Are You Spiritual?

Are You Spiritual?

October 5, 2008

Introduction

In (Rom 8:8-9 NKJV), we find these very sobering words: “So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God. {9} But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His.”

In the verses just before the two we read, we have these challenging words: (Rom 8:6-7 NKJV) For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. {7} Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be.

Our question this morning is simply this: Are You Spiritual? One biblical concept of a spiritual Christian is one who is governed by the Holy Spirit rather than by his lower nature. Paul describes this lower nature as being “carnal,” which is also described by Paul as being the “natural man.” “He that is spiritual” is contrasted with “the natural man,” So we ask the question, Are you a spiritual person? Does it make any difference, and is there anything you can do about it?

Body

I. The natural man cannot appreciate or receive the spiritual blessings that come only from God.

1 Corinthians 2:14 But 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.15 But he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is rightly judged by no one.16 For “who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct Him?” But we have the mind of Christ.”” or the Spirit of Christ

A. Since we are natural to begin with, we are the natural, or carnal man, as babes in Christ.

1. In this case, being a babe is not a compliment, instead we need to grow.

1 Corinthians 3:1 And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ. 2 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; 3 for you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men? 4 For when one says, “I am of Paul,” and another, “I am of Apollos,” are you not carnal?

a. Paul is saying, “Grow up!”

b. Be involved with things that really matter in your life and the life of others

2. Like babes, we must be fed in order to grow.

1 Peter 2:2 as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby,

3. We are to advance in our knowledge, and go on unto perfection.

(Heb 6:1-3 NKJV) Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, {2} of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. {3} And this we will do if God permits.

II. Christians are led by the Spirit,

Romans 8:14, “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.”

A. If led by the Spririt, we will walk in the Spirit,

(Gal 5:16 NKJV) I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.

1. Paul spells out the works of the flesh.

(Gal 5:19-21 NKJV) Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, {20} idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, {21} envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

2. He also spells out the fruit of the spirit which we are to bear.

(Gal 5:22-23 NKJV) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, {23} gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.

B. The Spirit will strengthen us if we strive to live according to the Spirit.

(Ephesians 3:16 NKJV) “that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man,

C. We should be filled with the Spirit.

(Ephesians 5:18 NKJV) And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit,

D. Spirit filled Christians enjoy life and peace.

(Romans 8:6 NKJV), “For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

1. Part of our peace comes from casting our cares upon God.

(Phil 4:6-7 NKJV) Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; {7} and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

2. Part of that peace comes from our learning to love each other.

(Col 3:14-15 NKJV) But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. {15} And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.

III. Spirit filled Christians are not to be full of themselves, or self-righteous, but rather to be willing to help others who need their help.

(Galatians 6:1-3 NKJV) Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.{2} Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. {3} For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.

Conclusion

I. Are you a Spirit filled Christian?

II. Are you a Christian?

III. Have you been born again?

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