People In Perspective

Guided Question

Have I genuinely embraced spiritual maturity, or am I still living under the drives of spiritual infancy or willful carnality?

Summary

Dr. Lewis examines the essential difference between indwelling and control by the Holy Spirit, challenging believers to evaluate the authenticity of their faith. Using 1 Corinthians 3 and Romans 8, he differentiates between the “babe in Christ” (spiritually immature but growing) and the “carnal Christian” (willfully fleshly despite time invested in the faith). Through Scripture and a powerful personal testimony, he warns of the emotional emptiness—pain, numbness, and futility—that accompanies a spiritual walk dominated by the flesh. The message ends with a heartfelt appeal to pursue the “spiritual life”—marked by spiritual disciplines, transformation, and true peace—rather than settling for milk or stagnancy.

Outline

• I. Life in the Spirit vs. the Flesh (Romans 8:9–14)

  • Distinguishing believers by the presence of the Spirit.

  • The call to put sin to death and live as God’s children by the Spirit.

• II. Spiritual Infancy vs. Carnality (1 Corinthians 3:1–3)

  • Infants in Christ: Growing, learning, not yet spiritually mature.

  • Carnal Christians: Willfully controlled by the flesh, not progressing spiritually.

• III. The Inner Struggle: A Testimony

  • A young believer’s heartfelt confession of spiritual emptiness and conflict.

• IV. Maturity Through Discipline (Hebrews 5:12–14)

  • Moving from milk to meat requires practice, discipline, and spiritual training.

• V. Final Challenge (Romans 8:5–6)

  • Choosing between a mindset of the flesh (death) and a mindset of the Spirit (life and peace).

Key Takeaways

• True spiritual maturity is more than surviving—it’s being Spirit‑controlled, not just Spirit‑indwelt.

• Spiritual infancy is forgivable, but prolonged carnality reflects a serious choice of the flesh.

• Emotional and spiritual emptiness among believers can reveal deep internal conflict.

• God calls us to train our spiritual senses through disciplined practice and obedience.

• Peace, purpose, and transformation come when our minds are set on the Spirit, not the flesh.

Scripture References

• Romans 8:9–14 – Life in the Spirit vs. life in the flesh.

• 1 Corinthians 3:1–3 – The contrast between spiritual infancy and carnality.

• Hebrews 5:12–14 – The call to grow from spiritual milk to solid food.

• Romans 8:5–6 – The consequences of mindsets set on the flesh versus the Spirit.

Recorded 7/19/81