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Jesus in Psalm 51:18-19

In Part 4 of "Calling Out Carnality," Keith Voyles preaches from James 2:1–13 about how favoritism and respect of persons reveal carnality in a believer's life. Keith explains that Christians may profess faith in the Lord Jesus Christ while behaving in ways that misrepresent His character. One clear example is treating people differently because of wealth, appearance, social position, influence, talent, or personal benefit. The message warns that favoritism always produces two results: someone is idolized while someone else is isolated. One person is welcomed, honored, and included, while another is ignored, pushed aside, or treated as inferior. Keith stresses that this conduct is not merely socially wrong; it damages the testimony of Christ. Christ does not show partiality. Although He is the Lord of glory, He humbled Himself, became a servant, and freely receives whosoever will come to Him. Therefore, believers cannot claim His faith while refusing to display His character toward others. Keith applies the passage directly to conduct within the church. The rich man in good clothing must not receive better treatment than the poor man in vile raiment. Both were souls for whom Christ died. Showing preference because of what someone can provide—money, influence, connections, status, or talent—is carnal and selfish. The sermon also warns against cliques and social divisions among God's people. Christians must not build exclusive circles that welcome those they prefer while shutting out others in the same body. Genuine Christian fellowship requires humility, mercy, equal treatment, and a willingness to serve people regardless of their position. Primary text: James 2:1–13

In Part 3 of "Calling Out Carnality," Keith Voyles continues examining how the flesh influences a Christian's thinking, decisions, attitudes, and conduct. The message warns that carnality is not limited to outward or scandalous sins. It begins when believers follow their own desires, reasoning, emotions, and appetites instead of submitting themselves to the Word of God and the leadership of the Holy Spirit. When the flesh is continually fed, spiritual discernment weakens, temptation becomes harder to resist, and sinful behavior begins to appear normal or excusable. Keith challenges Christians to identify the areas where the flesh has gained influence, quit defending disobedience, and deliberately walk in the Spirit. Spiritual victory requires honest self-examination, repentance, prayer, separation from influences that strengthen temptation, and obedience to Scripture. "This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh." — Galatians 5:16, KJV Key texts: 1 Corinthians 3:1–3; Romans 8:5–8; Galatians 5:16–17. Strong's: "Carnal" in 1 Corinthians 3:3 is G4559, sarkikos, meaning fleshly—governed by human nature rather than by the Spirit. First mention: The first KJV use of "carnal" is Romans 7:14: "For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin."

In Part 2 of "Calling Out Carnality," Keith Voyles continues warning Christians—especially young people—about the danger of yielding to temptation and living according to the flesh. The message explains that carnality develops when a believer allows fleshly desires, worldly influences, and sinful temptations to control his decisions. Temptation often begins in the mind and grows when it is entertained, excused, or hidden rather than immediately resisted. Keith challenges young Christians not to assume they are strong enough to remain close to sin without falling. The believer must recognize personal weaknesses, guard what enters the heart and mind, separate from influences that encourage sin, and flee temptation rather than attempting to manage it. The sermon emphasizes that victory cannot be achieved through willpower alone. Christians must depend upon the Lord, submit themselves to God, fill their minds with Scripture, and walk in the Spirit. A carnal life brings spiritual weakness and damages a believer's testimony, while obedience produces spiritual growth and usefulness to God. Primary themes: temptation, resisting the flesh, spiritual watchfulness, separation from sinful influences, and dependence upon God. Key Scriptures: 1 Corinthians 10:12–13; James 1:14–16; Galatians 5:16; 2 Timothy 2:22. "Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace…" — 2 Timothy 2:22, KJV

In this message, Keith Voyles preaches about the temptations that Christians commonly fall into and the danger of allowing the flesh to gain control. The sermon explains that temptation itself is not sin, but yielding to it leads a person into sin. Temptation often appeals to a believer's own desires, weaknesses, and appetites. What begins as a thought, attraction, or seemingly small compromise can grow into sinful action when it is entertained instead of resisted. Keith warns Christians not to become overconfident in their own strength. A believer who thinks he cannot fall is already in danger. The message calls God's people to recognize their weak areas, remain watchful, pray, avoid situations that feed temptation, and depend upon the Lord rather than the flesh. The sermon also emphasizes that God provides a way of escape in temptation. Victory comes through submission to God, obedience to Scripture, and walking in the Spirit. Christians must call temptation and sin what God calls them and refuse to excuse carnal behavior. Primary texts: James 1:13–16 and 1 Corinthians 10:12–13. "But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed." — James 1:14, KJV "Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall." — 1 Corinthians 10:12, KJV

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