Text: Romans 8:14; 1 Cor. 3:1-4
Milk Versus Solid Food:
Carnality is to a Christian what kryptonite is to Superman — it weakens and immobilizes you.
• Carnal is the Greek word “sarkikos,” and it is defined as having the nature of flesh, that is, sensual, controlled by animal appetites, and governed by human nature instead of being governed by the Spirit of God.
What distinguishes milk from solid food? (Heb. 5:12-6:3)
• Milk emphasizes the core message of the gospel—the basic elementary principles of Christianity.
• The Jewish Christians made slow progress toward spiritual maturity because they were dull of hearing, which left them unskilled in the Word of God (Heb. 5:11).
• The Corinthians’ lack of maturity prevented Paul from giving them solid food. Instead of growing, they stayed stuck in spiritual infancy, unwilling to move past the basics of Christian doctrine (1 Cor. 3:2-3).
• Solid food provides the same truth as milk, but with greater depth, guiding believers toward a deeper understanding and spiritual maturity.
• Leaving the elementary teachings does not mean we abandon them; rather, it means viewing them as a starting point upon which to build toward maturity.
Spiritual growth is a daily journey that demands steady commitment.
• (Deut. 7:22) God permitted Joshua and the Israelites to gradually take possession of the land. Similarly, the Lord works through a steady process to shape and develop us in our spiritual journey (Col. 2:6-7).
Three Steps to Becoming a Spiritual Person.
• Let go of old mindsets (Eph. 4:22).
• The old man’s traits contradict the Spirit of God and will hinder your spiritual growth, causing you to miss God’s plan for your life (Col. 3:8-9).
• The end of self is the beginning of God – J. Oswald Sanders.
• Renew your mind (Eph. 4:23).
• The work that God has done in your spirit through the new birth will be revealed through you as you renew your mind according to His word, which brings total transformation (Rom. 12:2 AMPC).
• In water baptism and mind renewal, God seeks to remove the flesh. He desires to eliminate carnality from our lives so that we can reflect His image (Rom. 6:4).
• Put on the new man (Eph. 4:24).
• By renewing our minds with God’s word, we can adopt the qualities of the new man (Rom. 12:2; Col. 3:10, 12-14).
• God desires His children to experience ongoing transformation into the likeness of Jesus (2 Cor. 3:18).
• (Rom. 8:6) Being spiritually minded means having a mindset and lifestyle that align with the Word of God.
• Spend time in God’s Word each day – let it influence how you think and live.
• Pray for the Holy Spirit’s guidance before making any decisions, big or small.
• Cultivate a Christlike character in your relationships by demonstrating love, patience, and forgiveness.
