Discerning the Difference: Carnal Mind vs. Spiritual Mind

Primary Scriptures:

Romans 8:5–8 KJV 1900

For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. 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, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.

1 Corinthians 3:1–3 KJV 1900

And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?

I. Behavioral Aim

Participants will understand the biblical difference between the carnal mind and the spiritual mind, recognize signs of carnality in their own lives, and commit to steps that lead toward spiritual maturity and kingdom-minded living.

II. Introduction

Every believer is saved, but not every believer is mature. Some Christians live spirit-led, while others live flesh-driven. Paul distinguishes between the carnal Christian and the spiritual Christian, not to condemn, but to awaken us to the reality that maturity is a choice.

Carnality is not about being “unsaved” — it is about being undeveloped. This lesson lays the foundation for the entire series by examining what carnality looks like, how it operates, and how believers can transition into spiritual maturity.

III. Background

A. Romans 8 Context

Paul contrasts “those who live according to the flesh” with “those who live according to the Spirit.”

Carnality = controlled by worldly desires, emotions, and impulses.

Spirituality = controlled by the Holy Spirit.

The carnal mind resists God and cannot please Him.

B. 1 Corinthians 3 Context

The Corinthian church was gifted but immature.

Carnality showed up as jealousy, strife, and division.

Paul calls them “babes in Christ” — saved, but stunted.

Their behavior revealed their mindset.

Takeaway: Carnality is not measured by how long you’ve been in church, but by how you respond, how you think, and how you walk.

IV. Relevant Question

What is the difference between a carnal Christian and a spiritual Christian, and how do we move from one to the other?

V. Body

POINT 1 — The Carnal Mind Is Driven by the Flesh

Scriptures: Romans 8:5–7

Romans 8:5–7 KJV 1900

For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. 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, neither indeed can be.

Carnality = living by impulses, emotions, habits, and worldly desires.

Signs of a Carnal Mind:

A. Easily offended B. Emotionally reactive C. Driven by feelings instead of faith D. Struggles with jealousy, comparison, and pride E. Desires pleasure more than purpose F. Prioritizes self over God

Teaching Emphasis:

The carnal mind is not evil; it is undisciplined and unrenewed.

Reflection:

Where do I see carnal reactions showing up in my life?

POINT 2 — The Spiritual Mind Is Ruled by the Holy Spirit

Scriptures:

Romans 8:5–9 KJV 1900

For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. 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, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

Galatians 5:22–25 KJV 1900

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

A spiritual mind chooses discipline over impulse and obedience over emotion.

Characteristics of a Spiritual Mind:

A. Seeks God’s will above personal preference B. Produces the fruit of the Spirit C. Has emotional stability D. Discerns spiritually, not carnally E. Lives by conviction, not convenience F. Is teachable and correctable

Teaching Emphasis:

Spiritual maturity is not perfection — it is direction.

POINT 3 — Carnality Stunts Growth and Blocks Kingdom Living

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 3:1–3

1 Corinthians 3:1–3 KJV 1900

And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?

Carnal living keeps believers:

A. Babes in Christ

Unable to handle deeper teaching or responsibility.

B. Stuck in cycles

Repeating the same emotional, mental, and spiritual patterns.

C. Bound by division and competition

Carnality fractures leaders, families, and ministries.

D. Disconnected from spiritual authority

The carnal mind resists correction.

Teaching Emphasis:

Carnality delays destiny — immaturity always limits assignment.

Reflection:

What areas of my life show that I am still “drinking milk” spiritually?

POINT 4 — The Carnal Mind Brings Death, But the Spiritual Mind Brings Life

Scripture: Romans 8:6

Romans 8:6 KJV 1900

For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

A. Carnality leads to:

Broken relationships

Emotional instability

Bad decisions

Pride

Sin cycles

Stunted spiritual growth

B. The spiritual mind leads to:

Peace

Clarity

Wisdom

Spiritual authority

Kingdom effectiveness

Emotional maturity

Teaching Emphasis:

Every day, every believer chooses: life or death, flesh or Spirit.

Reflection:

What fruit is my mindset producing? Death or life?

POINT 5 — Transformation Begins With Awareness and Surrender

Scriptures:

Romans 12:1–2 KJV 1900

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

James 4:7–8 KJV 1900

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.

The first step out of carnality is acknowledging it.

A. Awareness leads to repentance

You cannot change what you refuse to see.

B. Surrender leads to transformation

“Present your bodies… be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

C. Consistency leads to maturity

Spiritual growth requires daily discipline.

D. Dependence on the Holy Spirit brings breakthrough

Maturity is impossible without the Spirit’s help.

Teaching Emphasis:

Carnal habits are broken through surrendered will + renewed mind + Spirit empowerment.

Reflection:

What area will I surrender to God this week?

VI. Summary / Closing

Carnality is not a permanent condition — it is a stage. But staying carnal robs believers of peace, joy, purpose, clarity, and spiritual power. As we learn to recognize carnality and submit to the Spirit, we begin the journey from carnal to kingdom — from flesh-driven reactions to Spirit-led living.

VII. Action Steps for the Week

1. Identify one carnal habit or mindset you will confront.

2. Spend 10 minutes daily asking the Holy Spirit to renew your mind.

3. Practice a Spirit-led response in a situation where you would normally respond carnally.

VIII. Closing Prayer

“Lord, reveal every area of carnality within us. Renew our minds, reshape our attitudes, and help us live according to Your Spirit. Deliver us from immature thinking, carnal reactions, and fleshly desires. Lead us into spiritual maturity so we may walk as kingdom-minded believers. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”