Connect 21- Prayer + Fasting - Holy Spirit, Our HelperSample

Day 13 | Living a Spirit-Led Life

Paul describes two kinds of people here: those who live spiritually and those who live carnally. The spiritual person is led by the Holy Spirit, surrendering their life to God and growing in faith. In contrast, the carnal person is ruled by the flesh, focused on worldly desires and stuck in spiritual immaturity. While both may be saved, only the spiritual person receives eternal rewards for works done in obedience to the Spirit.

Paul also writes about the natural man, referring to the individual who is not saved and has not repented of their sins or placed their faith in Christ for redemption. Such a person is spiritually dead, unable to comprehend the truths of God because they are discerned through the Holy Spirit. The natural man may rely on their own abilities, knowledge, education, skills, ideologies, and wisdom. However, these worldly talents are meaningless in God’s eyes. The wisdom of the world is flawed, rooted in pride and self-sufficiency, and incapable of grasping the profound truth and power of the cross.

Paul writes that a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, because they are foolishness to him. God’s ways are higher than man’s, and His wisdom and strength surpass even the greatest human intellect. A man who is not saved cannot understand God’s knowledge because it can only be comprehended through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Only those who are born again can receive the things of God. No matter how intelligent, educated, accomplished, or successful a person is, spiritual truths are beyond human reasoning. Without this transformation, they remain unable to grasp divine wisdom. The Holy Spirit opens our hearts and minds, empowering us to grow in the knowledge of God.

Reflection: Allow the Holy Spirit to reveal any carnal ways you may have. Cooperate with Him so He can do the internal work that will grow you into the likeness of Christ.

Prayer: Father, thank You for convicting me of sin and unrighteousness. Help me to live a life of forward progress so I do not return to carnal pleasures and worldly ways. May I continue to grow in spiritual knowledge and discernment. In Jesus’s name, I pray, amen.