Carnality on SermonAudio

For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. 6For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. 8So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.9But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. 10And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 11But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.

The sermon emphasizes that true worship occurs in the spirit and truth rather than through external rituals or physical symbols like circumcision. It distinguishes between the carnal class relying on externals and the spiritual class who rely on the internal work of the Holy Spirit for salvation. The preacher argues that genuine faith requires no confidence in the flesh, including religious ceremonies or lineage, but solely in the blood of Christ. Evil workers are condemned for adding works to the gospel of grace, which undermines the sufficiency of Christ's finished work. Believers are called to rejoice in the Lord, maintaining their joy by rejecting false doctrines and remaining grounded in the pure gospel.

Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:6–10 Sermon: "The Hidden Snare of Loving Money (Biblical Church Finance: Part 1)" Speaker: Pastor Sam Lee Date: August 9, 2026

The sermon emphasizes that believers must labor for God's glory rather than personal recognition, utilizing the metaphor of planting and watering found in 1 Corinthians 3. It asserts that effective ministry occurs only within the context of a local church, where individuals are sent out as servants to reach the lost. Pastor Friesen warns against spiritual independence and carnality, urging unity and submission to biblical authority. Ultimately, the message calls listeners to trust in Christ for salvation, recognizing that true success comes from God alone while human effort remains insufficient without His power.

The sermon explores the nature of true Christian fellowship with God, emphasizing that it is founded on walking in the light and adhering to Scripture. It highlights the profound joy that comes from this relationship while warning against the interruptions caused by sin, rebellion, and worldly distractions. The preacher urges believers to abandon hypocrisy and concealment by honestly confessing their sins to experience God's faithful cleansing and restoration. Through personal anecdotes and biblical references, the message stresses the importance of maintaining spiritual vitality and obedience in a increasingly carnal culture. Ultimately, it calls the congregation to return to a vibrant, honest communion with Christ and His family.

Triumphing Over Sinful Fears

Music is not morally neutral, but has a powerful influence on the heart, mind, body, emotions, and character of those who hear it. According to Ephesians 5:10-11 believers must prove what is acceptable unto the Lord and have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, especially in the music used for worship. Godly music should be marked by order, melody, harmony, reverence, and spiritual purpose, while fleshly and worldly music appeals to the body, stirs carnal passions, and will lead the church away from holiness and truth. It is critical, in this late hour, to exercise careful discernment, especially in the house of God, so that music offered in worship honors the Lord rather than conforming to the spirit and appetites of the world.

In Part 10 of "Calling Out Carnality," Keith Voyles concludes the series from James 5. He warns that affliction can expose carnality through impatience, bitterness, careless words, and a damaged testimony. Believers are called to endure patiently, follow the examples of the prophets and Job, guard their integrity, and depend upon prayer. The message closes by showing that unchecked carnality forfeits spiritual power, especially power in prayer. Primary text: James 5:7–20.

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