THE NATURAL AND SPIRITUAL MAN

1 Corinthians 2:14-16 But the natural 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. For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.

Beginning in the first chapter of this letter, and continuing through its complete content, Paul contrasted, at great length, the wisdom of man (worldly wisdom), to the wisdom of God (spiritual wisdom). Based upon their source of wisdom, this division among people has always been in existence. It was evident during the Patriarchal Era, Jewish Dispensation, the early Christian Era, and it is definitely in existence today. It is extremely difficult, and approaching the impossibility, of one committed to, and dependant upon, worldly wisdom to receive, understand, accept, and rely on the wisdom of God.

Here, in the lesson text, Paul continues this comparison between the natural man (and) he that is spiritual. Worldliness is rooted in man's "natural" instincts, as in passion, appetite, desire, and pride. Such are the same drives of nature that govern animal life. Self-satisfaction, and self-preservation are characteristics innate, by nature, to all animal life. The distinction between mankind, and all other animals is that human beings possess a soul. The soul, being the spiritual nature of a person, cannot be satisfied, as are worldly appetites. Natural instincts appeal to the physical body, thus the natural desire if a person is to satisfy their body. The soul of mankind has no desire for the comforts and preservation offered by nature. Why? Because the soul is spiritual - it cannot be extinguished nor will it die - it will exist forever - it is eternal.

Here is the existing problem that Paul addresses in this letter. The preservation of one's earthly body, for as long as possible, depends on wisely using all of the blessings God has given them to sustain physical life. The preservation of one's soul, however, depends on knowing, understanding, believing, and obeying God's will, during the length of their physical life. The preservation of, both natural, and spiritual man, can only be accomplished during the lifetime of each individual man and woman, while here on earth. Neglect of either will result in early, untimely, physical death for the natural man, and eternal death and torment for the soul of the spiritual man.

For those concerned only in sustaining the physical body (the natural man), all things spiritual are deemed to be unnecessary, become unimportant, and go unheeded. Thus, as Paul says in the lesson text, that the things written by God through the Holy Spirit - the things that sustain the soul, are foolishness to the natural man. For the soul to receive necessary nourishment that is available from God's word, there must be a spiritual appetite. The desire to know the truth about the destiny of one's soul, is the only incentive that will result in seeking things that are spiritual. One must desire to search for salvation in the only place it can be found - that is, in the Holy Spirit-inspired New Testament. The desire must then be to make the right judgment based on the study of God's Holy Word. This study must lead one to make the correct spiritual discernment - to make the distinction between the wisdom of God, when compared to human wisdom.

Verse 15, of the lesson text says, But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. This tells us that the spiritual man, having heard, understood, and obeyed God's word, possesses a discerning judgment of both the worldly and spiritual natures of mankind. Spiritual man will, not only strive to sustain his physical life on earth, but will continually strive to live a life that will be obedient to God's will - a life that will lead to eternal life in heaven. Natural man, by ignoring the will of God, cannot make this same discernment. Natural man considers the lifestyle of spiritual man as foolishness.

Paul, in the last verse of the lesson text tells us why this is so, by quoting the meaning of the rhetorical question found in Isaiah 40:13. For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? The answer to this question is definitely, "No one!" No one can comprehend the divine wisdom of God beyond that which He has revealed through His Holy Spirit. Therefore, natural man cannot instruct spiritual man. Why? Because, having received by faith, and obeyed God's plan of salvation by being baptized into the body of Christ for the forgiveness of sins, spiritual man obtains the mind of Christ, which can only be instructed by God!