1Corinthians 2:14 -3:4. THE THREE DIVISIONS OF MANKIND. The Bible divides all of mankind into three groups. God’s divisions of mankind are based upon the spiritual condition of the human heart.
THE NATURAL MAN: 1Cor.2:14. Alienated from God.
1. Born only once. Alive physically; dead spiritually.
2. Motivated by his own physical desires.
3. Unbelieving, unconverted, unsaved.
4. Self is supreme (“flesh”, Jn. 3:6). Jesus Christ is not in the flesh. He is excluded.
5. Ego-centered. Functions and seeks fulfillment in the five senses.
6. Outwardly gracious, courteous, and kind. Inwardly seeks to gratify fleshly desires.
7. His spirit has never been touched by the Holy Spirit; he is separated from God.
8. Despite natural gifts and physical accomplishments, he has a major void in his life. Pascal –
“There is a God-shaped vacuum in every heart.” Henry Thoreau – “The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation.”
9. Things of God are foolishness, distasteful, moronic; he cannot know them because they are
spiritually discerned.
THE CARNAL MAN: 1Cor.3:1. A Christian under fleshly control.
1. He has experienced God’s salvation, but not God’s sovereignty.
2. Born physically and spiritually.
3. Christ is in the life, but the self is supreme.
4. Ego is in the driver’s seat.
5. Remains a baby, Christian.
6. Without growth; no development; growth arrested.
7. Unfulfilled and wretched because of resisting God’s plan.
8. Easily offended and hurt at the slightest provocation.
9. Unusual activity disturbs him.
10. Shortsighted; lacks judgment; immature.
11. Envy, strife, and division. [1Cor.3:3] Children quarrel and fight; are impatient; lack self-control; and
are unable to get along with one another.
THE SPIRITUAL MAN: 1Cor.2:15-16. Life controlled by the Holy Spirit…
1. Judges all things.
2. Jesus Christ is in control of his life; He rules and reigns.
3. Totally committed himself to Christ.
4. Grows and brings forth fruit.
5. Has experienced the love of God and wants to share that love with others.
6. Has discernment; is able to make the right decisions.
7. Understands the scriptures and is able to live in God’s perfect will.
8. Displays the mind of Christ [Phil.2:5]. A mind of service and submission.
9. Seeks each day to conform to the image of Christ.