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==> “The Natural Man vs. The Spiritual Man”. <==1 Corinthians 2:14–15 - “But the n a t u r a l man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.” ===> Paul draws a clear line between two kinds of men <=== The n a t u r a l man who lives by the flesh and the spiritual man who lives by the Spirit. Every believer must choose which man will rule his life. The natural man may have religion but not regeneration; the spiritual man has a relationship with God through the Holy Spirit.I. THE CHARACTER OF THE NATURAL MAN - (1 Corinthians 2:14; Romans 8:7–8)He is spiritually b l i n d. He cannot d i s c e r n the things of God because his spirit is dead.Ephesians 2:1 – “...dead in trespasses and sins.”He lives to please the f l e s h. He f o l l o w s passions, emotions, and worldly reasoning.Galatians 5:19–21 – the works of the flesh.He seeks the a p p r o v a l of men. Craves affirmation f r o m society, not the Savior.John 12:43 – “For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.”He has r e l i g i o n without r e l a t i o n s h i p.He may pray, but only for personal gain: James 4:3 – “Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss...”II. THE CHARACTER OF THE SPIRITUAL MAN - (1 Corinthians 2:15; Romans 8:1–6) He is alive in the Spirit. The Holy Spirit indwells and guides him: Romans 8:9 – “If any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.” He d e n i e s himself daily: Luke 9:23 – “If any man will come after me, let him d e n y himself, and take up his cross daily.” He is led by the Word and the Spirit: Psalm 119:105 – “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet.” — Romans 8:14 – “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” *** He prioritizes God’s will above all: Matthew 6:33 – “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness…” **** He walks in daily fellowship with God. ***** Prays, worships, listens, and obeys: 1 Thessalonians 5:17 – “Pray without ceasing.”III. THE CONSEQUENCES OF EACH LIFE ## The N a t u r a l Man’s End ## * Separation from God (Romans 6:23). ** A life of emptiness and regret (Mark 8:36). ## The S p i r i t u a l Man’s Reward ##: * Fellowship with God now and forever (1 John 1:7).** Spiritual discernment and peace (Philippians 4:7).*** Eternal reward (2 Timothy 4:7–8).CONCLUSION: The natural man lives for h i m s e l f; the spiritual man lives for Christ. The natural man walks by s i g h t; the spiritual man walks by faith. The natural man is bound by the world; the spiritual man is free in Christ.Romans 8:6 KJV “For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.”