“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 Cor. 3:3).
When our weapons are carnal, they produce fleshly things. We can’t win a spiritual battle with carnal weapons. We have to determine that we are not going to be ruled or dominated by the flesh. The word “flesh” means to be carnally minded. The word “carnal” means that which the flesh produces.
First Corinthians 3:1 talks about people being carnal or flesh-ruled. These people can’t handle the deep stuff – the strong meat of the Word. They’re still dealing with the rudimentary things. They are still struggling with whether or not they should live a sanctified life.
There are certain works that are manifested from the flesh: for example: envying – to be upset over what somebody else has. Strife, divisions, adultery, fornication, uncleanness are also of the flesh. Galatians 5:19-21, gives a whole list of what the flesh produces.
But when we walk in the Spirit, then we will not fulfill the lusts of the flesh. Walking in the Spirit produces love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance: against such there is no law.
Now the flesh produces carnal things, but the flesh is not all bad. Only uncontrolled flesh is bad. Remember, the Bible tells us Jesus wrapped himself in human flesh. We can conclude then that the flesh can be disciplined. When we walk as Jesus walked, we won’t be dominated by the flesh.
In 1 Corinthians 9:27, Paul said the flesh can be disciplined and it can be made to follow the right course. It is something that you must practice. Disciplining the flesh is vital to keep your body from doing whatever feels good. Uncontrolled flesh will bring you to shame.
Notice Paul asks this question, “Are you just producing fleshly stuff and walking as mere unchanged men?” In other words, I can’t tell the difference between you who are Spirit-filled believers and a first rank sinner.
People should be able to tell the difference between you and the world. You ought to dress like a believer. You ought to talk like a man or woman of God who has been changed in the image and likeness of God. They may not think you’re cool, but who cares what they think? You win in life by letting the Light of Jesus Christ shine in your life.
Scripture References: Galatians 5:19-25; Romans 8:4-10
All rights reserved. Used by permission.
Keith Butler has been an ordained minister since 1974. He is a graduate of the University of Michigan and holds diplomas from Canada Christian College and Rhema Bible Training Center.
He serves in ministry with the support of his lovely wife, Pastor Deborah L. Butler, and their children: Pastor Andre Butler (granddaughters Alexis, Angela, and April), Pastor MiChelle Ferguson and husband Pastor Lee (grandson Lucas), and Minister Kristina Jenkins and husband Pastor Joel (grandsons Andrew and Austin, and granddaughter Alyssa).