What does it mean when the Bible talks about people being carnal or fleshly? Carnal Christianity is a big issue in the church. We all deal with it. In this message, Pastor Jamie Nunnally shares how we can conquer our carnal natures. 

What is a Christian? 

A Christian is a person whose belief in Jesus causes them to follow Him, cultivate a relationship with Him, and apply His teaching to their life until they begin to look like Jesus. 

What is a Carnal Christian?

The word “carnal” means flesh, meat or the body.

You are a three part being – body soul and spirit – and your body/flesh/carnal nature/natural man is broken.

Romans 7:18 “For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out.”

A carnal Christian is a believer who is still dominated by their old sinful, fleshly nature instead of their new spiritual, holy nature. 

*Being carnal is the opposite of being spiritual.

Galatians 5:17 “For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other…”

*Carnal Christians are immature Christians.

1 Cor 3:1-3 

*Being carnal starts in your thought life.

Romans 8:5-6 “For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.”

How do you know if you’re carnal?

Galatians 5:19-21 

Your carnal nature will try to show itself in your character, your communication, and how you deal with complications. 

How do we conquer carnality?

1. Fight your flesh and strengthen your Spirit.

1 Corinthians 9:27 

2. Embrace your new nature. 

Colossians 3:10 “Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him.”

3. Utilize intentional thinking.

2 Corinthians 10:4-5 “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.”

You can use intentional thinking & deliberate speaking to reroute neural pathways, renew your mindand retrain your brain.

4. Practice the presence of the God.

Romans 13:13-14 

Galatians 5:6 “Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.”

Are you a carnal Christian?