UNDERSTANDING THE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CARNAL MAN

UNDERSTANDING THE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CARNAL MAN

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 1 Corinthians 3:1-4

Key Verse: “For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?” (1 Corinthians 3:3)

Supporting Texts: Romans 8:6-8, Galatians 5:16-17, James 3:14-16, Hebrews 5:12-14, Ephesians 4:22-24

INTRODUCTION:
The term “carnal man” refers to a believer who has experienced the new birth but still lives according to the desires, impulses, and reasoning of the flesh rather than the leading of the Holy Spirit. While the spiritual man is governed by the Spirit, the carnal man is still ruled by human inclinations, worldly appetites, and self-centred ambitions. The carnal man exists in a dangerous middle ground: saved, but not growing; redeemed, yet not manifesting the fullness of the new nature in Christ.

The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Corinthian church, lamented that he could not speak to them as mature spiritual people but as carnal Christians, babes in Christ. This state of carnality hinders spiritual maturity, promotes division, and makes believers ineffective in fulfilling their divine calling.

Understanding the characteristics of the carnal man is not merely about identifying weaknesses in others, but about honestly evaluating ourselves and allowing the Holy Spirit to expose areas where the flesh still reigns. This self-examination is essential for spiritual growth, holiness, and effective service in God’s kingdom.

1. THE CARNAL MAN IS GOVERNED BY THE FLESH

a) Dominated by fleshly desires (Romans 8:6-8)
The carnal man prioritises personal comfort, pleasure, and ambition over God’s will. His decisions are based on feelings rather than faith, often leading to spiritual compromise.

b) Resistance to the Spirit’s leading (Galatians 5:16-17)
A carnal believer struggles to obey God because the flesh constantly wars against the Spirit. This inner conflict results in inconsistency in spiritual disciplines.

c) Inability to discern spiritual truths (1 Corinthians 2:14)
Deep revelations of God’s word seem strange or unnecessary to the carnal mind because spiritual discernment is clouded by fleshly reasoning.

d) Prioritising earthly things over eternal values (Colossians 3:1-2)
Material pursuits and worldly recognition overshadow the hunger for righteousness and the passion for God’s kingdom.

Biblical Example: Lot’s choice of the fertile plains of Sodom (Genesis 13:10-11) shows how fleshly decision-making can lead to spiritual disaster.

2. THE CARNAL MAN IS PRONE TO ENVY, STRIFE, AND DIVISION

a) Driven by jealousy (James 3:14-16)
Carnality breeds competitiveness in ministry, career, and relationships, making it difficult to celebrate the success of others.

b) Easily offended and quarrelsome (Proverbs 13:10)
Small misunderstandings escalate into major disputes because pride fuels defensiveness.

c) Promotes disunity (1 Corinthians 1:10-11)
The carnal believer aligns with personalities rather than with Christ, causing factions and weakening the church’s unity.

d) Lacks genuine love and forgiveness (1 John 4:20)
Unresolved bitterness and grudges hinder spiritual growth and damage relationships.

Biblical Example: The quarrel between Paul and Barnabas over John Mark (Acts 15:36-40) illustrates how conflict can divide even faithful servants.

3. THE CARNAL MAN REMAINS SPIRITUALLY IMMATURE

a) Dependent on spiritual “milk” (Hebrews 5:12-14)
The carnal believer cannot handle deep spiritual truths and must constantly be reminded of basic principles of the faith.

b) Lacks consistency in prayer and the Word (Psalm 1:2-3)
Spiritual disciplines are inconsistent, resulting in weak faith and vulnerability to temptation.

c) Overly influenced by emotions (Proverbs 25:28)
Instead of being led by the Spirit, mood swings and feelings determine spiritual commitment.

d) Easily distracted from God’s purpose (Luke 10:40-42)
Worldly cares and busyness choke the Word, preventing fruitfulness.

Biblical Example: The Israelites in the wilderness (Numbers 14:1-4) who, despite God’s miracles, continually complained and doubted.

4. THE CARNAL MAN COMPROMISES WITH WORLDLINESS

a) Conformed to worldly patterns (Romans 12:2)
The carnal believer adopts the standards of the world in speech, dressing, business, and entertainment without conviction.

b) Loves pleasure more than God (2 Timothy 3:4)
Carnality makes pleasure-seeking a priority, leading to lukewarmness in spiritual matters.

c) Tolerates sin and justifies wrong (Isaiah 5:20)
There is an attempt to excuse or explain away sin instead of repenting from it.

d) More concerned about image than integrity (Matthew 23:27-28)
Outward religiosity is maintained while inward holiness is neglected.

Biblical Example: King Saul’s partial obedience (1 Samuel 15:9-23) shows how compromise leads to rejection by God.

5. THE CARNAL MAN RESISTS SPIRITUAL CORRECTION

a) Pride hinders repentance (Proverbs 16:18)
The carnal man refuses to acknowledge faults and often shifts blame to others.

b) Selective submission to authority (Hebrews 13:17)
Submission is only offered when convenient; otherwise, there is resistance to godly counsel.

c) Justifies wrong behaviour (Jeremiah 17:9)
The heart deceives the carnal man into believing his actions are right, even when they contradict Scripture.

d) Rejects accountability (Proverbs 27:5-6)
Feedback and rebuke are seen as personal attacks instead of opportunities for growth.

Biblical Example: King Herod rejecting John the Baptist’s rebuke (Mark 6:17-20) eventually led to his downfall.

CONCLUSION:
The carnal man is a warning to every believer that salvation without sanctification leads to stagnation. The danger is not in being imperfect, but in being unwilling to yield fully to the Holy Spirit’s transformation. As long as the flesh rules, spiritual effectiveness will be hindered.

To overcome carnality, a believer must intentionally crucify the flesh daily, seek the infilling of the Holy Spirit, and renew the mind through the Word of God. The goal is to progress from carnality to spirituality — from being a babe in Christ to a mature vessel fit for the Master’s use.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, deliver me from every form of carnality.
2. Holy Spirit, take full control of my life and desires.
3. Father, renew my mind daily with Your Word.
4. Lord, help me to walk in the Spirit at all times.
5. Every appetite of the flesh in me, be crucified in Jesus’ name.
6. Father, make me sensitive to Your leading and correction.
7. Lord, remove envy, strife, and division from my heart.
8. Father, help me to love spiritual growth above worldly gain.
9. Lord, let humility replace every trace of pride in me.
10. Father, make me a mature, Spirit-led believer.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
1. You will no longer be controlled by the desires of the flesh!
2. The Holy Spirit will guide your thoughts, words, and actions from today!
3. You will grow into full maturity in Christ!
4. Every root of envy, strife, and division in your life is uprooted now!
5. Your heart will hunger for the Word and the presence of God!
6. You will walk in the Spirit and not fulfil the lust of the flesh!
7. The power of the flesh over your life is broken in Jesus’ name!
8. You will live in holiness and righteousness all your days!
9. Your life will reflect the nature and character of Christ!
10. You are becoming a vessel of honour in the hand of the Master!