Click on the box to choose the type of paragraph below. According to Paul in 1 Corinthians 2:14-16 and 3.1, people are divided into three classes natural
man (unbelievers), spiritual man, and carnal man (believers). Natural man is negative to God and
His Word. He is body and soul. His human spirit has not been "born again." The word "natural"
means "soulish" when translated literally from the Greek. He will not accept or receive the things
of God; they are foolishness to him. There is no way he can understand the Word because the
Holy Spirit interprets it to those who are indwelt by Him. The spiritual man and the carnal man
are both believers, they have believed on the Lord Jesus Christ and become part of the
"household of God." But they are different. The spiritual man by his own choice is positive to
God and His Word; the Holy Spirit is in control of his life. He studies the Word, and he is able to
evaluate everything about him from God's standpoint. Others simply cannot understand what
makes him tick. He has the "mind of Christ," because he is a student of the Word. The carnal
man, although he is a child of God, is a disobedient child. He is a "babe in Christ" and has been
for many years. He has no desire to learn from the Word. He is still having trouble with pablum
and milk when he gets it, the meat of the Word gives him indigestion. Paul says he is "at enmity
with God." His sin nature is in charge of his life, not the Holy Spirit. God disciplines him, for God
is a faithful father.
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