Carnal Mindedness
Summary
A spiritual condition in which the lower nature, estranged from God and prone to sin, dominates rather than the Spirit.
☩Definition
The term 'carnal' (Greek sarkikos, from sarx meaning 'flesh') refers to the flesh as opposed to spirit, denoting mere human nature, the lower side of man apart from Divine influence. The carnal mind is characterized by being estranged from God and prone to sin. To be carnally minded is spiritual death, for the carnal mind is enmity against God and cannot be subject to His law.
☩Carnal Christians
Paul addressed the Corinthian believers as 'carnal' because, though they were Christians, the lower side of their being was dominant. They were falling into sins of envy, strife, and divisions, walking as mere men rather than as those indwelt by the Spirit. This condition describes believers who are led by the flesh rather than the Spirit.
☩Spiritual Warfare
The weapons of Christian warfare are not carnal but mighty through God. Scripture contrasts 'carnal ordinances' of the old covenant with the spiritual realities of the gospel. The same concept is rendered 'fleshly' in some passages, describing worldly wisdom and fleshly lusts that war against the soul.
See Also
References
- 1.James Orr (ed.), "Carnal," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. I (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 2.George Morrish, "Fleshly," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).