He is worldly: there is no marked difference between him and the brother he call 'unbeliever' in dressing, talk and actions. “For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified” Rom 2:13. He secretly covets some ways of life that is only being suppressed because of his professing to be a Christian. His heart dances to many secular music that his body must never carry out. He has some secret desires that he could not stand being exposed to the public.
His Life.
He lives a moral life, not a Christ life. He acts likes a Christian but he is not a little Christ. He thanks, worships and praises God as a preamble to prayer of protection and blessing, not because he is moved to. He asks for forgiveness of sin because he's afraid of the punishment and not because he has sorrow for the sin and that God hates it. He surrenders his life to Christ for hope of eternity and not because he acknowledges Christ's works and suffering on Calvary that they are for him.
He tithes and gives to God so that he can receive more and not necessarily to honour Him with his substance. When he gives something extra, he has a feeling of fulfillment and expects God to appreciate it. He expects the pastor to commend him and pronounce some blessing on him. He is disappointed if he is not acknowledged specially, although he does not take it to heart. He is always happy when he gives to somebody’ his mind is always at the dividend that would accrue in heaven on that which he has done. He lives a life of religious routine; goes to fellowship because he is a Christian and functions in a department because he has to.
He loves and serves God only because He makes him happy and meets his needs and because of what He gives and not for what He is. God sure has explanations to make when things are not going the way they should before he can continue to serve Him; after all; that is why he serves Him, and pay Him. He seeks the gift and not the giver. He lives for himself and not for God, only changed his means of serving himself from the secular to the religious. He still envies and wishes he were the other person.
He backbites, keeps malice and gets angry when provoked. He is bitter against his brother with resentments. He does not speak so well about his neighbour at his back. He finds it difficult to forgive. “Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, Without understanding, covenant breakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them” Rom 1:29-32.
He nurses hurts and hatred in his mind. He is vengeful. His thoughts are not controlled. He has something in his possession that he cannot readily give out except God touches his bone. For all that he gives, he demands appreciation and if not, he stops giving. He gossips and participates in such discussions. He tells “small, small lies” when necessary. He sees no sin in “white lies” if it is to cover up something very lethal. “All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto death” 1John 5:17. His best friend is an unbeliever. “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; …” 2Cor. 6:14-16.
He no longer finds true fellowship amongst brethren in the church but to criticize. He sees what man is doing in the church more than what God is doing. He feels the Pastor is more responsible to him than to God and owes him an explanation on how he spends his tithes more than to God. “Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand” Rom 14:4.
His Worship.
He loves God but have secret and unconfessed sins. “Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? Rom 6:1. He is a slave to his sinful habits and falls to its advances and temptations. He hates sin, but cannot leave it. He has no self-control. He falls under the lustful schemes and wiles of the enemy often. He is a servant of his own desires and passions. He operates by the dictates of his flesh. “For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.” Rom8:5-7. “For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live” Rom 8:13.
His neighbours are surprised when he is called 'brother' or sister', let alone deacon, or elder in the church. People are more surprised when they see him take offering or lead Sunday school in the church. They are more surprised by his saintly spiritual aura in the church different from when he is by the steering. He talks in the language of the regenerated people, sometimes, even better. He serves God by compulsion and not conviction. He obeys his commandments because he's afraid of punishment and also that he may get reward of obedience, not so that he can be like Him. He is a saint of God in the church but a slave of sin outside.
1John 2:15 says: “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him”, but he still loves Egypt: he missed the songs, friends, foods, etc, and when he is alone, still relishes it. He has really not forsaken them; he just put them aside to please his religious declaration. The manifestations of the fruits of the spirit, i.e. love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: in his life seems like an impossible task. He talks much forgetting that “In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise” Prov. 10:19. His conversation too is not honest among gentiles “Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation” 1 Peter 2:12. “Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men” 2 Cor. 8:21. He is not spiritually sensitive to the check in his spirit when engaged in foolish talking and jestings, which are not convenient. “Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks” Eph 5:4. He has a good heart but his manners have being corrupted by his association. “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners” 1 Cor. 15:33.
As a title holder, he feels very disappointed when he gets to a religious environment and he is not immediately recognized and honoured. He loves to be called by his title more than a Christian. Sometimes he feels offended when he is called without his title or a lesser title than he has. When he greets people and honour is not given to him as a man of God, he is quick to doubt whether the person is a Christian. “And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?”Matt 7:3.
He is excited about the things of God and possesses great zeal in working for God in church activities, Sunday school, but have less time to be with Jesus Himself. “I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge”Rom 10:2. He introduces people to Jesus but he himself is not known of Him. Paul said: “But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway”. 1Cor.9:27. He makes converts for Christ and prides himself in the number of people whom he has saved.
When negative things happen to people, especially, Christians, he is quick to allege that it is due to their sin, but when negative things happen to him he asks God why? His ministry is asking. He remains at the kindergarten prayer level of Asking, Asking and Asking. He never wants to go further to actually Seek, not to talk of going the extra mile of Knocking at His door. Matt 7:7. He wants to know what God will do for him rather than what he will do for God.
He is covetous. He 'claims' everything good he sees with anybody under the guise of faith. “…Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesses” Luke 12:15. “…knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death…”
When people ask a favour from him, he weighs the benefit that will accrue to him before honouring the request. He loves miracle without performance. When things are not going the way he thinks they suppose to go, he consults 'seers and mediums' in the name of 'prophets' to 'examine' him. When he is asked to go the mountain and fast for certain days, he does that more gladly than finding time to read the scripture and be with God.
His Service
He quotes less scripture and more of what other says, especially his pastor. He studies other books, but only read the Bible, mainly at the church service or when he wants to sleep and sleep is not coming. He is in the good book of his Pastor but not of that of God.
He walks in the counsel of the ungodly. His confidants are unbelievers. He does not enjoy fellowship with brethren. He does not partake in evil doings with his friends, though, but he does not take stand for Christ. “Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them” Rom 1:32.He looks at the way of sinners, especially, their ‘prosperity’ and desires it, like the Psalmist who said in Ps. 73:3-12: “For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. For there are no bands in their death: but their strength is firm. They are not in trouble as other men; neither are they plagued like other men. Therefore pride compasseth them about as a chain; violence covereth them as a garment. Their eyes stand out with fatness: they have more than heart could wish. They are corrupt, and speak wickedly concerning oppression: they speak loftily. They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walketh through the earth. Therefore his people return hither: and waters of a full cup are wrung out to them. And they say, How doth God know? and is there knowledge in the most High? Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches.” But he does not come to same conclusion like the Psalmist in verses 13-18 who quickly aligned his thoughts with a Godly understanding about the end of the wicked: “Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocency. For all the daylong have I been plagued, and chastened every morning. If I say, I will speak thus; behold, I should offend against the generation of thy children. When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me; Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end. Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: thou castedst them down into destruction”
He does what others do so that he can be socially acceptable. He knows some are wrong, but he has to do them so as to identify and be relevant for his work's sake. Paul said: “Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret”. Eph 5:11-12. He does not do many other things, though. He does not take alcohol, for instance, but he uses it to entertain when his business associates comes calling. “Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter” Jas. 3:11. He hates to be called a fanatic. He wants to please everybody: “Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? Whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God “James 4:4. He sits in the seat of the scornful. He cracks jokes which are not convenient. “But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.”Matt 12:36-37.
In his business, Christ is not a partner, let alone the owner. He gives Christ control only over his spiritual life on a part time basis; and consults Him only at difficult times. He is in control over every other. To him, anything that brings profit is business as long as he pays his tithe once a while. He really does not expect Christ to 'pock nose' too deeply into his 'private' life, moreso when he is not having crisis. He forgets the counsel of Solomon in the book of Proverbs 3:5-8: “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil. It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones”.
He does not walk honestly. “Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof”. Rom 13:13-14. He struggles to please his sensual requirements more than that of God. He engages in vain discussions and arguments which are unprofitable and does not edify. Eph 5:3-4 says: “But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks”. “But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes”. 2Tim 2:23. His words does not minister grace to the hearer. “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers” Eph 4:29.
He is always in the flesh and only switches to the spirit when in the company of the brethren. He speaks the believers' language and uses believers' term. He is a saint in the church, quiet and gentle. But his wife and children know him better.
His Home: The Carnal woman
When she discusses the role of women to their husband in the church, every man would pray she were their wife, except her husband. Her testimony in her place of work revolves round jewelries, cloths and partying and buying things beyond her means so that she can pay up installmentally at the detriment of her home. Eph 4:29. “…Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel”1Peter 3:3.
She tries to help God amend His 'error' by changing her colour code or painting her self up like an artist thereby sending wrong signals to the people outside. She thus, becomes an offence to those whom she is supposed to bring to Christ. Jesus warned: “It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come! It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.” Luke 17:1-2. “Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God”1Cor 10:32.
She does not submit to her husband as unto the Lord, when she does, it's by compulsion to justify her position in the church or to dowse tension. 1Peter 3:1-3. “Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear”1Peter 3:1-2.
She would be surprised in the last days when the Lord shows her how many millions of strange people she has committed adultery with, simply because of her non-challant, but suggestive way of dressing, which has made many to lust after her without her knowledge. "But I say unto you, that whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart” Matt 5:28
Her work is her head, not her husband; “For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.” Eph 5:23-24. She has secret things she does, incase her husband messes up. She participates in filthy talks, gossips and discussions that rather empowers the woman' to break her home in the guise of women liberation.
Responsibility
The Carnal Man fails in his duty as a responsible husband and father. “But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel”1 Tim 5:8. He has little respect for his wife. His wife is just a woman. He does not love her as Christ love the church. He does not cherish her as he cherishes his body. “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself” Eph. 5:25-28. He has closer people to him than his wife. He has secret lives and living. He does not command his children neither does he teach them the way of the Lord, although because of his work. He is better known as a committed church member than as a Born Again, spirit filled Christian.
He rarely intercedes for people when he prays. He begins his prayer with himself and ends with himself and his family. “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet God our and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of Saviour” 1 Tim 2:1-3.
Apart from his regular tithes and offerings, which he struggles to give, he never gives anything else for the course of the gospel. When he does, he do so like a gambler, expecting immediate return. Through his selfishness and ignorance, he eats his seed and only sows the bread, instead of planting the seed and casting the bread on waters. “Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days”. Eccl 11:1. He gives seed to the sower and bread to the eater. Is. 55:10.
He is impressed about people working for God but he never makes any deliberate, personal commitment. His life is not an encouraging epistle for people to read. “Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men”. 2Cor 3:2. He has good report but not an honest one. He does not manifest the fruits of the spirit. He has no daily prayer life. He forgets to give God early morning sacrifice, except when he wakes up at the wrong side of the bed. He has no prayer stored in his bank that he can withdraw from and make use of in case of emergency. He depends on prayer contractor in such exigencies. He only learns to pray a serious prayer by himself when all hope seems lost. Then, he woos God with promises he quickly forgets when the storm is over.
His Philosophy. He believes more in what he sees than what he does not see. He has more faith in spiritual concoction, prepared by man to use as a source of power like magic during emergency than trusting in the Word of God. Anointing oil, mantle, etc, give him more assurance of a present help in trouble than in 'Immanuel'. He is not careful to lift up Christ's standard in his place of work or in his neighbourhood.
His end.
Christians are 'little Christs” and we know that Christ is not carnal; it then implies that there is nothing like 'Carnal Christian! A Christian is a Christian! That means, a carnal Christian has no place with Christ he is nothing but an unbeliever, perhaps, worse.
If you exhibit any of the traits of the carnal Christian, there is still room for repentance, because a carnal Christian is even worse than an unbeliever in that: “it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness that after they have known it to turn from the holy commandment given to them” 2 Pet. 2: 21.
Generally speaking, a carnal Christian is an unsaved person. He calls himself a Christian but he is not known of Christ. He is condemned. "He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God” John 3:18. He is under the law of sin and death. He is supremely selfish, self centered, self-righteous. He still gets angry when provoked because his flesh is still alive, not dead to sin.
The Bible says to be carnally minded is death. “For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.” Rom 8:5-7. So a Carnal Christian is not known of God in any wise. He cannot please God neither indeed can be.
Gal.5: 21 say: “…They which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God” but are rather reserved unto the Day of Judgment to be punished” 2Pet.2: 9. Especially, those who have once been enlightened and actually know the gospel but walk in their own self styled righteousness. The Bible says 2 Peter 2:21 that “…it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them“
Paul, speaking to a group of carnal Christian complained bitterly: “…And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men”? 1Cor. 3:1-3.
They remain on the same state for years. “Ever learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.”2Tim 3:7. When they are supposed to be breaking bones, they still need to be fed with milk.
The Way out.
The only way out then, for a 'Carnal Christian' is to repent and rededicate his /her life to Jesus and to walk in the spirit so as not to fulfill the lust of the flesh Gal.5: 16. No Carnal Christian will have a place in heaven. It is better we settle the score now, for tomorrow may be too late. Bow your hearts and examine your self. Ask God to circumcise your heart and purify it. Ask for grace to live a life that does not yield to the demand of the flesh. You need to “Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience”. Col 3:5-6
If all you do as a Christian is to pursue a good life here on earth, without pursuing a holy living that will guarantee your life in heaven, you are a Carnal Christian, minding the only the things of the earth and not setting you affection in heaven. “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God” Col 3:1-3.
You will also need to “…put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him” Col. 3:8-9. “… And you also have to put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him” vs 10.
Now, “put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the, which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him”Col 3:12-17.
His Life.
He lives a moral life, not a Christ life. He acts likes a Christian but he is not a little Christ. He thanks, worships and praises God as a preamble to prayer of protection and blessing, not because he is moved to. He asks for forgiveness of sin because he's afraid of the punishment and not because he has sorrow for the sin and that God hates it. He surrenders his life to Christ for hope of eternity and not because he acknowledges Christ's works and suffering on Calvary that they are for him.
He tithes and gives to God so that he can receive more and not necessarily to honour Him with his substance. When he gives something extra, he has a feeling of fulfillment and expects God to appreciate it. He expects the pastor to commend him and pronounce some blessing on him. He is disappointed if he is not acknowledged specially, although he does not take it to heart. He is always happy when he gives to somebody’ his mind is always at the dividend that would accrue in heaven on that which he has done. He lives a life of religious routine; goes to fellowship because he is a Christian and functions in a department because he has to.
He loves and serves God only because He makes him happy and meets his needs and because of what He gives and not for what He is. God sure has explanations to make when things are not going the way they should before he can continue to serve Him; after all; that is why he serves Him, and pay Him. He seeks the gift and not the giver. He lives for himself and not for God, only changed his means of serving himself from the secular to the religious. He still envies and wishes he were the other person.
He backbites, keeps malice and gets angry when provoked. He is bitter against his brother with resentments. He does not speak so well about his neighbour at his back. He finds it difficult to forgive. “Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, Without understanding, covenant breakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them” Rom 1:29-32.
He nurses hurts and hatred in his mind. He is vengeful. His thoughts are not controlled. He has something in his possession that he cannot readily give out except God touches his bone. For all that he gives, he demands appreciation and if not, he stops giving. He gossips and participates in such discussions. He tells “small, small lies” when necessary. He sees no sin in “white lies” if it is to cover up something very lethal. “All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto death” 1John 5:17. His best friend is an unbeliever. “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; …” 2Cor. 6:14-16.
He no longer finds true fellowship amongst brethren in the church but to criticize. He sees what man is doing in the church more than what God is doing. He feels the Pastor is more responsible to him than to God and owes him an explanation on how he spends his tithes more than to God. “Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand” Rom 14:4.
His Worship.
He loves God but have secret and unconfessed sins. “Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? Rom 6:1. He is a slave to his sinful habits and falls to its advances and temptations. He hates sin, but cannot leave it. He has no self-control. He falls under the lustful schemes and wiles of the enemy often. He is a servant of his own desires and passions. He operates by the dictates of his flesh. “For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.” Rom8:5-7. “For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live” Rom 8:13.
His neighbours are surprised when he is called 'brother' or sister', let alone deacon, or elder in the church. People are more surprised when they see him take offering or lead Sunday school in the church. They are more surprised by his saintly spiritual aura in the church different from when he is by the steering. He talks in the language of the regenerated people, sometimes, even better. He serves God by compulsion and not conviction. He obeys his commandments because he's afraid of punishment and also that he may get reward of obedience, not so that he can be like Him. He is a saint of God in the church but a slave of sin outside.
1John 2:15 says: “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him”, but he still loves Egypt: he missed the songs, friends, foods, etc, and when he is alone, still relishes it. He has really not forsaken them; he just put them aside to please his religious declaration. The manifestations of the fruits of the spirit, i.e. love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: in his life seems like an impossible task. He talks much forgetting that “In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise” Prov. 10:19. His conversation too is not honest among gentiles “Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation” 1 Peter 2:12. “Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men” 2 Cor. 8:21. He is not spiritually sensitive to the check in his spirit when engaged in foolish talking and jestings, which are not convenient. “Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks” Eph 5:4. He has a good heart but his manners have being corrupted by his association. “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners” 1 Cor. 15:33.
As a title holder, he feels very disappointed when he gets to a religious environment and he is not immediately recognized and honoured. He loves to be called by his title more than a Christian. Sometimes he feels offended when he is called without his title or a lesser title than he has. When he greets people and honour is not given to him as a man of God, he is quick to doubt whether the person is a Christian. “And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?”Matt 7:3.
He is excited about the things of God and possesses great zeal in working for God in church activities, Sunday school, but have less time to be with Jesus Himself. “I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge”Rom 10:2. He introduces people to Jesus but he himself is not known of Him. Paul said: “But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway”. 1Cor.9:27. He makes converts for Christ and prides himself in the number of people whom he has saved.
When negative things happen to people, especially, Christians, he is quick to allege that it is due to their sin, but when negative things happen to him he asks God why? His ministry is asking. He remains at the kindergarten prayer level of Asking, Asking and Asking. He never wants to go further to actually Seek, not to talk of going the extra mile of Knocking at His door. Matt 7:7. He wants to know what God will do for him rather than what he will do for God.
He is covetous. He 'claims' everything good he sees with anybody under the guise of faith. “…Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesses” Luke 12:15. “…knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death…”
When people ask a favour from him, he weighs the benefit that will accrue to him before honouring the request. He loves miracle without performance. When things are not going the way he thinks they suppose to go, he consults 'seers and mediums' in the name of 'prophets' to 'examine' him. When he is asked to go the mountain and fast for certain days, he does that more gladly than finding time to read the scripture and be with God.
His Service
He quotes less scripture and more of what other says, especially his pastor. He studies other books, but only read the Bible, mainly at the church service or when he wants to sleep and sleep is not coming. He is in the good book of his Pastor but not of that of God.
He walks in the counsel of the ungodly. His confidants are unbelievers. He does not enjoy fellowship with brethren. He does not partake in evil doings with his friends, though, but he does not take stand for Christ. “Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them” Rom 1:32.He looks at the way of sinners, especially, their ‘prosperity’ and desires it, like the Psalmist who said in Ps. 73:3-12: “For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. For there are no bands in their death: but their strength is firm. They are not in trouble as other men; neither are they plagued like other men. Therefore pride compasseth them about as a chain; violence covereth them as a garment. Their eyes stand out with fatness: they have more than heart could wish. They are corrupt, and speak wickedly concerning oppression: they speak loftily. They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walketh through the earth. Therefore his people return hither: and waters of a full cup are wrung out to them. And they say, How doth God know? and is there knowledge in the most High? Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches.” But he does not come to same conclusion like the Psalmist in verses 13-18 who quickly aligned his thoughts with a Godly understanding about the end of the wicked: “Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocency. For all the daylong have I been plagued, and chastened every morning. If I say, I will speak thus; behold, I should offend against the generation of thy children. When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me; Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end. Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: thou castedst them down into destruction”
He does what others do so that he can be socially acceptable. He knows some are wrong, but he has to do them so as to identify and be relevant for his work's sake. Paul said: “Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret”. Eph 5:11-12. He does not do many other things, though. He does not take alcohol, for instance, but he uses it to entertain when his business associates comes calling. “Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter” Jas. 3:11. He hates to be called a fanatic. He wants to please everybody: “Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? Whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God “James 4:4. He sits in the seat of the scornful. He cracks jokes which are not convenient. “But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.”Matt 12:36-37.
In his business, Christ is not a partner, let alone the owner. He gives Christ control only over his spiritual life on a part time basis; and consults Him only at difficult times. He is in control over every other. To him, anything that brings profit is business as long as he pays his tithe once a while. He really does not expect Christ to 'pock nose' too deeply into his 'private' life, moreso when he is not having crisis. He forgets the counsel of Solomon in the book of Proverbs 3:5-8: “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil. It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones”.
He does not walk honestly. “Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof”. Rom 13:13-14. He struggles to please his sensual requirements more than that of God. He engages in vain discussions and arguments which are unprofitable and does not edify. Eph 5:3-4 says: “But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks”. “But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes”. 2Tim 2:23. His words does not minister grace to the hearer. “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers” Eph 4:29.
He is always in the flesh and only switches to the spirit when in the company of the brethren. He speaks the believers' language and uses believers' term. He is a saint in the church, quiet and gentle. But his wife and children know him better.
His Home: The Carnal woman
When she discusses the role of women to their husband in the church, every man would pray she were their wife, except her husband. Her testimony in her place of work revolves round jewelries, cloths and partying and buying things beyond her means so that she can pay up installmentally at the detriment of her home. Eph 4:29. “…Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel”1Peter 3:3.
She tries to help God amend His 'error' by changing her colour code or painting her self up like an artist thereby sending wrong signals to the people outside. She thus, becomes an offence to those whom she is supposed to bring to Christ. Jesus warned: “It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come! It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.” Luke 17:1-2. “Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God”1Cor 10:32.
She does not submit to her husband as unto the Lord, when she does, it's by compulsion to justify her position in the church or to dowse tension. 1Peter 3:1-3. “Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear”1Peter 3:1-2.
She would be surprised in the last days when the Lord shows her how many millions of strange people she has committed adultery with, simply because of her non-challant, but suggestive way of dressing, which has made many to lust after her without her knowledge. "But I say unto you, that whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart” Matt 5:28
Her work is her head, not her husband; “For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.” Eph 5:23-24. She has secret things she does, incase her husband messes up. She participates in filthy talks, gossips and discussions that rather empowers the woman' to break her home in the guise of women liberation.
Responsibility
The Carnal Man fails in his duty as a responsible husband and father. “But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel”1 Tim 5:8. He has little respect for his wife. His wife is just a woman. He does not love her as Christ love the church. He does not cherish her as he cherishes his body. “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself” Eph. 5:25-28. He has closer people to him than his wife. He has secret lives and living. He does not command his children neither does he teach them the way of the Lord, although because of his work. He is better known as a committed church member than as a Born Again, spirit filled Christian.
He rarely intercedes for people when he prays. He begins his prayer with himself and ends with himself and his family. “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet God our and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of Saviour” 1 Tim 2:1-3.
Apart from his regular tithes and offerings, which he struggles to give, he never gives anything else for the course of the gospel. When he does, he do so like a gambler, expecting immediate return. Through his selfishness and ignorance, he eats his seed and only sows the bread, instead of planting the seed and casting the bread on waters. “Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days”. Eccl 11:1. He gives seed to the sower and bread to the eater. Is. 55:10.
He is impressed about people working for God but he never makes any deliberate, personal commitment. His life is not an encouraging epistle for people to read. “Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men”. 2Cor 3:2. He has good report but not an honest one. He does not manifest the fruits of the spirit. He has no daily prayer life. He forgets to give God early morning sacrifice, except when he wakes up at the wrong side of the bed. He has no prayer stored in his bank that he can withdraw from and make use of in case of emergency. He depends on prayer contractor in such exigencies. He only learns to pray a serious prayer by himself when all hope seems lost. Then, he woos God with promises he quickly forgets when the storm is over.
His Philosophy. He believes more in what he sees than what he does not see. He has more faith in spiritual concoction, prepared by man to use as a source of power like magic during emergency than trusting in the Word of God. Anointing oil, mantle, etc, give him more assurance of a present help in trouble than in 'Immanuel'. He is not careful to lift up Christ's standard in his place of work or in his neighbourhood.
His end.
Christians are 'little Christs” and we know that Christ is not carnal; it then implies that there is nothing like 'Carnal Christian! A Christian is a Christian! That means, a carnal Christian has no place with Christ he is nothing but an unbeliever, perhaps, worse.
If you exhibit any of the traits of the carnal Christian, there is still room for repentance, because a carnal Christian is even worse than an unbeliever in that: “it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness that after they have known it to turn from the holy commandment given to them” 2 Pet. 2: 21.
Generally speaking, a carnal Christian is an unsaved person. He calls himself a Christian but he is not known of Christ. He is condemned. "He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God” John 3:18. He is under the law of sin and death. He is supremely selfish, self centered, self-righteous. He still gets angry when provoked because his flesh is still alive, not dead to sin.
The Bible says to be carnally minded is death. “For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.” Rom 8:5-7. So a Carnal Christian is not known of God in any wise. He cannot please God neither indeed can be.
Gal.5: 21 say: “…They which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God” but are rather reserved unto the Day of Judgment to be punished” 2Pet.2: 9. Especially, those who have once been enlightened and actually know the gospel but walk in their own self styled righteousness. The Bible says 2 Peter 2:21 that “…it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them“
Paul, speaking to a group of carnal Christian complained bitterly: “…And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men”? 1Cor. 3:1-3.
They remain on the same state for years. “Ever learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.”2Tim 3:7. When they are supposed to be breaking bones, they still need to be fed with milk.
The Way out.
The only way out then, for a 'Carnal Christian' is to repent and rededicate his /her life to Jesus and to walk in the spirit so as not to fulfill the lust of the flesh Gal.5: 16. No Carnal Christian will have a place in heaven. It is better we settle the score now, for tomorrow may be too late. Bow your hearts and examine your self. Ask God to circumcise your heart and purify it. Ask for grace to live a life that does not yield to the demand of the flesh. You need to “Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience”. Col 3:5-6
If all you do as a Christian is to pursue a good life here on earth, without pursuing a holy living that will guarantee your life in heaven, you are a Carnal Christian, minding the only the things of the earth and not setting you affection in heaven. “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God” Col 3:1-3.
You will also need to “…put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him” Col. 3:8-9. “… And you also have to put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him” vs 10.
Now, “put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the, which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him”Col 3:12-17.