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Have you ever wondered about your spiritual identity? The Bible teaches us that our relationship with Jesus Christ determines how strong or weak our life really is. While physical strength has its place, true power comes from a deep connection with God through His Spirit.

What Does the Bible Say About Spiritual Identity?

In 1 Corinthians chapters 2 and 3, the Apostle Paul introduces us to three distinct spiritual identities:

  • The natural man (unsaved)
  • The carnal man (saved but immature)
  • The spiritual man (saved and Spirit-led)

 

Understanding which category we fall into can help us recognize our spiritual condition and make necessary adjustments to grow in our faith.

Who is the Natural Man?

The natural man is someone who doesn't have a relationship with Jesus Christ. According to 1 Corinthians 2:14:

 

"The natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned."

 

Characteristics of the Natural Man:

  • Cannot understand spiritual truths
  • Finds the things of God foolish
  • Is under the influence of the spirit of the world
  • Has self enthroned in their life (not Christ)
  • Makes decisions based on personal desires rather than God's will

 

The natural man may appear successful by worldly standards - nice car, trendy friends, physical fitness - but lacks the spiritual discernment that comes only through a relationship with Christ.

What Does It Mean to Be a Carnal Christian?

The carnal Christian is someone who has accepted Christ but hasn't fully surrendered to His lordship. Paul addresses these believers in 1 Corinthians 3:1-3:

 

"And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ. I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able; for you are still carnal."

 

Signs of Carnality in Believers:

  • Envy, strife, and divisions
  • Self still on the throne (not fully surrendered to Christ)
  • Spiritual immaturity
  • Inconsistent Christian witness
  • Struggle between flesh and spirit

 

The carnal Christian creates a confusing witness to the world. When self is in charge rather than Christ, non-believers see little difference between themselves and the professing Christian. This hinders our influence and testimony.

How Can I Become a Spiritual Christian?

The spiritual Christian is someone who allows Christ to be enthroned in their life. Everything is ordered around Jesus as the center. This is the person described in 1 Corinthians 2:15-16:

 

"But he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is rightly judged by no one. For 'who has known the mind of the LORD that he may instruct Him?' But we have the mind of Christ."

 

Characteristics of the Spiritual Christian:

  • Christ is enthroned in their life
  • Led and empowered by the Holy Spirit
  • Regularly in the Word and prayer
  • Living purposefully for the Kingdom
  • Able to discern spiritual truths
  • Bearing spiritual fruit

 

The spiritual Christian understands that this life is temporary - "a vapor" as James describes it. They focus on what lasts eternally rather than temporary pleasures or achievements.

Why Do I Need the Holy Spirit?

The Holy Spirit is essential for spiritual growth and understanding. According to 1 Corinthians 2:12:

 

"Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God."

 

The Holy Spirit:

  • Teaches us spiritual truths
  • Shows us what God has freely given us
  • Helps us compare "spiritual things with spiritual"
  • Gives us discernment
  • Empowers us to live the Christian life

 

Without the Holy Spirit, we cannot understand or apply spiritual truths. He makes the Word come alive in our lives and transforms us from the inside out.

Life Application

Which of these three identities best describes your current spiritual condition? Are you the natural man who hasn't yet received Christ? The carnal Christian struggling between self and surrender? Or the spiritual Christian with Christ at the center?

Here are some questions to consider:

  • Who is truly on the throne of my life - self or Christ?
  • Am I allowing the Holy Spirit to teach me and guide me daily?
  • When faced with decisions, do I seek God's will or follow my own desires?
  • Do people see a difference between my life and the lives of non-believers?
  • Am I growing spiritually or remaining stagnant as a "babe in Christ"?

 

This week, commit to taking one step toward greater spiritual maturity. This might mean:

  • Establishing a daily time in God's Word
  • Praying for the Holy Spirit's guidance before making decisions
  • Identifying areas where self is still on the throne and surrendering them to Christ
  • Memorizing Scripture to renew your mind
  • Finding an accountability partner to help you grow

 

Remember, spiritual growth isn't about perfection but direction. As you yield more of your life to Christ's lordship, you'll experience the strength that comes only from Him - the true strength of your life.