Carnality refers to the state of being focused on worldly desires and pleasures, rather than aligning oneself with God’s will.
Are you tired of being controlled by your carnal desires? Are you yearning for a true transformation of your mind, body, and spirit? I once suffered the bondage of carnality but today I give God the glory for the victory.
In today’s message, I will delve into the biblical steps that can help you rise above carnality and experience a deeper level of spiritual growth.
5 Major Impacts of Carnality
When you allow carnality to dominate your life, it can lead to:
1. Destructive behaviour
2. Hinder your spiritual growth.
3. Constant pursuit of temporary pleasures, such as indulging in excessive materialism and seeking validation through worldly accomplishments.
4. Engaging in sexual immoral acts.
5. Feeling empty and unsatisfied.
4 Dangers of Living a Carnal Lifestyle
1. Living in carnality hinders your ability to connect with GOD.
2. Your focus on worldly desires can block your ears from the voice of God and prevent you from hearing His guidance and direction for your life.
3. Carnal lifestyle will negatively affect your mental and emotional well-being.
4. Carnality takes your heart away from holiness which hinders getting to heaven.
“For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be.” (Romans 8:6-7)
7 Biblical principles for transformation from Carnality
The Bible provides us with timeless principles that can help us overcome carnality and experience true transformation.
These principles are not only self-help techniques but also rooted in the power of faith and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
1. Repentance and Turning Away from Carnal Desires
The first step towards transformation is recognizing the destructive nature of living in carnality and repenting of your sinful ways.
Repentance involves acknowledging your wrongdoings, asking for forgiveness, and making a conscious decision to turn away from your carnal desires.
It is through repentance that you open yourself up to God’s transforming power and allow Him to work in your life.
Repentance requires a humble heart and a willingness to let go of your own desires, trusting that God’s ways are higher and better than your own.
As you surrender your carnal desires to Him, He will guide you towards a life of righteousness and spiritual growth.
“For when we were in the flesh, the sinful passions which were aroused by the law were at work in our members to bear fruit to death.” (Romans 7:5)
2. Surrendering to God’s Will and Seeking His Guidance
Transformation from carnal mind requires surrendering your life to God’s will and seeking His guidance in all areas of your lives.
This involves submitting your desires, plans, and dreams to Him and allowing Him to direct your steps.
Surrendering to God’s will requires trust and faith that He knows what is best for you and will lead you on the path of true transformation.
Seeking God’s guidance can be done through prayer, spending time in His presence, and seeking wisdom from His Word.
When you align your desires with His then you will receive the LORD’s transforming power into your lives and experience the peace and fulfilment that only Him can provide.
3. Renewing Your Mind Through the Study of God’s Word
Transformation from carnality also involves renewing your mind with the truth found in God’s Word.
The Bible is not just a collection of ancient stories; it is a living and powerful tool that has the ability to transform your thinking and reshape your perspectives.
By immersing yourself in the Word of God, you allow His truth to penetrate your heart and mind, replacing the lies of carnality with the truth of His love and grace.
The study of God’s Word involves more than just reading; it requires meditation, reflection, and application.
As you meditate on His Word and allow it to dwell richly within your heart, you will experience a renewed mind that is aligned with God’s truth and free from the bondage of carnality.
4. Cultivating a Deep and Intimate Relationship with God
True transformation into holiness goes beyond mere behaviour modification; it involves cultivating a deep and intimate relationship with God.
When I prioritize my relationship with the LORD above all things in this life, I consistently enjoy His presence in every aspect of my life. This intimacy with God allows His love to permeate my heart and transform me from the inside out.
Cultivating a deep and intimate relationship with God involves spending regular time in prayer, worship, and fellowship with Him.
It requires allowing the LORD to search your heart and reveal areas that need His transforming touch. As you draw near to God, He draws near to you, and His transforming power becomes evident in your life.
5. Walking in the Power of the Holy Spirit
Transformation from carnal nature is not something you can accomplish on your own; it requires the power of the Holy Spirit working within you.
The Holy Spirit is your helper, guide, and source of power. When you invite the Holy Spirit to take control of your life, He empowers you to overcome carnality and makes it easy for you to walk in His righteousness.
Walking in the power of the Holy Spirit involves surrendering your will to the LORD, allowing Him to lead and guide you in every decision and action. It requires daily dependence on His strength and wisdom, knowing that apart from Him, you can do nothing.
“There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.” (Romans 8:1)
6. Overcoming Temptations
A righteous lifestyle is an ongoing process that requires discipline, perseverance and a commitment to staying aligned with God’s will.
Overcoming temptations involves being vigilant and aware of the areas in which you are most vulnerable.
It requires reliance on God’s strength and the implementation of practical strategies, such as accountability, avoiding triggers, and filling your mind with positive and uplifting word of God.
By staying connected to GOD always, you can overcome temptations and continue to grow in your spiritual journey.
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.”
“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” (Romans 12:1-2)
7. Living a Life of Purpose Through Evangelism
True transformation is not self-centred; It is meant to be lived out for the glory of God and the advancement of His kingdom.
As you allow God to transform your life, you become vessel through which His love, grace, and truth can flow to others. Your transformed life becomes a testament to His power and a beacon of hope for those still trapped in carnality.
Living a life of purpose involves using your God-given gifts and talents to serve others and make a difference in the world. Always minister the gospel to people around you and through the online media as well.
As you live out your transformed life in alignment with God’s will, you become agent of transformation in a world that is desperately in need of His love and truth!
I urge you to follow the biblical steps of repentance, surrender, renewal, and reliance on the Holy Spirit, and you will surely break free from the grip of carnality and live a life of purpose, peace, and fulfillment.
May you find the courage and strength to take these steps and experience the transformative power of God in your life in Jesus’ name.