THE CARNAL LIFE
A “carnal” person has a limited faith in God. They may acknowledge the Lord but they are currently not living a Spirit Filled Life.
A carnal person may believe in Jesus, but they are not living for God. Their lives are spent living selfishly and they miss out on enjoying the fruit of the Spirit.
Often they may feel great sadness and defeat because they know that there is a better way to live each day.
READ SCRIPTURE
GALATIANS 5:16-17, NIV
16 So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.
17 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.”
JAMES 4:7-8, NIV
7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
8 Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”
LIVE IT
What did you think about when the lesson described a “carnal” Christian? When have you felt sad or defeated in your walk with God? Take a minute to honestly evaluate where you are in your faith walk.
If you’re feeling a pull to start following God more fully, tell Him that and ask the Holy Spirit to give you faith to walk with Him.
God promises to restore you to Himself when you confess your sins. Take that promise to heart as you tell God about where you are in your spiritual journey right now.
PRAYER
“God, this is how my life has been…(describe the carnal parts of your walk and whatever you want to tell Him) I want to live by your Spirit, I need faith to walk in the Spirit. Thank you for your forgiveness and caring about me even when I don’t seek after you. In Jesus name, amen.”
