Carnality on SermonAudio

The sermon examines the theological distinction between the judgment of sin on the cross and the judgment seat of Christ, which evaluates the works of believers. It clarifies that salvation is secured by grace alone, while the Bema Seat determines rewards based on faithfulness and obedience to God's will. The message emphasizes that Christians must live with an awareness of future accountability, prioritizing spiritual growth and service over carnal desires or self-directed plans. By contrasting the temporary nature of worldly achievements with the eternal value of godly works, the preacher urges believers to pursue a life of consecration and dependence on the Holy Spirit. The tone is both instructional and urgent, calling for immediate self-examination and a renewed commitment to serving Christ with integrity.

In Chapter 1 of The Grace and Duty of Being Spiritually Minded, John Owen argues that all human beings exist in one of two mutually exclusive spiritual states—being "carnally minded," which leads to spiritual and eternal death, or being "spiritually minded," which results in life and peace. Grounding his exposition on Romans 8:6, Owen explains that true spiritual mindedness is not merely a passive or intellectual assent to religious concepts, but the active, continuous engagement of a Holy Spirit-renewed mind whose deepest affections, thoughts, and delights are habitually set on heavenly realities. He warns that while genuine believers may struggle with competing worldly attachments, settling for a low or complacent level of spirituality to accommodate earthly pursuits jeopardizes true peace of conscience and may indicate that a person remains under the ruling power of the flesh.

This text and study examine the practical implications of salvation by grace, contrasting the futile effort of keeping the Mosaic law with the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit. It emphasizes that believers are called to walk in the Spirit, a daily discipline of being filled through prayer, the Word, and fellowship, rather than relying on carnal strength to justify themselves. The text highlights the internal conflict between the flesh and the Spirit, noting that while the flesh produces evident works of sin, the Spirit produces transformative fruit such as love, joy, and peace. The central argument is that true Christian liberty is found not in legalistic adherence to rules, but in abiding in Christ, walking in the Spirit, allowing God to work in believers to will and do His good pleasure. The passage concludes with the imperative that those who live in the Spirit must consistently walk in the Spirit to overcome the lusts of the flesh.

The sermon examines Paul's intense spiritual conflict for the churches at Colossae and Laodicea, framing the epistle as a corrective to the spiritual apathy and false teachings that characterize the Laodicean condition. By cross-referencing Revelation 3, the message highlights the danger of becoming lukewarm, where believers are blinded to their own wretchedness, nakedness, and poverty despite their religious comforts or worldly success. The central theme emphasizes the necessity of being knit together in love, which serves as the binding agent for the local church, contrasting the destructive nature of sin and subtlety with the unifying power of charity. Furthermore, the text explores the 'full assurance of understanding' that comes from the Word of God, distinguishing divine faith from carnal common sense and affirming that true righteousness produces inner peace and quietness. The sermon concludes by pointing to the mystery of the Godhead, urging believers to yield their wills to the Father through their union with Christ, thereby accessing the hidden treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

The Canons of Dort The Fifth Head of Doctrine – The Perseverance of the Saints ARTICLE 11 – Believers struggle with various carnal doubts and do not always feel the full force of this assurance, but God will never tempt them above their ability to bear it, but makes for them a way of escape; also the Holy Spirit works assurance in us. The Scripture moreover testifies that believers in this life have to struggle with various carnal doubts, and that under grievous temptations they do not always feel this full assurance of faith and certainty of persevering. But God, who is the Father of all consolation, does not suffer them to be tempted above that they are able, but will with the temptation make also the way of escape, that they may be able to endure it (I Cor. 10:13), and by the Holy Spirit again inspires them with the comfortable assurance of persevering.

God turns our attention evil Jehoram and his half way measures at reformation. This is the Second Sermon in the Series, The Life and Ministry of Elisha, the Man of God.

This sermon examines the failure of King Saul in 1 Samuel 13, highlighting his disobedience in offering a burnt offering without waiting for the prophet Samuel as commanded. The preacher contrasts Saul's carnal confidence and impatience with the faith-driven initiative of Jonathan, using this narrative to illustrate the church's calling to actively engage in evangelism rather than remaining passive. The central message urges believers to wait patiently for divine guidance in major life decisions and to contend for the faith with spiritual weapons rather than relying on fleshly methods.