What is CARNAL?

 

1 Corinthians 2:14

King James Version

14 But the natural man receiveth not 

the things of the Spirit of God: 

for they are foolishness unto him: 

neither can he know them, 

because they are spiritually discerned.

What does "carnal" mean?

Who are carnal?

What does it have to do with sin?

Dictionaries define "carnal" as having fleshly desires.

Worldly desires, even to the point of gluttony.

No wonder, in my own language, we have a word called "karne".

Meat, flesh.

How would the Bible define "carnal"?

That definition matters to the born again.

Here's what we found:

Romans 7:14-21

King James Version

14 For we know that the law is spiritual: 

but I am carnal, sold under sin.

15 For that which I do I allow not: 

for what I would, that do I not; 

but what I hate, that do I.

16 If then I do that which I would not, 

I consent unto the law that it is good.

17 Now then it is no more I that do it, 

but sin that dwelleth in me.

18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) 

dwelleth no good thing: 

for to will is present with me; 

but how to perform that which is good I find not.

19 For the good that I would I do not: 

but the evil which I would not, that I do.

20 Now if I do that I would not, 

it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.

21 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, 

evil is present with me.

Romans 8:5-8

King James Version

5 For they that are after the flesh 

do mind the things of the flesh; 

but they that are after the Spirit 

the things of the Spirit.

6 For to be carnally minded is death; 

but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: 

for it is not subject to the law of God, 

neither indeed can be.

8 So then they that are in the flesh 

cannot please God.

1 Corinthians 3:3

King James Version

3 For ye are yet carnal: 

for whereas there is among you 

envying, 

and strife, 

and divisions, 

are ye not carnal, 

and walk as men?

Galatians 5:19-21

King James Version

19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, 

which are these; 

Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,

20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, 

emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,

21 Envyings, murders, 

drunkenness, revellings, and such like: 

of the which I tell you before, 

as I have also told you in time past, 

that they which do such things 

shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

In SUMMARY, "carnal" refers to these things:

in one's flesh, dwelleth no good thing

to be carnally minded is death

the carnal mind is enmity against God

they that are in the flesh cannot please God

envying, strife, and divisions, are carnal

those who commit works of the flesh shall not inherit the kingdom of God

How can we overcome carnal things?

How can we correct our carnal selves?

We need to be born again.

That we may be taught by SPIRIT.

That we may understand the teachings of JESUS.

That we may worship GOD alone.

That we may be pure in mind, body, and spirit.

Our bodies are the temple of the HOLY SPIRIT.

1 Corinthians 3:16-17

King James Version

16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, 

and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?

17 If any man defile the temple of God, 

him shall God destroy; 

for the temple of God is holy, 

which temple ye are.

As such, we are to respect ourselves, and others.

We are to be in service to the LORD, and not self.

Our goal is holiness.

That we may be worthy of the LORD.

Here are important verses to guide us:

2 Corinthians 10:3-5

King James Version

3 For though we walk in the flesh, 

we do not war after the flesh:

4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, 

but mighty through God 

to the pulling down of strong holds;)

5 Casting down imaginations, 

and every high thing that exalteth itself 

against the knowledge of God, 

and bringing into captivity every thought 

to the obedience of Christ;

Galatians 5:16-17

King James Version

16 This I say then, 

Walk in the Spirit, 

and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

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.

Galatians 5:22-23

King James Version

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is 

love, joy, peace, longsuffering, 

gentleness, goodness, faith,

23 Meekness, temperance: 

against such there is no law.

Galatians 5:24

King James Version

24 And they that are Christ's 

have crucified the flesh 

with the affections and lusts.

Galatians 5:25

King James Version

25 If we live in the Spirit, 

let us also walk in the Spirit.

Galatians 5:26

King James Version

26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, 

provoking one another, 

envying one another.

Related material:

"Carnal" definition

SINS of the FLESH

Sin AWARENESS

SPIRIT of GOD

HOLINESS

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