1 Corinthians 3:1
And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ.
In this verse, the Holy Spirit is continuing a train of thought which began in the previous chapter. Among other things, it builds on the truth that “the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned” (1 Corinthians 2:14).
Beloveds, it follows that there are deeper things God would like us to graduate to, but for which we disqualify ourselves because we remain natural, carnal and infantile.
Observe that if you’re a “natural” Christian, you find certain deeper truths rather foolish. You often find yourself mocking or criticising sacred matters. You find it easy to speak lightly of the things and people of God. You’re impervious to certain spiritual realities. You’re in the church for years but never deepen your spirituality. Your faith remains shallow. Your spiritual eyes are blind. Your heart is unreceptive to supernatural vibes. Your mind is closed to new possibilities. Your life is dominated by common earthly perceptions. You’re stuck in your past experience, human culture and traditions of men.
You may be a physical adult, but you’re still a baby in Christ. You may be quite intelligent, but you’re backward in spiritual matters. Such was the state of the Corinthian believers. Let us not assume that it’s any different for us. Let us rather cry out to God to rescue us from perpetual infancy. Let us pray that supernatural increase begins in our personal spiritual growth. Let it start within.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I admit today that I’m not where I’m supposed to be as your redeemed child. I’m sorry for remaining natural, carnal and childish in my faith. May your Holy Spirit please help me to grow in my knowledge of and walk with Christ, in the precious name of Jesus Christ my Lord. Amen.
Pastor Josh