers and pilgrims in this world. As followers of Christ, we are called to prioritize spiritual growth and align our desires with God’s truth, resisting the destructive tendencies of carnality.
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 instructs believers to put on the character of Christ, replacing the desires of the flesh with a Christ-centered mindset. It encourages believers to consciously redirect their thoughts and actions towards righteousness instead of indulging carnal cravings.
Clothing ourselves with Christ involves intentionally adopting His values, attitudes, and behaviors. It means refusing to entertain thoughts or engage in behaviors that gratify the fleshly desires. By keeping our minds fixed on Christ, we guard against the allure of carnality, allowing His transformative power to guide and shape our lives.
Galatians 5:19-21
The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
This passage lists various behaviors and attitudes associated with carnality. It provides a clear contrast between the works of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit, highlighting the destructive consequences of embracing a carnal lifestyle.
The acts of the flesh mentioned, such as sexual immorality, idolatry, anger, envy, and selfish ambition, are manifestations of a heart and mind driven by worldly desires. By offering this warning, the apostle Paul urges believers to examine their lives, repent of any carnal behaviors, and pursue a life characterized by the fruit of the Spirit, which leads to eternal inheritance in God’s kingdom.
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.
This verse reminds believers of the sanctity of their bodies as dwelling places of the Holy Spirit. It emphasizes that because we belong to God, we are called to offer our bodies as living sacrifices, abstaining from carnality and honoring God in all we do.
Recognizing the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives calls for a commitment to holiness and a deliberate stance against carnal temptations. Our bodies, which were bought with the precious blood of Christ, should be used to bring glory to God rather than being slaves to fleshly desires.
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 actively eliminate the desires and behaviors associated with the carnal nature. It calls for a decisive putting to death of our sinful inclinations, including sexual immorality, impure thoughts, lustful desires, selfish ambitions, and greed.
To put these things to death means to surrender them to the Lordship of Christ, allowing His transformative power to uproot and replace carnal desires with holy affections. By recognizing these tendencies as forms of idolatry, we are urged to break free from the grip of carnality and pursue a life of complete devotion to God.
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 describes the mindset and ultimate end of those who live according to carnal desires. It presents a stark contrast between those who prioritize earthly pursuits and those who set their minds on the things of God.
Living for the satisfaction of fleshly desires leads to destruction, as the pursuit of worldly pleasure ultimately fails to bring true fulfillment. Focusing on carnal desires only leads to temporary gratification and a life devoid of eternal significance.
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.
This passage urges believers to guard their hearts against an attachment to worldly pursuits. It warns against nurturing a love for the things of the world, including the desires of the flesh, the allure of what we see, and the desire for recognition and status.
Carnality stems from the fallen world system and stands in opposition to the love and devotion we should have for the Father. To resist carnality, we must be vigilant in our affections, intentionally redirecting our love and devotion towards God and His kingdom rather than being consumed by worldly desires.
Romans 6:12-13
Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life.
This verse emphasizes the need for believers to resist the temptation to allow carnality to rule over their lives. It urges them to present themselves to God as instruments of righteousness rather than indulging in sinful desires.
As recipients of new life in Christ, we are called to yield every part of our being to God, surrendering our bodies, minds, and emotions to His will. This act of offering ourselves to God enables us to break free from the power of sin and find true freedom and fulfillment in a life lived for Him.
Romans 12:1
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.
This verse presents the concept of offering our bodies as a living sacrifice to God. It calls for complete surrender to His will and acknowledges that true worship involves dedicating ourselves wholly to Him.
Carnality stands in opposition to the act of devotion and worship. By offering ourselves as living sacrifices, we willingly surrender our carnal desires, allowing God to transform us and use us for His purposes. This act of surrendering to God reflects our gratitude for His mercy and leads to a life that brings honor and glory to Him.
Colossians 3:2-3
Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.
This verse encourages believers to fix their minds on heavenly things rather than being preoccupied with the concerns of the world. It reminds them that as followers of Christ, they have died to their old way of life and have been raised to new life with Christ.
Carnality is marked by a fixation on the temporal and earthly, distracting believers from the eternal realities of God’s kingdom. By redirecting our thoughts and affections towards things above, we align ourselves with God’s perspective and priorities, experiencing the abundant life He offers in union with Christ.
Galatians 5:24-25
Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.
This verse speaks to the crucifixion of the fleshly nature that occurs in the life of a believer. It emphasizes the need to align ourselves with the Holy Spirit, continually following His promptings and guidance.
Carnality involves submitting to the desires and passions of the flesh, but those who belong to Christ have undergone a spiritual death to these desires. The indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit enables believers to live in the power and freedom of Christ, rejecting carnal desires and embracing a life that honors and glorifies God.
Galatians 6:8
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.
This verse contrasts the consequences of sowing to the desires of the flesh versus sowing to please the Spirit. It underscores the principle of reaping what we sow and highlights the importance of intentional choices in determining our outcomes.
Carnality leads to destruction and death, as the pursuit of fleshly desires only brings temporary pleasure and unfulfillment. In contrast, cultivating a lifestyle guided by the Spirit brings forth eternal life and lasting spiritual fruit. By sowing to please the Spirit, we position ourselves for the abundant life God has promised.
1 Peter 4:2-3
As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry.
This verse urges believers not to continue living according to their former sinful desires but rather to align their lives with God’s will. It recognizes the past enticements of a carnal lifestyle and exhorts believers to break free from those patterns.
Carnality leads to a life of debauchery, lust, and idolatry—practices that are detestable before God. By choosing to live for the will of God, believers renounce carnal behaviors and embrace a life characterized by holiness and obedience to God’s Word.
Titus 3:3-5
At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.
This passage reminds believers of their past life of carnality before encountering God’s saving grace. It acknowledges the enslavement to sinful passions and describes the resulting effects on relationships and attitudes.
God’s mercy and love, demonstrated through the saving work of Jesus Christ, rescued believers from the grip of their carnal past. It was not based on any merit or righteous deeds they had done, but wholly because of God’s undeserved favor. This serves as a humbling reminder that our deliverance from carnality is solely by God’s grace and not by our own efforts.
1 John 1:6-7
If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.
This verse addresses the incongruity of claiming to have a relationship with God while living in carnality. It challenges believers to align their walk with the truth of God’s Word and the light of His presence.
Carnality and fellowship with God cannot coexist. Walking in the light requires a lifestyle that reflects the character, values, and desires of God. By embracing the truth of God’s Word and allowing His cleansing blood to purify us, we can experience genuine fellowship with God and one another.
1 Corinthians 9:27
No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.
This verse speaks to the discipline and self-control necessary to combat carnality. It describes the apostle Paul’s commitment to discipline his body and bring it under submission to prevent disqualification from the spiritual prize.
Carnality leads to disqualification from the blessings, rewards, and fulfillment God intends for His children. By exercising self-control and denying the desires of the flesh, believers can ensure that their lives are consistent with the message they proclaim, maintaining their spiritual integrity and diligently pursuing the prize set before them.
Philippians 3:18-19
For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. 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 mourns the prevalence of carnality among those who profess to be followers of Christ. It describes the destructive consequences of living as enemies of the cross and being consumed by earthly desires.
Carnality subverts the purpose of the cross and hinders believers from experiencing God’s transformative power in their lives. It involves placing self-gratification above God’s will, finding glory in behaviors that bring shame, and fixating on temporal concerns rather than eternal realities. This serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of wholeheartedly pursuing a life that aligns with the cross and glorifies God.