1. Carnal CHRISTians at Corinth!

“1And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. 2I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. 3For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?” (1Cor 3:1-3)

The word “carnal” is σάρκινος: (sar’-kee-nos), which means fleshly, consisting of flesh, carnal.

How can one tell if he or she is a carnal- fleshly CHRISTian? Notice the words “envy,” “strife,” and “divisions”:

The word “envy” is ζῆλος, (dzay’-los), which means eagerness, zeal, enthusiasm, jealousy, rivalry.

2. Strong Meat for Strong CHRISTians!

“2For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. 13For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. 14But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.” (Heb 5:12-14)

The word “full age” is τέλειος, (tel’-i-os), which means complete in all its parts, full grown, of full age, specially of the completeness of Christian character.

Conclusion: Would Paul address us as CARNAL? Do we harbor grudges? Is it all about ourselves? Are we learning to deny self and take up a cross daily?