Carnality in the church

          Carnality refers to being driven by the flesh — that is, living according to sinful human desires rather than being led by the Holy Spirit. In the church context, carnality manifests as behaviors and mindsets that reflect the world, not Christ. It brings division, hinders spiritual growth, and contradicts God's purpose for His people.

    Romans 8:6-7 (KJV) – "For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God..."

Biblical Definition of Carnality

          The Greek word for "carnal" is sarkikos, meaning “fleshly.” It denotes a life influenced by the fallen nature rather than the Spirit of God.

    1 Corinthians 3:1-3 – "And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal... For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions..."

          Paul rebuked the Corinthian church for being immature and behaving like unbelievers, even though they were Christians.

Signs of Carnality in the Church

a. Division and Strife

    1 Corinthians 1:10-13 – Paul addresses quarrels and party spirit (“I am of Paul... I am of Apollos”).

b. Jealousy and Competition

    Galatians 5:20 – "...hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife..."

c. Worldliness and Compromise

    James 4:4 – "Friendship with the world is enmity with God."

d. Lack of Spiritual Growth

    Hebrews 5:12-13 – They ought to be teachers but still need milk.

e. Sensuality and Immorality

    1 Corinthians 5:1 – A report of sexual immorality “not even named among Gentiles.”

 Causes of Carnality in the Church

a. Shallow Teaching of the Word

    2 Timothy 4:3-4 – People desire teachers who tell them what they want to hear.

b. Absence of the Holy Spirit's Leadership

    Romans 8:14 – "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God."

c. Uncrucified Flesh

    Galatians 5:24 – "They that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh..."

d. Influence of Culture Over Scripture

          When worldly trends dictate the church’s message, carnality prevails.

e. Lack of Discipleship

          Without spiritual mentorship and accountability, believers remain carnal.

Biblical Examples of Carnality

a. The Corinthian Church

           Known for their spiritual gifts but rebuked for division, pride, and immorality.

b. The Church in Laodicea (Revelation 3:15-17)

           They were lukewarm — neither hot nor cold — and proud of their wealth, yet spiritually blind.

c. Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-11)

           Their deceit and desire for recognition led to instant judgment.

d. The Israelites in the Wilderness

    1 Corinthians 10:1-6 – They lusted after evil things, causing God’s displeasure.

Dangers of Carnality in the Church

● Grieves the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:30)

● Hinders revival and growth (Isaiah 59:2)

● Leads to false doctrines (2 Peter 2:1-3)

● Weakens witness to the world (Matthew 5:13-16)

● Invites God's discipline (Hebrews 12:6)

● Brings internal destruction (Galatians 5:15)

How to Overcome Carnality

a. Renew the Mind with the Word of God

    Romans 12:2 – "Be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind..."

b. Walk in the Spirit

    Galatians 5:16 – "Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh."

c. Practice Self-Examination

    2 Corinthians 13:5 – "Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith..."

d. Preach Sound Doctrine

    Titus 2:1 – "But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine."

e. Discipline and Restoration

    Matthew 18:15-17 – Deal with unrepentant sin lovingly but firmly.

f. Prayer and Fasting

    Carnality loses power when the church seeks God in consecration.

g. Pursue Holiness

    Hebrews 12:14 – "Follow peace... and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord."

Key Bible Verses Against Carnality

● Galatians 5:19-21 – Works of the flesh listed.

● Romans 13:14 – "Make no provision for the flesh..."

● Colossians 3:1-10 – Put to death fleshly desires.

● 2 Timothy 2:21 – "A vessel unto honour, sanctified..."

Prayer Points to Overcome Carnality

1. Lord, deliver our church from the spirit of division and strife.

(1 Corinthians 3:3)

2. Father, fill us with a hunger for the truth of Your Word.

(Psalm 119:105)

3. Holy Spirit, purge our hearts of worldly desires.

(Galatians 5:24)

4. God, revive our church and restore true spiritual hunger.

(Psalm 85:6)

5. Lord, raise spiritual leaders who will not compromise.

(2 Timothy 2:15)

           Carnality is a spiritual cancer in the church that must be identified and uprooted. It hinders the flow of the Spirit, distorts the gospel, and misrepresents Christ to the world. Through repentance, spiritual maturity, sound doctrine, and walking in the Spirit, the church can be purified and empowered for God's glory.

    Ephesians 5:27 – "...that He might present it to Himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing..."