Before we tackle this topic, what is the meaning of the word carnal?
Carnal means
1. Relating to or giving to crude bodily pleasures and appetites. For example, gluttony and other carnal activities. 2. Relating to physical, especially sexual needs and activities. 3. Marked by sexuality. Number four, worldly. So what is carnal behavior? To be carnal means to be focused on earthly, fleshly desires rather than spiritual matters.It involves living according to human instincts and impulses, often leading to behaviors that are contrary to God's will. Embracing a carnal mindset can hinder spiritual growth and connection with God. Just based upon the definition of the word carnal, it should be clear that a Christian certainly should not be a carnal Christian.
Before we look to see what the Bible has to say about carnality and living a worldly life, I want to say that there is a big difference between battling sinful desires and turning oneself over to them. All of us, whether Christian or not, will have times where we are enticed by sin and may struggle with sinful desires. We may get captured at times by the sin that easily entangles us.That is much different than willfully, on an ongoing basis, walking in sin with no desire to turn away from it.
There are several Bible Passages that address Carnality:
Romans 8:6, Romans 8:8, Galatians 5:24, 1 Corinthians 3:1, Galatians 5:17-21, Titus 2:11-14.
Galatians 5:17-21 stands out:
For the desires of the deeds of the flesh are against the spirit, and the desires of the spirit are against the flesh.For these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. But if you're led by the spirit, you're not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are evident, sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
If you're claiming to be a Christian and at the same time publicly mocking, name-calling, labeling, insinuating, speaking half-truths, gossiping, spreading rumors and lies, claiming to know the heart and motives of individuals, intentionally causing division and hatred and strife, you are either a carnal, roller Christian or you're not born again. You need to repent. You need to get right with God. You need to ask yourself if you are truly born again.
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Richard Dover (PreacherRichD) is the founder of Creating Futures. Richard has been involved in ministry for over for over 43 years. Some of the areas of ministry he has been involved in is addiction and sober housing ministry, community development, evangelism, jail & prison ministry, pastoral counseling, police chaplaincy, Radio & TV ministry, street ministry, youth ministry. Richard was a youth leader, an outreach pastor and senior pastor. He was also an Executive Director of a faith-based sober housing program.