GOD’S THREE MEN

MEMORY VERSE: 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. But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. 1 Corinthians 2:14-15

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 2 Timothy 3-4

BIBLE READING: 1 Corinthians 3:1-4

The bible teaches that there are three basic types of men: the natural man, the carnal man, and the spiritual man. The natural man is described in 1 Corinthians 2:14, where Paul says, “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.” The natural man is the unregenerate man; he has never been born of the Holy Ghost. He is spiritually dead and as such, he operates from his soul and body. He is sensual. In a nutshell, anyone - regardless of how principled he is or how much good morals he upholds - who has not accepted Jesus as His personal Lord and saviour is a natural man because he does not have the Holy Spirit inside him.The fellow may even observe the Christian lent yearly and answer to a Christian name because he was born into a Christian family. The natural man is at the mercy of the enemy. The natural man has a high appetite for sin, especially sexually sins. He is usually cunning and full of tricks.

The carnal man is described in 1 Corinthians 3:1-4. Verses 1 says, “And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ.” The carnal man, therefore, is still a babe. Although he has given his life to Christ, he still enjoys a bit of the world. Although Christ now resides inside him, He does not posses him fully. The carnal man does not have a regular quiet time where he sits at the feet of Jesus to learn. He depends on others for spiritual food. The moment he faces any challenges he starts to blame God. He is cold today and hot tomorrow.The three marks of a carnal Christian are envy, strife and division. Verses 3 says, “For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? " Once in a while, he indulges in quarrels. He retaliates when offended. The image of Christ is not fully formed in him. He is impatient. There are still some parts of the bible that he has trouble with. He hardly forgives talk less of forget. Even when he forgives, he still refers to the offence from time to time to punish the offender or make him feel guilty.

However, there is the spiritual man. 1 Corinthians 2:15 says, “But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.” He lives by the spirit. Christ has taken full possession of him. He is more concerned about what he can do for Christ not what Christ can do for him. The spiritual man discerns. He is able to detect false doctrine and false fire. Whilst the carnal man loves to show off, the spiritual man is not a 'show off'. The spiritual man is a broken Christian. He is a man of the word. He studies the word ferociously and obeys the word. These, then, are the three types of men (and women). This brings us to the question, which are you? Are you a natural man? It is true that you answer a Christian name, are you a Christian? Have you accepted Jesus as your personal Lord and saviour? This is not an issue of whether you go to church or not? This is not an issue of whether you went to a Christian school or not? This not an issue of whether you don't fornicate or steal. You may not steal but tell little harmless lies. Or you have given your life to Christ but you have remained at the same spot for a long time. You still don't have a place and a time where you meet with Christ daily to learn.

QUESTION : It is true that you have Christ but does Christ have you?

PRAYER POINT: Ask the Lord to help you to be a better Christian and also make up your mind to live a life that is pleasing to God.

twitter@BroOluwatoki

Bro Samuel | Reaching the world