What Happens to Carnal Christians 3-12-26

The church at Corinth had been empowered by the Holy Spirit with the ability to function in all nine gifts as He chose to use them at any given time. Yet they were operating in the flesh. They had not grown; they thought they were mature. They did not think about glorifying God with these awesome abilities; they wanted self-glory, to be looked up to by others. Yet they were babes (1 Corinthians 3:1-3).

Let’s see what carnal Christian means. We are saved, but the flesh takes control because who or whatever one yields to dominates. The word carnal means to be fleshy, which is usually unsaved people are identified, which is natural. Carnal Christians are saved people who act like unsaved people. To be carnally minded is death (to suffer loss).  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, nor indeed can be.  So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God. But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you (Romans 8:6-9). Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.  For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish (Galatians 5:6-17).

The main emphasis is what will happen when people stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ.  For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.  Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is.  

If anyone’s work which he has built on endures, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire (1 Corinthians 3:11-15).

Suffering loss- spiritually and eternally (Matthew 25:24-30)

Loss of rewards - (Matthew 6:1-4)

Note: When it comes to gifts, the most abused are the speaking gifts (tongues, interpretation of tongues and prophecy). Caution: speaking in tongues in public without an interpreter is out of order. God is the God of order not confusion let everything be done decently and in order (1 Corinthians). I have heard many people speak in tongues on national TV without any interpretation. Who is being edified?

And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” In essence, we have been empowered to function in the supernatural, but we must come out of our natural mindset because we are spiritual people.

Christ Ascends to God’s Right Hand-  So then, after the Lord had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God. And they went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked through them, confirming His word by the signs that accompanied it.… (Mark 16:17-20).

Jesus set the stage for everything! Do you believe it?

Betty A. Burnett ~ burnettministries.org