Spirit-Filled Living In A Carnal World Series

SPIRIT-FILLED LIVING IN A CARNAL WORLD

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 1 Corinthians 3:1-3

Supporting Texts: Romans 8:5-8, Galatians 5:16-25, Ephesians 5:18, Colossians 3:1-3

INTRODUCTION:

We live in a world where carnal desires are glorified, and spiritual values are often mocked or minimised. Yet, God has called every believer to live not by the flesh, but by the Spirit. A Spirit-filled life is one that overcomes the pull of the world and reflects the character and nature of Christ.

In 1 Corinthians 3:1-3, Paul expresses his disappointment in believers who should have matured but were still ruled by carnal tendencies. He could not speak to them as spiritual people because they were still worldly in their behaviour. This reality mirrors the state of many today who profess Christ but live under the influence of the flesh.

To live a Spirit-filled life in a carnal world is to choose the higher path—the path of submission to God’s will, rejection of fleshly desires, and daily empowerment by the Holy Spirit. The carnal man follows impulses, but the spiritual man follows the leading of the Holy Ghost.

1. THE CARNAL MIND IS AN ENEMY OF GOD

Carnality is not just a weakness; it is enmity with God and hinders true spiritual growth.

a) Carnality opposes the Spirit (Romans 8:7):

The carnal mind is hostile to God and cannot submit to His laws.

b) It hinders spiritual maturity (1 Corinthians 3:1–2):

Carnal Christians remain spiritual infants who cannot digest deeper truths.

c) Carnality produces strife, envy, and division (1 Corinthians 3:3):

These are signs of a life ruled by the flesh rather than the Spirit.

d) The carnal mind limits God’s operation (James 3:14–16):

Where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and evil follow.

Biblical Example: Lot’s decision to live in Sodom was carnal, based on physical appeal—not spiritual discernment. It led to spiritual compromise and loss (Genesis 13:10–13).

2. THE SPIRIT-FILLED LIFE IS A CALL TO HIGHER LIVING

God’s desire is not just for believers to escape hell, but to live victoriously through the Spirit.

a) The Spirit gives life and liberty (Romans 8:2):

Life in the Spirit frees us from the law of sin and death.

b) The Spirit-filled believer displays the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23):

Love, joy, peace, and self-control are signs of a surrendered life.

c) It empowers us to overcome sin (Romans 8:13):

By the Spirit, we mortify the deeds of the body.

d) The Spirit leads us into all truth (John 16:13):

A Spirit-filled life is marked by divine direction and clarity.

Biblical Example: Stephen was a man full of the Holy Ghost. Despite being in a hostile environment, he reflected Christ until his death (Acts 6:5; 7:55–60).

3. SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINE IS NECESSARY FOR SPIRIT-FILLED LIVING

Living in the Spirit requires intentional effort and spiritual discipline.

a) Feed on the Word regularly (Psalm 119:105):

The Word keeps our hearts aligned with God’s Spirit.

b) Maintain a strong prayer life (Jude 1:20):

Praying in the Spirit strengthens our inner man.

c) Practice daily self-denial (Luke 9:23):

The flesh must be crucified daily to walk in the Spirit.

d) Stay connected to the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18):

Be continually filled, not once in a lifetime but as a lifestyle.

Biblical Example: Daniel lived a disciplined life of prayer and holiness even in a corrupt Babylonian system. His Spirit-filled life distinguished him (Daniel 6:10).

4. SPIRIT-FILLED LIVING PRODUCES KINGDOM IMPACT

When believers live by the Spirit, their lives bear fruit that transforms others and glorifies God.

a) The Spirit-filled believer becomes a light in darkness (Matthew 5:16):

Your lifestyle preaches louder than your words.

b) It releases divine boldness and witness (Acts 1:8):

Spirit-filled living leads to effective evangelism.

c) You become a vessel for signs and wonders (Acts 5:12–16):

The Spirit empowers believers for supernatural exploits.

d) Your life provokes others to seek God (Philippians 2:15):

We shine as lights in a crooked and perverse generation.

Biblical Example: Peter, once fearful, became bold and powerful after being filled with the Holy Spirit. His shadow healed the sick (Acts 5:15).

CONCLUSION:

Living a Spirit-filled life in a carnal world is not only possible—it is the will of God for every believer. The world may be full of temptation and distractions, but greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world. To live Spirit-filled is to live victorious, fruitful, and impactful.

Refuse to be a carnal Christian in a carnal world. Rise higher. Let the Holy Spirit take full control of your mind, body, and actions. Choose the way of the Spirit, and your life will reflect the glory of God.

PRAYER POINTS:

1. Father, thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit in my life.

2. Lord, deliver me from every form of carnality and fleshly living.