The "Carnal" Man and the "Perfect" Man

1 Corinthians 3:1‑3; Philippians 3:13‑15; Ephesians 4:13‑14  •  5 min. read  •  grade level: 8
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In 1 Corinthians 2:66Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: (1 Corinthians 2:6) the Apostle says, “Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect.” And then, in 1 Corinthians 3:1-31And 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? (1 Corinthians 3:1‑3), he says, “And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able, for ye are yet carnal.” While these two terms are not found in the same verse, they appear to be another contrast where Paul compares the state and maturity of Christians.
THE CARNAL MAN
“Carnal” means “fleshly.” It indicates a state of being governed by the flesh rather than by the Spirit. A “carnal” man could even be a Christian who has the Spirit of God, but doesn’t live according to the Spirit. A carnal Christian will be stunted in his spiritual growth. This was the problem with many of the Corinthians.
There are three times when the Apostle Paul speaks of a babe in an undesirable way. Many of the Jewish believers were still in that state because they had not let go of the forms and rituals of earthly religion—Judaism (Heb. 5:11-1411Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing. 12For 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. (Hebrews 5:11‑14)). Likewise, a believer who clings to an outward, formal, religious order in Christendom will also be hindered in his growth. Then in Ephesians 411And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 14That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; (Ephesians 4:11‑14), Paul speaks of Christians remaining as “babes” through not availing themselves of the gifts given to the Church from Christ the Head in heaven (Eph. 4:1414That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; (Ephesians 4:14) – J. N. Darby Trans.). The purpose of these gifts is to help the saints to understand the truth and to walk according to it. Then there were the Corinthians who were “babes” for another reason—carnality in following men (1 Cor. 3:1-21And 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. (1 Corinthians 3:1‑2)). None of these, of course, are commendable. The only time spiritual babyhood is acceptable is when a person is young in the faith, being newly saved (1 John 2:18-2718Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time. 19They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us. 20But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things. 21I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth. 22Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son. 23Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: (but) he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also. 24Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father. 25And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life. 26These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you. 27But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him. (1 John 2:18‑27)).
THE PERFECT MAN
“Perfect,” carries the thought of “maturity” or “full growth.” A “perfect” man isn’t one who never makes a mistake, but a believer who has one object in His life—Christ (Phil. 3:13-1513Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. 15Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. (Philippians 3:13‑15)). When the Lord comes, we will be made “perfect” in every sense of the Word. We will no longer have the flesh, and hence, will no longer fail in any way (Phil. 3:1212Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:12); Heb. 11:40; 12:2340God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect. (Hebrews 11:40)
23To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, (Hebrews 12:23)). But until that time, God’s desire is that we would spiritually “come in [into] the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ: that we henceforth be no more children [babes]” (Eph. 4:13-1413Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 14That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; (Ephesians 4:13‑14)).
Paul’s habit was to speak the wisdom of God “among them that are perfect” (1 Cor. 2:66Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: (1 Corinthians 2:6)). Remarking on this verse, Hamilton Smith said, “The term [“perfect”] does not simply designate a believer in contrast to a sinner. It is used rather to describe a full-grown, mature believer in contrast to those whom the Apostle speaks of as babes.” It means that Paul sought to reach those in his audience who were going on spiritually. If they received his doctrine and were built up by it, they in turn could give it to the others when they were able to receive it. Paul instructed Timothy to do the same. He was to give the truth to “faithful men” who would teach others also (2 Tim. 2:22And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. (2 Timothy 2:2)). While the majority of the Corinthians were “babes” because of their carnality, there were some who were “perfect” in this sense. 1 Corinthians 16:15-1815I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,) 16That ye submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helpeth with us, and laboreth. 17I am glad of the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus: for that which was lacking on your part they have supplied. 18For they have refreshed my spirit and yours: therefore acknowledge ye them that are such. (1 Corinthians 16:15‑18) indicates this. It was to such that Paul sought to communicate the “meat” of the truth, but to the “babes” he fed them with “milk” only.
A Scriptural Profile of the Perfect (Full-grown) Man
He has one interest in life—Christ (Phil. 3:13-1513Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. 15Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. (Philippians 3:13‑15)).
He takes meat, and not milk only (Heb. 5:11-1211Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing. 12For 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. (Hebrews 5:11‑12)).
He walks in separation from the world (2 Cor. 6:14-1714Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? 15And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? 16And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 17Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, (2 Corinthians 6:14‑17)).
He judges himself (2 Cor. 7:11Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. (2 Corinthians 7:1)).
He has left Judaism and all its Judaistic principles (Heb. 6:1-41Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, 2Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. 3And this will we do, if God permit. 4For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, (Hebrews 6:1‑4)).
He is governed by simple obedience (1 John 2:55But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. (1 John 2:5)).
He has a deeper, wider love for others (1 John 4:11-1211Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. 12No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us. (1 John 4:11‑12)).
He is less anxious in trial (James 1:2-42My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. (James 1:2‑4)).
He controls his tongue (James 3:22For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body. (James 3:2)).
He is generous with his possessions (Matt. 19:2121Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me. (Matthew 19:21)).
He keeps in step with his brethren (John 17:21-2321That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. 22And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: 23I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me. (John 17:21‑23)).
His service is according to the mind of God (Heb. 13:2121Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. (Hebrews 13:21)).
Some Practical Considerations
We may wonder why it is that some Christians after getting saved, make rapid progress in divine things, while others seem to progress more slowly with many ups and downs. If we had it marked on a chart, the line would be almost vertical for some, while for others it would waiver up and down. Some imagine that it’s because we all have different levels of intelligence. Others will say that it has to do with whether you are studious or not—often excusing themselves by saying that they are not readers. And then some think that you need to have a gift for it, and not all Christians have that gift. But these are not the reasons why some grow faster than others.
Someone said that spiritual growth is like building a fire. You can set the kindling in such a way that when you light the fire, it really catches hold and burns well. But you can also arrange the kindling in a haphazard way so that the fire doesn’t get going very well. It is just the same in the things of God. We need to have certain principles in place in our lives so that the Spirit of God can take the truth of God and apply it to our hearts and consciences to create real growth. Since there is a parallel between natural growth and spiritual growth, we need to have the following things in place in our lives:
Good food—Feeding on Christ in the Word of God (1 Peter 2:1-21Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, 2As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: (1 Peter 2:1‑2)).
Fresh air—Breathing the heavenly atmosphere of communion with God the Father and the Son (John 14:2323Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. (John 14:23)).
Regular exercise—Self-judgment through which every fleshly thing is removed from our lives (1 Tim. 4:77But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness. (1 Timothy 4:7)).
An environment free of contamination—Christian fellowship in separation from the world (2 Cor. 6:14-1714Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? 15And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? 16And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 17Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, (2 Corinthians 6:14‑17); Acts 4:2323And being let go, they went to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them. (Acts 4:23); 2 Tim. 2:2222Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. (2 Timothy 2:22)).