03/23/2024 – “Am I Carnally Minded?” / “Where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal …?” (1 Corinthians 3:3) / Personal testimony – years back. (attached)
“The natural man or unbeliever (Jimmy insert: “future believer”), knows nothing about carnality. The desires of the flesh warring against the Spirit, and the Spirit warring against the flesh, which began at rebirth, are what produce, carnality and the awareness of it. But Paul said, ‘Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh’ (Galations 5:16). In other words, carnality will disappear.
Are you quarrelsome and easily upset over small things? Do you think that no one who is a Christian is ever like that? Paul said they re, and he connected these attitudes with carnality. Is there a truth in the Bible that instantly awakens a spirit of malice or resentment in you? If so, that is proof that you are still carnal. In the process of sanctification is continuing in your life, there will be no trace of that kind of spirit remaining.
If the Spirit of God detects anything in you that is wrong. He doesn’t ask you to make it right; He only asks you to accept the light of truth, and then He will make it right. A child of the light will confess sin instantly and stand completely open before God. But a child of the darkness will say, ‘Oh, I can’t explain that.’ When the light shines and the Spirit brings conviction of sin, be a child of the light. Confess your wrongdoing, and God will deal with it. If , however, you try to vindicate yourself, you prove yourself to be a child of the darkness.
What is the proof that carnality has gone? Never deceive yourself; when carnality is gone you will know it – it is the most real thing you can imagine. And God will see to it that you have a number of opportunities to prove to yourself the miracle of His grace. The proof is in a very practical test. You will find yourself saying, ‘If this had happened before, I would have had the spirit of resentment!’ And you will never cease to the most amazed person on earth at what God has done for you on the inside.“
Soli Deo Gloria!
p.s. – Personal testimony: In one of the Holy Spirit driven men’s groups I ever had the joy of being in, led by prayer, it was funny how we all seemed to have the revelation that joyful proof of our sanctification was that : When we sinned, we no longer thought: “I have messed up” but, “I have grieved the Holy Spirit” (note: Our only remaining real fear in life), so go to the Lord in prayer and He will provide resolution.