Could it be that we oftentimes do not act like Christ because we do not think like Christ? Paul speaks of three kinds of men in I Corinthians 2 and 3.
First, he talks about the natural man. In I Corinthians 2:14, he says, “…the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” Not only does the world not accept Biblical truth, but Biblical truth is foolish to them. There is no reason for us to be confused by the natural man’s refusal to accept our message if we understand that they operate from the opinion that anything they hear from us will be foolishness. Obviously, these are unsaved people that need to be saved by the grace of God.
Then, in I Corinthians 3:1, Paul speaks of the carnal man. He calls them “brethren” in verse one, indicating that Paul thought they were probably saved. He made it clear that it was his desire to feed them with meat, but because of their carnality he continued to give them milk. In this particular case, he speaks to them as carnal because they decided the direction of the church instead of good men. They would choose their favorite leaders based on their approval of the way they carried out their ministries rather than truth they espoused. Paul said that glory was reserved for the Lord, because He was the One that gave the increase.
Finally, in I Corinthians 2:15-16 he speaks of the spiritual man. Paul said that the spiritual man has the mind of Christ. He wrote to the believers in Ephesus and challenged them to be controlled by the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18). He follows that challenge with a description of the Spirit-controlled believer. Paul said that believer would have a song, he would have a heart of thanksgiving, and he would be submissive. When the believer allows the Spirit to control him, he can indeed have the mind of Christ. Our lives will produce fruit that can be inspected and will give evidence of who is in control of our minds.
Let’s take time to examine ourselves right now. Are we living as though we have the mind of Christ? If we are not pleased with what we see, this would be a good time to permit the Holy Spirit to take complete control of our lives and the mind of Christ will follow.
May the Lord use you this month to reach the naturally-minded man with the gospel. May He use you to reclaim the believer that is carnally minded. May the Lord help us to be spiritually minded, and to encourage all that are of the same mind.
In His Service,
Danny A. Whetstone
If this article has been an encouragement to you, you can email Bro. Whetstone here to let him know.