What are the characteristics of a carnal Christian?
“A self-centered mindset” describes a carnal Christian.
A carnal Christian often makes himself the center of attention and values his own will above God’s. He is a “soulish” Christian, which means his own self-life rules. He can do righteous deeds and do them well. However, any good deed that the flesh does is an abomination in the sight of God.
Jesus spoke in Luke chapter 16:
15 And Jesus said to them (the Pharisees), “You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is highly esteemed among men is an abomination in the sight of God.”
In other Words:
“You always want to look spiritual in the eyes of others, but you have forgotten the eyes of God, which see what is inside you. The very things that you approve of and applaud are the things God despises.”
And Paul wrote by The Holy Spirit in Galatians chapter 5:
16 I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.
17 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.
18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
Paul also warns us of those who are not led by The Holy Spirit when he penned Romans chapter 16:
17 Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them.
18 For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple.
19 … I want you to be wise in what is good, and simple concerning evil.
Carnal Christians reveal themselves by their words.
Also in Ephesians chapter 5:
6 Don’t be fooled by those who speak their empty words and deceptive teachings telling you otherwise. This is what brings God’s anger upon the rebellious!
7 Don’t listen to them or live like them at all.
11 And don’t even associate with the servants of darkness because they have no fruit in them; instead, reveal Truth to them.
Carnal Christians say one thing, but often do another. They are also often talkative and flippant. They tend to use many words and have the attitude that they are more advanced than others. As a result, they are often faultfinders. Working for the Lord is also of the utmost importance to them; however, they feel that everything must be done in a hurry and all must be done to attain the glory for themselves. They do not wait on the Lord for His direction and His answers.
They walk by sight not by faith. They are often uncommonly gifted, have great talent and magnetic personalities, but at the same time are worldly, ambitious, and self-pleasing.
Many carnal Christians try to satisfy their curiosity by studying. They believe that knowing something mentally is the same thing as possessing it experientially. Consequently, they are often double-minded, living two lives. They have an abundance of acquired knowledge, but very little Spirit-revealed knowledge.
They don’t realize that increased spiritual head knowledge can often become a trap. Head knowledge can strengthen our carnality and deceive us into thinking we are spiritual. The danger is that because God’s Spirit is suppressed, the soulish and bodily realm will rule.
God designed the sanctification process to remove all hindrances such as these, so that the Holy Spirit can control and direct us.
Much of what a carnal Christian does, he does for show and to gain something for himself, even if it’s just the praise of men. He does these things for the love of self, not for the glory of God. Remember, a lack of Love for others, no supernatural power, and no Godly Wisdom reveals a denial of Christ’s character in that person.
We must focus on being fully led by The Holy Spirit!!!