Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians chapters 2 and 3

Good day ladies! I offer you the opportunity to print this off, or read in sections. You will need to read the entire two chapters in context before beginning this study. Grab a pen, notebook, and a cup of something-along with your bible, and let’s get into the word!

Introduction: The motive of this study is two fold. One, it is to examine your own heart. Look at your life, what areas fall into carnality, which ones fall into the spiritual man? Which things need weeding out, changing, improvement, and which things are you “right on”? In the areas that you are on target, be encouraged! It’s ok to hear “well done good and faithful servant”. We don’t always have to beat our selves up for mistakes but we must learn from them, and give praise in the victories.

The other motive is to warn. It’s plain and simple. Be aware of the company you keep. However, my concern is I don’t wish to create a suspiciousness in the body. The word we are looking to place is again ‘discern’. If you feel in anyway that you begin to become too suspicious in looking for carnality and wolves after this study, pray about that-keep checking your heart. Do remember though, 1 John 4 does tell us to test. This testing is imperative to the health of the body collectively, and the individual’s spiritual health all together. That is the purpose of this study. To help equip the saints to “see” things they may ordinarily not see. To learn if one is ministering to them from a “different spirit”, “human spirit” or from inspired words from G-D. Many have been hurt by folks who just minister because they feel they have to be used, and they jump ahead and don’t wait for G-D’s timing. Others have been torn apart by those who are not of the fold at all, or, are saved but are hearing from evil spirits more than the voice of the L-rd. I hope this study will begin to shed some light on these things. 

These last six months have been of great interest for several concerning “the counterfeit”. Many believers, including myself, have been exposed to “believers” carrying around a different spirit other than the Holy Spirit. Some may be walking in their humanness, others under the direction of a demonic spirit controlling them to look like sheep, talk like sheep, but behave differently. For the purposes of those of us left here in the end times days, I thought I’d compile the scriptures required to help us to identify to keep ourselves from falling into these traps. “Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.” 1 Corinthians 10:12 This study will be divided into three parts, the Carnal, the Spiritual and the Wolf. Are you ready? Great, let’s go!

Part 1-The Carnal

There are two types of believers, the carnal and the spiritual. All are saved, call on the Name of Messiah, but one sees with eyes of flesh and one sees with eyes of G-D. Not all carnal Christians are indulging in sinful pleasures, some are simply operating out of the spirit of man, and not the spirit of G-D. Although carnality mostly refers to the fleshly desires most often associated with sex, it also has to do with being “worldly” and “earthly”. Part of Merriam Webster’s definition says, “an action or manifestation of a person's lower nature”

Did you know that some folks actually desire so badly to be used by the L-rd in supernatural ways that they in fact “minister” out of their flesh? Other folks are just too busy for G-D to be with Him. They have a church activity every night of the week, thinking they’re doing something good, filling up their social calendars. Maybe you’ve heard of the acronym “busy”:

B - being
U - under
S - Satan’s
Y - yoke.

Another form of ministry I’ve had the experience of sharing in is “spiritual” ministry. I’ve had “the L-rd says to you” or folks that come up behind my back and lay hands on me whom I’ve never met before and they begin to prophesy words that make no sense at all-do not pertain to any situations I have going on, and only makes me more confused rather than hearing a clear, concise word from the L-rd. I have learned that these very well meaning people maybe do “feel” something, or are even spiritual, but, it is possibly the spirit of man that is being influenced the most, not the Holy Spirit doing the influencing. Here’s a tip for discernment: if you ever receive a prophecy, word of knowledge, or an “inspired word” of some sort-if it causes you to say “what does that mean?” I’d say 9 times out of 10, it was not from G-D. “for G-D is not the author of confusion” 1 Corinthians 14:33. If G-D is going to speak in a supernatural way, and He does, and He can, the Word is still His. Therefore, it would not be confusing, nor filled with a lot of spiritual sounding mumbo jumbo. Look at Yeshua, He did speak in parables yes, but He shot straight from the hip, and His stories had purpose and lessons. When you hear words that you are trying to make fit into you life, like trying to fit a piece that looks like the right piece of a jigsaw puzzle, but in fact it’s not an exact fit, you must question the source. Sure enough, it could be an off-timing issue, but if it causes confusion, it’s not from the L-rd.

While these two types of people above, the busy for G-D’s, and the ministers of the flesh, are precious people to the 

L-rd, they can be a danger, to the body and to themselves. They may be weighed down with sins, or various lusts, being deceived easily, and, possibly carrying around spiritual bondages that are unhealthy. These folks are indeed the most in danger to be deceived. (see 2 Timothy 3: 1-7). To heed one’s advice ministering out of this category could be detrimental to your own spiritual health. There also could be a spiritual uncleanness. When we move into some of the lessons from the Biblical counseling course I just completed, we will learn to identify “idols of the heart” and, needing to be a minister, or a voice box for G-D can be one of those idols. There is nothing wrong with desiring to be used of the L-rd, we should all want to do so. However, if one is not willing to wait for the anointing of the L-rd to do the ministering, and they consequently minister “out of their flesh”, then they are making that ministry an idol. I don’t want to get too off track, we’ll study idols of the heart soon enough.

Let’s look at the scriptures together. Assuming you’ve read Chapter’s 2 and 3 of 1 Corinthians, lets look at 2:1-

“And I, brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God.” (emphasis mine)

Paul is not using huge vocabulary or eloquent speech as to impress folks, or operating as if it appears he’s so wise. He remains in a humble state, only giving the testimony of the things of the L-rd. This was that so the faith of the audience would be in the power of G-D and not the wisdom of men. Here’s verses 4 and 5:

4And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God. 

Be aware of “wordiness”. Don’t look to books of fine theologians, “revelations”, and “well respected” leaders. Though these men and women can be anointed, insightful, and inspiring, not ONE of them is infallible. They can make mistakes, they are not G-D. 

While curriculums and bible studies are good, our faith is not in them, it is in the L-rd and His power. We must be aware of these studies that “look godly” too. I can tell you right now, there is a popular book sweeping the churches of America and it contains quotes from worldly people, including known atheists and lesbians. Why would we mix the profane with the holy? There are misquotes of scripture, yet about 20,000 churches today are embracing this book and think it’s the best thing since sliced bread. Yet, I can’t tell too many people about this book. I can’t even openly share that it is possible that “all these people” are deceived. Yet, there are a few well known respected persons that agree with me. We are in the minority camp on this one. Have you ever tried to share something that the L-rd has shown you and it’s not well received? You may be dealing with a carnal Christian. Have you ever been given something that could have been from the L-rd and you didn’t receive it? Did you “go with the crowd”, or majority rules? Perhaps you were being carnal. I know I have been resistant before to promptings from the Holy Spirit. Immediately casting down those promptings saying, “oh, that can’t be right.” Only to learn it was I being fleshly at that moment, and not ready to receive what the spirit had for me. “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which G-D has prepared for those who love Him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9

Being “wise” and “spiritual” sometimes means being unpopular. Consider the cost. As we continue in this study-be prepared. Living for G-D is NOT a winning a popularity contest. Most believers think that’s fine because they’re not looking to the world for friendship anyway. But, I ask you this? Are you prepared to be the minority in your church? I have to tell you, there are many believers today that are only willing to do the bare minimum in their walk with G-D. A walk of excellence requires more and it may include being shunned by those in the body. 

In our scripture passages, verses 6 thru 9 tells us that the wisdom of G-D is spoken among the mature, but not with the wisdom of this age, nor the rulers of this age. Hence the above mentioned book quotes all kinds of tid bits that sound great, godly and wise-but it’s from “rulers” of this age that may not even be saved. We must be careful of things that make us “feel good” even “feel godly” or “spiritual” they still may be of the flesh. 

We also see in these passages that in our humanness we haven’t seen what G-D has prepared for us. The wisdom of G-D is a mystery. Without moving onto vs. 10 just because that crosses into part 2-the spiritual- I look at these verses and see that G-D’s wisdom is a mystery, and if even prominent leaders are not able to acquire this wisdom, what does it take for one to obtain it? 

An important thing we must do is discern the source. My measuring stick for weighing wisdom is from the book of James chapter 3. The first category is the demonic or earthly (carnal) wisdom: 13”Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. 14But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. 15This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. 16For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there.”

Remember that person who desires so badly to be used by the L-rd, that they jump in? They either “minister” with earthly wisdom, advice, or even supernaturally in the spiritual. Well, look at verse 16- the person may not be envious (or maybe they are), but, the SELF SEEKING part is the key. It doesn’t even mean they are seeking notoriety, although that can imply, it can mean that the person is seeking to fill that desire that they must be used. That’s seeking “self” and it’s purposes. (again, when we study idols of the heart this will all tie in). Notice the rest of verse 16- CONFUSION and every evil thing are there. Remember that confusion I spoke of earlier? This is where it comes from. Well meaning souls, who are indeed loved by G-D, but they minister out of their own desires, flesh, and cause confusion. What about the evil part? It opens doors of spiritual consequences when heeding advice that is not of the L-rd. It all sounds scary, doesn’t it? You may say, “well then who can I trust?” I tell you, you can trust G-D. Spend time with Him, and even more so, make it a priority in these last days, because well meaning Christians will increase as will the deceivers. The only way you will be able to discern is by the peace in your heart, guarded by the Holy Spirit. Look at James 3 again with me:

17”But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. 18Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.”

Learn this verse well. Here’s is your example of wisdom that is from Heaven. It is first always pure, and then peaceable. That peace in the heart can really be your guide. 

I want to speak for a moment about that wisdom that is pure. I had a friend come to me this week to tell me about a situation she was in. Her long time girlfriend called the man my friend used to be engaged to for his birthday. My friend had decided to not call him herself since they broke their engagement, even though she still very much in love with him. She came to my home furious and upset, naturally. But listen to what I got out of this. I’ll call my friend Joyce.

Joyce: “I was at my friends house last week and I just knew in my spirit something was wrong. I felt that the L-rd was telling me she called Bob for his birthday. So, I decided to ask her, and I pleaded with her to tell me the truth.”

Jennifer: “so what was your friends response?”

Joyce: “well, she said ‘yes’. She called him just as a friend. I asked her why she thought he was her friend and she told me because of the one time we were together, the three of us, and he bought us all sandwiches and we talked. I’m furious, I told her I decided not to call him so she goes ahead and calls? Why? I don’t think she has feelings for him, but I think it’s ridiculous, they hardly know each other. And this makes me look bad because I didn’t call him.”

Jennifer: “What makes you think G-D told you that she called Bob?”

Joyce: “well, I don’t know, I just knew, and then when she admitted it was true I just assumed it was from the L-rd.”

Jennifer: “What would be G-D’s point in telling you this? It’s not edifying. What kind of “warning” did you need from this? It has caused feelings of anger, jealousy, and concern over what Bob thinks. Satan knows also that she called him.”

Joyce: “yes he does.”

Jennifer: “G-D loves all his children. Your friend is a believer. Even if she was in sin, do you think the L-rd will tell you? I don’t want Him telling MY sins to everyone, as I’m sure He’d not tell me yours, etc. There are exceptions, of course, biblically and in modern day for practical use, correction, etc. But it is ALWAYS for the edification of the saints. It’s never to cause condemnation, ill feelings, or for the one receiving the information to be condescending. IF G-D wanted you to know someone’s mistakes, it would be with a responsibility-for prayer, or to help. I don’t think it was the L-rd’s voice you heard on this one, because love covers a multitude of sins and He loves His children. Besides, this really wasn’t a sin, she just called the man to wish him a happy birthday with no motives as she’s not interested in him. (he’s a non believer-which is why my friend had to cancel the engagement-so her friend was trying to be a loving believer to him) No, Joyce, this was from Satan, look how he has you worked up.”

Joyce: “your right, I see that.”

Dear ladies-we have to use this measuring stick from James…….is this supernatural wisdom or knowledge we receive pure? Do we still have peace? Or, are we hearing from another? From someone’s flesh, or another spirit? Was Joyce in sin when she “heard” that her friend called Bob? No, but, at the time it was too difficult to discern the source, as the emotions flooded in. It can happen to any of us- thus, she had a flesh, or carnal moment. 

Why is it we can actually “feel” like something is from G-D but it may not be? Well, we, as humans also have a spirit. See 1 Corinthians 2:11. This spirit part of us is susceptible to things of the spiritual realm. Just because there may be some accurate information doesn’t always mean it’s from G-D, as we just learned. 

We also read in verse 14 that the natural man struggles against receiving the things of G-D. And with so many of us in our battles with the flesh/will against the Spirit, the Holy Spirit, it’s a no wonder that those of us who strive to walk the spiritual life can have a lonely walk. 

Remember I said not to look toward men? Don’t categorize someone by who they follow or what doctrine they are from. Whether Baptist or Charismatic, they are all G-D’s children. Look at chapter 3 of 1 Corinthians:

1 And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ. 2I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able; 3for you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men? 4For when one says, "I am of Paul," and another, "I am of Apollos," are you not carnal? 

Take my conversation with Joyce. Joyce needed to hear from someone she trusted some discernment. Just as I might need someone gifted with mercy to balance my discernment. This is the body functioning together. If we all stay under our “Pauls” or our “Apollos’” we’ll never be able to operate as a spiritual body. The body is diverse, and it can’t grow and obtain these mysteries from G-D if we stay on the milk, stay only with our “own kind”, or remain carnal. 5Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers through whom you believed, as the Lord gave to each one? 6I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. 7So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase. 8Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor. So, it’s not some doctrine that gives increase, it’s not a special curriculum or book. We must divert from being carnal in nature, in mind/thought/practice, and we must press on towards being spiritual. Paul also gives a warning to the carnal believer in verses 18-21 of chapter 3: 

18Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you seems to be wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. 19For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, "He catches the wise in their own craftiness"; 20and again, "The LORD knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile." 21Therefore let no one boast in men.

Let’s search our hearts and lives for areas of carnality that needs to go. Remember, carnality goes beyond the obvious sins of the world. Listen to Paul’s instruction to not be carnal. We also must discern who in our company may be carnal. I will speak more about why in the next section-but for now, remember it is to never judge or be condescending. It is for protection, however, and perhaps to pray that person out of their carnality. We must be loving to all people, even our enemies. This discernment comes with a great responsibility. 

May the L-rd bless you in your inward searches, and I leave you with a portion of a psalm to ponder. Until the next segment, may the L-rd BLESS YOU RICHLY out of Zion! In His love, Jennifer 

Psalm 139: 1-6
O LORD, You have searched me and known me. 2You know my sitting down and my rising up; You understand my thought afar off. 
3You comprehend my path and my lying down, And are acquainted with all my ways. 
4For there is not a word on my tongue, 
But behold, O LORD, You know it altogether. 
5You have hedged me behind and before, 
And laid Your hand upon me. 6Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; 
It is high, I cannot attain it. 

And vs. 23-24:

23Search me, O God, and know my heart; 
Try me, and know my anxieties; 
24And see if there is any wicked way in me, 
And lead me in the way everlasting