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NASB | Romans 7:14 ¶ For we know that the Law is spiritual, but I am of flesh, sold into bondage to sin. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Romans 7:14 ¶ We know that the Law is spiritual, but I am a creature of the flesh [worldly, self-reliant--carnal and unspiritual], sold into slavery to sin [and serving under its control]. |
Bible Question (short): carnal Christian? |
Question (full): Radioman; Good point The reason I asked whether or not a person can be carnal and be Christian at the same time, or whether the term; "carnal Christian is an oxymoron, is because the term "carnal Christian" is used so much by various preachers and lay people. Vines gives this definition of the term "carnal" Greek sarkikos. having the nature of flesh, i.e., sensual, controlled by animal appetites, governed by human nature instead of by the Spirit of God. Looking up the word "spiritual" from the same source, I find the following definition; "The spiritual man is one who walks by the Spirit both in the sense of Gal. 5:16 and in that of 5:25, and who himself manifests the fruit of the Spirit in his own ways.... According to the Scriptures, the spiritual state of the soul is normal for the believer, but to this state all believers do not attain, nor when it is attained is it always maintained. Thus the apostle, in 1 Cor. 3:1-3, suggests a contrast between this spiritual state and that of the babe in Christ, i.e., of the man who because of immaturity and inexperience has not yet reached spirituality, and that of the man who by permitting jealousy, and the strife to which jealousy always leads, has lost it. The spiritual state is reached by diligence in the Word of God and in prayer; it is maintained by obedience and self-judgment. Such as are led by the Spirit are spiritual, but of course, spirituality is not a fixed or absolute condition, it admits of growth; indeed growth in "the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." 2 Pet. 3:18, is evidence of true spirituality." It appears from the contrasting definitions of the words "carnal" and "spiritual" that the term "carnal Christian" may actually be an oxymoron. How is it possible for an individual to be "controlled by animal appetites, governed by human nature instead of by the Spirit of God." (Vines) And still be called spiritual or Christian? Wouldn't it make more sense to rather call those not controlled by the Spirit of God unspiritual? God Bless New Creature |