He that is Spiritual
Ξ March 23rd, 2007 | → 0 Comments | ∇ Christian Living |
There is a verse in Paul’s epistles that speaks of “he that is spiritual” restoring a fallen brother in Christ.
Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
Galatians 6:1
This is one of the few places in scripture that speaks of a “spiritual man”. Hosea 9:7 and 1 Corinthians 2:15 are the only other references I know of where a man, specifically, is called “spiritual”. The law is called spiritual, Paul refers to a spiritual house, there are many references to spiritual gifts, spiritual food, spiritual wickedness and even spiritual cities are referenced.
Here are the other two references to a man being spiritual :
The days of visitation are come, the days of recompence are come; Israel shall know it: the prophet is a fool, the spiritual man is mad, for the multitude of thine iniquity, and the great hatred.
Hosea 9:7
But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.
1 Corinthians 2:15
The basic question here is “what does it mean to be a spiritual man”? It doesn’t appear to mean one who has a spirit. The criteria seem to be a bit more specific than that. If it refers merely to one who has the Spirit of God, then is the fallen brother in Christ of Galatians 6:1 not spiritual (or was he ever spiritual)? It seems to me that I Corinthians 2:15 answers the question the best - the spiritual man judges all things and is judged of no man. The spiritual man has discernment into things in a way that few others do. The spiritual man has his focus on things of the spiritual realm - specifically the things of God.
I have often thought of the man of God - the truly spiritual man - to be somewhat aloof. While not entirely separated from men, the things that he thinks on set him in a lonely class. He is not worried about the pursuits of the flesh, though he does not ignore the demands in this life placed upon him and his family. His understanding of God and man make him uniquely qualified to render verdicts on many things - yet precisely because he is spiritual, he “judges nothing before its time”. Like everyone born of the spirit, even his entrances and exits are often unnoticed. Not because he tries to hide, but because his flesh is under subjection. He is led in ways and to places that the natural man gives little heed to. In other words, the spiritual man draws little attention to himself. All the attention comes as a result of his persistent obedience to God. The humility of spiritual man is apparent to all. And, because men are not naturally humble, it is not uncommon for his quiet consistency to arouse jealousy and anger in men who are entirely carnal. It seems that the spiritual man’s constant concern with the things of the spirit and the things that are not seen is often an irritant with men who are not so concerned. Yet the spiritual man is also able to speak to others in their situation. The wisdom of Christ is made his, and he uses it wisely. He recognizes things in others that they do not (and cannot) see, and the application of this wisdom is like a sword that penetrates to the deepest regions of man’s being. With a single word or phrase, the sword is thrust in and the corrupt flesh removed - leaving the recipient changed. The words used, of themselves, often seem insignificant - but the power that brings about their action is immense. It, too, seems to come from nowhere. And no matter how hard the fleshly man tries, he cannot duplicate what seemed so easy yet so effective - the fruit of a spiritual man.
I think I see all this because it pretty much encompasses what I’m not.
