From: August 6, 2020
From: August 6, 2020
From: August 6, 2019
From: August 6, 2018
From: August 6, 2016
After contrasting the difference between the “natural man” and the “spiritual man” in chapter two, Paul addresses a troubling third spiritual category, the “carnal man” (“fleshly”). This person has received Christ as Savior (note Paul’s use of “brothers”), yet doesn’t yield to Him as Lord. Their behavior is not unlike that of the unbeliever. They do not desire to dig into the Word of God to be fed with meat, but want someone to bottle feed them with milk. They are divisive, jealous and hypocritical. Paul warns them of the coming Day which will expose their works. This is a miserable place to be spiritually, knowing the Lord, yet not fully surrendered to Him. They must stop being spiritual babies and grow up to maturity in the Lord.
From: August 6, 2015
The “natural” person is one who has not been born again spiritually. They are unregenerate and already dead in their sins. That is to say, they are spiritually dead. And so, they are dead to the things of the Spirit. Their spiritual deadness accounts for their spiritual deafness and blindness. Only being raised to new life will open their ears and eyes to understand spiritual things. No amount of argument or persuasion will wake the dead. Only the saving power of God’s gospel of grace received through faith will bring them to life.
From: August 6, 2014
When the enemies of God hear there is a new work being planted, they often volunteer to help. One of the most dangerous ploys of the evil one is disguised as an offer of assistance. It’s tempting to accept because a new ministry is nearly always lacking in both people and financial resources. This sense of desperation can lead to accepting an infiltration that hinders the new ministry from within. The returning exiles to Jerusalem wisely refused to fall for this trap. Of course, their refusal merely unmasked the enemy’s true motivations. The enemies of God then began an external attack. We shouldn’t be surprised that enemies come against us in ministry. But we can wisely avoid being unequally yoked with those who would destroy from within.
From: August 6, 2012
We waste time asking God “Why?” questions. Some things we understand after years of perspective, others may escape comprehension until Christ’s return. In the meantime, we can trust God and ask better questions, like: “What’s my next step, Lord?”
From: August 6, 2011
Be careful not to cry for the former things when God does a work through the next generation. Instead, support them. Don’t be the resistant, against change, old person. Be a spiritual mentor.