How can we overcome "acting like mere men" in our daily lives? Seeing the Issue Clearly 1 Corinthians 3:3: “for you are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and dissension among you, are you not worldly? Are you not walking in the way of men?” • Paul exposes the Corinthian church’s symptoms of worldliness—jealousy, strife, party spirit. • Acting “like mere men” means behaving as though the Holy Spirit has not transformed us. Remembering Our New Identity • 2 Corinthians 5:17—“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.” We do not have to live on the old level. • Romans 8:9—“You, however, are controlled not by the flesh but by the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you.” • Ephesians 2:6—God has already “seated us with Him in the heavenly realms.” We are positioned for victory. Daily Heart Checks • Ask the Spirit to spotlight jealousy, rivalry, and resentment (Psalm 139:23-24). • Confess quickly (1 John 1:9). Lingering guilt keeps us flesh-bound. • Replace comparison with gratitude. Jealousy dies when thanksgiving thrives (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Spirit-Filled Mindset Practices • Word saturation: Let Scripture dwell richly (Colossians 3:16). Ten focused minutes in the Word each morning resets our perspective. • Prayerful dependence: “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Conversational prayer keeps the Spirit’s voice louder than fleshly impulses. • Worship as warfare: Praising God shifts attention from self to Savior (Psalm 34:1). Practical Steps in Community • Choose unity over party spirit—listen, serve, defer (Philippians 2:3-4). • Celebrate others’ victories; speak life not rivalry (Romans 12:15). • Pursue accountability—invite trusted believers to confront worldly attitudes (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Engage in regular service—self-giving action crucifies self-centered flesh (Galatians 5:13). Fuel for Perseverance • Galatians 5:16—“Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” The promise is certain. • 2 Peter 1:3—His divine power “has given us everything we need for life and godliness.” No shortage of resources. • Philippians 1:6—He who began the good work “will carry it on to completion.” Our progress rests on God’s faithfulness. Living Above the Ordinary By fixing our eyes on Christ, feeding on His Word, yielding to His Spirit, and practicing sacrificial love, we steadily move from “acting like mere men” to living as Spirit-empowered sons and daughters. |
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