Let’s consider today what the Scripture says it means to be spiritual. Our pursuit is to first identify what it means so that we can intentionally seek to be more spiritual. Notice three specific ways mentioned in the NT.
(1) RECEIVING THE THINGS OF THE SPIRIT. Being spiritual has to do with receiving the things of the Spirit. Paul argues in 1 Corinthians 2 and 3 that being spiritual is related to receiving the things of the Spirit. Read 2:9-3:5. It should be noted that he is writing to the Corinthians who were NOT spiritual, but rather fleshly and human-minded (see 3:3, 5).
Paul argues in 2:9-15 that the Spirit of God (the Holy Spirit) knows even the thoughts of God. The Spirit revealed the mind and will of God to the apostles so that they might know and teach these “spiritual truths to those who are spiritual” (2:13). He continues in verse 14 indicating that some are not able to understand the things of the Spirit “because they are spiritually discerned.” In contrast, he says, the “spiritual person judges all things…” (v. 15). So the spiritual person is able to comprehend the message of God. He is like the Thessalonians who Paul says accepted it, the Word of God, “not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God…” (2:13).
Since the Word of God is the product of the Spirit, we are spiritual when we receive and heed that Word!
(2) RESTORING THE ERRING. Paul says that restoring a brother who has fallen away is an activity of the one who is spiritual. He says in Galatians 6:1, “Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.” The highest regard we can have for a brother is that he is right with the Lord. Those who are spiritual will seek to restore the wayward brother, so that his soul might be saved from eternal death (see James 5:19-20). May God grant us more courage and more love in this pursuit!
(3) OFFERING WORSHIP UNTO GOD. 1 Peter 2:5 says, “you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” It makes sense that offering spiritual sacrifices to God, giving Him the worship He desires, is from the one who is spiritual. Related to this, Paul says in Colossians 3:16, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” Those who are spiritual, sing spiritual songs unto God, to His honor and praise (see also Jn. 4:23-24).
Will you prayerfully consider one spiritual step you can take this week?
Daren Schroeder
