What is the carnal man? 

The term “carnal man” appears in the Bible to describe a person who is dominated by the fleshly, sinful nature. The word “carnal” comes from the Greek word sarkikos, which means “fleshly” or “pertaining to the flesh.” The carnal man is in contrast to the spiritual man, who is led by the Holy Spirit.

Understanding the carnal man is crucial for believers because it explains why people struggle with sin and how they can be transformed by God’s power.

Biblical Definition of the Carnal Man

The Carnal Man Is Governed by the Flesh

The Bible describes the carnal man as someone who follows the desires of the flesh rather than the Spirit.

Romans 8:5-8 (NKJV)
“For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. 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. So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God.”

• The carnal man sets his mind on the flesh, which leads to spiritual death.
• The carnal mind is at war with God and refuses to submit to Him.
• Those in the flesh cannot please God because they are ruled by sinful desires.

The Carnal Man Is a Slave to Sin

A person who is carnal is enslaved by sin and does not have the power to overcome it on his own.

Romans 7:14-15 (NKJV)
“For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am carnal, sold under sin. For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do.”

• The apostle Paul describes the struggle of a carnal man—he wants to do good, but his sinful nature holds him captive.
• The carnal man is powerless to defeat sin without God’s help.

Characteristics of the Carnal Man

Lives According to the Desires of the Flesh

Galatians 5:19-21 (NKJV)
“Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”

The carnal man is known by his sinful lifestyle, which includes:

• Sexual immorality (adultery, fornication, lewdness)
• Idolatry (putting anything before God)
• Hatred and anger (jealousies, outbursts of wrath)
• Selfishness and pride (selfish ambitions, dissensions)
• Addictions and destructive behaviors (drunkenness, revelries)

Cannot Understand Spiritual Things

1 Corinthians 2:14 (NKJV)
“But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.”

• The carnal man rejects spiritual wisdom because he is spiritually blind.
• He views God’s truth as foolishness and refuses to submit to it.

Is Led by Worldly Desires

1 John 2:16 (NKJV)
“For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world.”

The carnal man follows:

• The lust of the flesh (desires that please the body)
• The lust of the eyes (greed, envy, materialism)
• The pride of life (self-exaltation, arrogance)

Can a Christian Be Carnal?

Many believers struggle with carnality, but a true Christian will grow in the Spirit.

1 Corinthians 3:1-3 (NKJV)
“And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ. I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able; for you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men?”

• Some Christians remain spiritually immature and act carnally.
• Signs of carnality in Christians: envy, strife, and divisions.
• God calls believers to grow and overcome carnality.

Romans 12:2 (NKJV)
“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.”

How Can Someone Overcome Carnality?

Be Born Again

John 3:6-7 (NKJV)
“That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’”

• The only solution to carnality is being born of the Spirit.
• A carnal person must surrender to Christ and receive the Holy Spirit.

Walk in the Spirit

Galatians 5:16 (NKJV)
“I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.”

• Walking in the Spirit means daily surrendering to God’s leading.
• The Holy Spirit gives power to resist sin and live righteously.

Crucify the Flesh

Galatians 5:24 (NKJV)
“And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.”

• A believer must deny sinful desires and pursue righteousness.
• Daily prayer, Bible study, and obedience help overcome carnality.

Renew the Mind

Ephesians 4:22-24 (NKJV)
“That you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.”

• The mind must be renewed by God’s Word.
• A believer must reject worldly influences and embrace God’s truth.

Conclusion

The carnal man is one who is controlled by the flesh and not the Spirit. The Bible warns that those who live according to the flesh cannot please God. However, through Jesus Christ, anyone can be transformed from carnality to spiritual maturity.

Believers are called to walk in the Spirit, resist sin, and grow in holiness and righteousness. The carnal mind leads to death, but a mind set on the Spirit leads to life and peace (Romans 8:6).

To overcome carnality, we must be born again, walk in the Spirit, crucify the flesh, and renew our minds daily.

Romans 8:13 (NKJV)
“For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.”