12+ Bible Verses To Understand Carnality Better

The concept of carnality, or the flesh, is a complex and multifaceted theme that permeates the Bible. Understanding carnality is essential to grasping the human condition, the nature of sin, and the process of spiritual growth. Here, we’ll delve into 12+ Bible verses that shed light on the concept of carnality, providing insights into its nature, consequences, and the path to overcoming it.

To begin, it’s crucial to understand that the term “carnality” refers to the natural, human inclination towards sin, driven by desires, emotions, and the influences of the world around us. This inclination is in opposition to the spirit, which seeks to follow God’s will and live a life of righteousness. The Bible teaches that every person is born with this carnal nature, which is inherently at odds with God’s nature.

1. Genesis 6:5 - The Heart of Man

“The Lord saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time.”

This verse highlights the inherent wickedness of the human heart, showcasing how our natural inclinations can lead us astray. It sets the stage for understanding the struggle between the flesh and the spirit.

2. Romans 8:7 - The Mind Set on the Flesh

“The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so.”

Here, we see the direct opposition between the flesh and God. The mind controlled by carnality is not only disconnected from God but is actively hostile towards Him and His law.

3. Galatians 5:19-21 - The Acts of the Flesh

“The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.”

These verses list the manifestations of carnality, emphasizing the destructive nature of living according to the flesh. They serve as a warning, highlighting the consequences of adhering to a carnal lifestyle.

4. 1 Corinthians 3:3 - Jealousy and Quarreling

“You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere humans?”

This verse illustrates how jealousy and quarreling are signs of a carnal, worldly mindset, contrasting with the unity and love that should characterize believers.

5. Ephesians 2:3 - Controlled by the Flesh

“All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath.”

Here, we’re reminded that all humans, by nature, are controlled by the flesh, following its desires and thoughts, which leads to deserving God’s wrath.

6. Colossians 2:11 - Putting Off the Flesh

“In him you were also circumcised with a circumcision not performed by human hands. Your whole self ruled by the flesh was put off when you were circumcised by Christ,”

This verse speaks of spiritual circumcision, where the control of the flesh is removed through Christ, symbolizing the believer’s transition from being controlled by the flesh to being controlled by the Spirit.

7. 1 Peter 2:11 - Abstain from the Desires of the Flesh

“Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul.”

Peter urges believers to abstain from sinful desires that are characteristic of the flesh, recognizing the internal conflict between the flesh and the soul.

8. Proverbs 28:26 - Those Who Trust in Themselves

“Those who trust in themselves are fools, but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe.”

This proverb contrasts the foolishness of trusting in one’s own fleshly nature with the safety of walking in God’s wisdom.

9. Matthew 26:41 - The Spirit is Willing

“Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

Jesus’ statement here highlights the struggle between the spirit and the flesh. Even when our spirits are willing to follow God, our flesh can be weak and prone to giving in to temptation.

10. Romans 13:14 - Do Not Think About How to Gratify the Desires of the Flesh

“Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.”

Paul instructs believers not to spend their time figuring out ways to satisfy the flesh but instead to clothe themselves with Christ, symbolizing a life controlled by the Spirit.

11. 2 Corinthians 10:2-3 - Waging War with Fleshly Desires

“I beg you that when I come I may not have to be as bold as I expect to be toward some people who think that we live by the standards of this world. For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does.”

Here, Paul discusses waging war not with physical weapons but with spiritual ones, against the fleshly desires that can dominate our lives if we live by worldly standards.

12. Galatians 2:20 - Crucified with Christ

“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”

This verse represents the ultimate victory over carnality, as the believer’s life is no longer controlled by the flesh but by Christ living in them.

Conclusion

Understanding carnality through these Bible verses helps us grasp the deep-seated nature of sin within us and the necessity of spiritual transformation through Christ. The struggle between the flesh and the spirit is a continuous theme throughout the Bible, emphasizing the need for believers to live a life governed by the Spirit, not by the desires of the flesh. By recognizing the manifestations of carnality and seeking to live a life controlled by the Spirit, believers can walk in the righteousness and holiness that God commands.

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