UNDERSTANDING THE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE NATURAL MAN

UNDERSTANDING THE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE NATURAL MAN

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 1 Corinthians 2:14
"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."

Supporting Texts: Romans 8:7-8, Ephesians 4:17-19, John 3:6, Galatians 5:19-21

INTRODUCTION:
The Bible speaks of three kinds of men — the natural man, the carnal man, and the spiritual man. Each has a different mindset, lifestyle, and relationship with God. The natural man is the unregenerated person who lives according to human nature, devoid of the Spirit’s influence.

In the sight of God, the natural man is spiritually dead, regardless of his social status, education, or achievements. His reasoning is shaped by the world’s philosophies, his desires are governed by the flesh, and his values are rooted in temporary pleasures rather than eternal truths.

If we are to reach the world with the gospel, we must understand the nature of the natural man — his characteristics, his limitations, and his desperate need for transformation by the Spirit of God. This understanding will equip us both to avoid falling back into this state and to effectively minister to those still in it.

1. THE NATURAL MAN IS SPIRITUALLY BLIND
The natural man lacks spiritual perception and cannot grasp the realities of God’s kingdom.

a) Lacks the ability to understand spiritual truths (1 Corinthians 2:14)
Spiritual matters are foolishness to him because they require the discernment of the Holy Spirit.

b) Focuses on physical evidence rather than spiritual realities (John 20:25)
He depends solely on what he can see, touch, or reason out, neglecting the unseen eternal realm.

c) His mind is darkened by sin (Ephesians 4:18)
Sin clouds his reasoning and prevents him from embracing God’s truth.

d) The god of this world blinds his mind (2 Corinthians 4:4)
Satan actively works to keep him ignorant of the gospel’s light.

Biblical Example: Nicodemus initially struggled to understand spiritual rebirth, thinking only in natural terms (John 3:1-9).

2. THE NATURAL MAN IS CONTROLLED BY THE FLESH
His decisions and desires are driven by sinful human nature.

a) Lives according to the lusts of the flesh (Galatians 5:19-21)
He is driven by sensual pleasures, selfish ambitions, and worldly desires.

b) Hostile to God’s commands (Romans 8:7)
The natural man resists God’s authority and prefers to chart his own course.

c) Seeks self-glory rather than God’s glory (Genesis 11:4)
Like the builders of Babel, he focuses on making a name for himself rather than honouring God.

d) Cannot please God (Romans 8:8)
Without the Spirit, even his “good works” are tainted by selfish motives.

Biblical Example: Esau sold his birthright for a single meal, prioritising physical appetite over spiritual inheritance (Genesis 25:29-34).

3. THE NATURAL MAN IS SPIRITUALLY DEAD
Though alive physically, he is separated from the life of God.

a) Dead in trespasses and sins (Ephesians 2:1)
Sin has cut him off from fellowship with God.

b) Unable to respond to God on his own (John 6:44)
Without God drawing him, he cannot come to Christ.

c) Lacks eternal hope (Ephesians 2:12)
He lives without the assurance of eternal life.

d) Needs regeneration by the Spirit (John 3:6)
Only the new birth can change his nature and restore spiritual life.

Biblical Example: The prodigal son was described as “dead” until he returned to his father (Luke 15:24).

4. THE NATURAL MAN IS LED BY WORLDLY WISDOM
His understanding is shaped by the philosophies and values of this world.

a) Trusts in human reasoning (Proverbs 14:12)
He believes his own judgement is sufficient to guide his life.

b) Influenced by ungodly culture (1 John 2:15-16)
He conforms to the world’s patterns rather than God’s ways.

c) Seeks answers outside of God’s revelation (Isaiah 47:10)
He may rely on science, traditions, or superstition while rejecting God’s word.

d) Considers the gospel foolishness (1 Corinthians 1:18)
He sees Christ’s cross as unnecessary or irrelevant.

Biblical Example: The Athenians in Acts 17 spent their time debating new ideas but failed to recognise the truth of the gospel.

5. THE NATURAL MAN NEEDS THE TRANSFORMING POWER OF GOD
He cannot change himself; salvation is his only hope.

a) Transformation comes through the new birth (John 3:3)
Only a spiritual rebirth can change his nature.

b) Faith in Christ is the doorway to transformation (Romans 10:9-10)
Confessing and believing in Jesus brings salvation.

c) The Holy Spirit renews the mind (Titus 3:5)
The Spirit produces a new way of thinking and living.

d) The word of God purifies the heart (Psalm 119:9)
Consistent exposure to God’s word changes desires and actions.

Biblical Example: Saul of Tarsus was a natural man persecuting Christians until the Lord transformed him into Paul, a great apostle (Acts 9:1-22).

CONCLUSION:
The natural man lives without spiritual sight, enslaved to the flesh, and dead toward God. He may be intelligent, cultured, or religious, yet without Christ, his soul remains in darkness. This condition is not only dangerous but eternally fatal unless addressed by the transforming power of God.

We must recognise that the natural man is not just “a bad person” — he is a spiritually blind, spiritually dead soul in desperate need of the Saviour. Only the gospel, empowered by the Holy Spirit, can turn a natural man into a spiritual man.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, open my spiritual eyes to see as You see.
2. Father, deliver me from every fleshly control.
3. Oh Lord, quicken every dead area of my spiritual life.
4. Holy Spirit, renew my mind daily with Your truth.
5. Father, help me to walk in the Spirit at all times.
6. Lord, give me wisdom to minister to those still in the natural state.
7. Father, remove every form of spiritual blindness from my life.
8. Lord, keep me from returning to a carnal or natural mindset.
9. Father, transform my desires to align with Your will.
10. Lord, make me a vessel to bring others from darkness to light.