8 Minute Read
Be Still
To the best of your ability, get rid of all distractions. Take a couple of minutes to breathe deeply, to quiet yourself in the Lord’s presence. Then, prayerfully ask the Lord to speak to you in this time and let Him know that you will be listening and will make whatever adjustments He will reveal to you.
Today’s Bible Reading:
Ezra 3:1–4:23
1 Corinthians 2:6–3:4
Psalm 28:1-9
Proverbs 20:24-25
Listen to the Lord
Slowly and reflectively read the following verses and listen to what God will say to you through them. Then, consider writing down any insights He reveals to you.
1 Corinthians 2:14 (NLT): “But people who aren’t spiritual can’t receive these truths from God’s Spirit. It all sounds foolish to them and they can’t understand it, for only those who are spiritual can understand what the Spirit means.”
1 Corinthians 3:1-3 (NLT): “Dear brothers and sisters, when I was with you I couldn’t talk to you as I would to spiritual people. I had to talk as though you belonged to this world or as though you were infants in Christ. I had to feed you with milk, not with solid food, because you weren’t ready for anything stronger. And you still aren’t ready, for you are still controlled by your sinful nature. You are jealous of one another and quarrel with each other. Doesn’t that prove you are controlled by your sinful nature? Aren’t you living like people of the world?”
Reflections from Scripture:
In 1 Corinthians 2:14 and 3:1-3, we see three types of people. Let’s first identify them and then describe them.
- Natural person – “people who aren’t spiritual”
- Spiritual person – “those who are spiritual”
- Worldly person – “you belonged to this world or as though you were infants in Christ”
Natural person
A “natural person” has physical life but has never been born again. They are “dead in their sins” and on their way to Hell. They are in desperate need of salvation.
Spiritual person
A “spiritual person” is living under the guidance and in the power of the Holy Spirit. They are saved and are growing in their knowledge and application of the truth of God’s Word. They are killing sin in their life and becoming more like Jesus as they grow in their relationship with Him. This is the way that God has always intended for every single saved person to live.
Worldly person
A “worldly person” is typically a temporary condition of a saved person. They are not submitting to the Spirit’s leading and are not growing in their knowledge and application of God’s Word. In fact, they can’t handle the “meat” of the Word and must continue to drink the “milk.” They are tolerating sin in their life and not pursuing holiness. They are, as the Scripture says, “babies in Christ.”
So, my friend, which one are you? It has been my observation that far too few “Christians” are legitimately spiritual people. Just as the Apostle Paul expressed frustration that the Corinthians were “infants in Christ,” there are so many people who are content to have a ticket to Heaven while living for this world. The only problem is that a “worldly person” and a “natural person” often act the same. So, there is a real possibility that someone believes themselves to be on their way to Heaven when they are actually on their way to Hell.
The safest and most spiritually rewarding life to live is as a “spiritual person.” Quit being content that you are headed for Heaven and start living like a citizen of Heaven. Depend upon God’s Holy Spirit to enable you to grow in your knowledge and application of God’s Word. Pursue a soul-satisfying relationship with Jesus. Then, on that day when you stand before Jesus, you’ll hear Him say, “Well done! Well done!”
Spend Time in Prayer
Lord Jesus, there are far too many “Christians” in name only. I know that You are always looking for someone ready to be sold out to You, to live the spiritual life with reckless abandon. Lord Jesus, I want that! Your gift of Yourself to me on the cross is worth no less. So help me as I rely upon You to be a “spiritual person” and as I encourage others to join me. I pray this in Your Name, Amen.
Matt Ellis is the pastor of First Baptist Church in Polk City, Florida (fbcpolkcity.com). His latest book is God’s Grace in the Real World. Connect with him on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn.
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