The Spiritual Man: A Biblical Perspective on True Life in Christ

The Spiritual Man: A Biblical Exploration of Authentic Life in Christ

"God is calling His people beyond religion into spiritual maturity. Are you walking by the Spirit or by the flesh? Discover the marks of the true Spiritual Man!"

A man and a woman praying 

      In today’s chaotic world, where values are often dictated by trends and material success, the Bible calls believers to a higher life,the life of the spiritual man. Unlike the natural or carnal man, the spiritual man is one who walks in step with the Holy Spirit, discerning and living according to the mind of Christ.

Understanding the biblical concept of the spiritual man is crucial for every believer seeking to live a life that honors God, bears fruit, and fulfills divine purpose.

Who is the Spiritual Man?

Who is a spiritual man

The Apostle Paul outlines three types of people in 1 Corinthians 2 and 3:

The natural man (1 Cor. 2:14) — one who lives according to the flesh, unable to understand the things of the Spirit.

The carnal man (1 Cor. 3:1-3): A believer who still behaves according to the flesh.

The spiritual man (1 Cor. 2:15): A mature believer, guided by the Holy Spirit and able to discern all things.

Paul writes,

"But he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is rightly judged by no one." (1 Corinthians 2:15, NKJV)

The spiritual man is born again (John 3:3-6), filled with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18), and led by the Spirit (Romans 8:14). His life is no longer governed by the desires of the flesh but is rooted in the will of God. His mind is being renewed daily (Romans 12:2), and his character is shaped by the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).

Word of God is food of the spirit 

Characteristics of the Spiritual Man

Discernment of Spiritual Truths

The spiritual man is able to understand and apply the Word of God. Spiritual truths, hidden from the natural man, become alive to him through the Holy Spirit (John 16:13).

Christ likeness 

He seeks to conform daily to the image of Christ (Romans 8:29). His speech, actions, and thoughts reflect the humility, love, and holiness of Jesus.

Exhibits the Fruit of the Spirit

Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control are not occasional behaviors but consistent attributes of his life (Galatians 5:22-23).

Submission to God's Will

A spiritual man is surrendered to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Like Christ in Gethsemane, he prays, "Not my will, but Yours be done." (Luke 22:42)

Lives by Faith, Not by Sight

He is not moved by external circumstances but walks by faith (2 Corinthians 5:7), trusting in God's promises even when they are unseen.

The Formation of the Spiritual Man

The transformation into a spiritual man does not happen automatically at salvation; it is a process of sanctification and a lifelong journey of growing in grace and knowledge of the Lord (2 Peter 3:18).

Key steps in this transformation include:

Daily Intake of the Word

"Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God." (Matthew 4:4)

The spiritual man feeds on Scripture, meditating on it day and night (Psalm 1:2-3).

Persistent Prayer and Fellowship with the Holy Spirit

Communication with God fuels spiritual growth. The spiritual man prays without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17), cultivating an intimate relationship with the Holy Spirit.

Crucifying the Flesh

Paul said, "I die daily." (1 Corinthians 15:31)

The spiritual man actively denies the desires of the sinful nature, putting on the new self (Ephesians 4:24).

Obedience and Surrender

Growth into spiritual maturity comes through obeying God’s commands, even when it is difficult or costly (John 14:15).

Struggles the Spiritual Man Faces

Though walking in the Spirit, the spiritual man is not immune to struggles.

Spiritual Warfare:

"For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood..." (Ephesians 6:12)

He engages daily in spiritual battles against temptations, discouragement, and deception.

Worldly Opposition:

Jesus warned, "If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you." (John 15:18)

The spiritual man often feels out of place in a fallen world.

Inner Conflict:

Even Paul admitted to a struggle between the Spirit and the flesh (Romans 7:14-25). Yet the spiritual man continually leans into the grace and strength of God.

The Impact of the Spiritual Man

The spiritual man is a light in the darkness (Matthew 5:14-16). He brings glory to God by bearing much fruit (John 15:8). His life draws others to Christ without him even needing to say much.His or her character speaks loudly.

When churches are filled with spiritual men and women, revival comes. Families are strengthened, communities are transformed, and nations can be impacted for the Kingdom of God.

The Apostle Paul said,

"Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ." (1 Corinthians 11:1)

This is the ultimate goal of the spiritual man: to reflect Jesus so that others may be drawn to Him.

Becoming the Spiritual Man God Desires

God’s will for every believer is spiritual maturity. Hebrews 5:12 rebukes those who, by now, ought to be teachers but still need milk. God calls His people to grow up into Christ, the Head of the Church (Ephesians 4:15).

Ask yourself:

Am I walking by the Spirit daily?

Am I more patient, loving, and Christlike today than I was a year ago?

Is my life bearing fruit for God's Kingdom?

If not, the invitation remains open: "Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you." (James 4:8)

The spiritual life is not reserved for a select few; it is the destiny of every believer who is willing to deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow Christ (Luke 9:23).

Conclusion

The spiritual man is not perfect, but he is progressing. His heart beats in rhythm with God’s heart. His eyes are fixed not on what is seen, but on the unseen and eternal (2 Corinthians 4:18).

In an age of confusion, compromise, and chaos, God is raising up spiritual men and women — individuals who will live by faith, walk by the Spirit, and shine like stars in a crooked generation (Philippians 2:15).

Will you answer the call to become one?

Are you ready to grow deeper in your walk with God?

Commit today to living as the spiritual man God has called you to be. Start with the Bible reading plan below , pray for the Holy Spirit’s guidance daily, and seek to walk by faith, not by sight.

 "Start your journey to becoming a spiritual man today by committing to this seven day bible reading plan 

Simple 7-Day Bible Reading Plan: "Becoming the Spiritual Man"

Day 1:

1 Corinthians 2:6–16 – Understanding spiritual discernment.

Day 2:

Romans 8:1–17 – Life through the Spirit vs. life through the flesh.

Day 3:

Galatians 5:16–26 – Walking by the Spirit and bearing fruit.

Day 4:

Colossians 3:1–17 – Setting your heart on things above.

Day 5:

John 15:1–17 – Abiding in Christ and producing fruit.

Day 6:

Philippians 2:1–16 – Living as lights in a dark world.

Day 7:

Hebrews 5:11–6:3 – Moving toward spiritual maturity.

Remember: "He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." (Philippians 1:6)

Pray this prayer everyday after finishing a reading plan 

Prayers are important 

Closing Prayer: "Prayer to Become a Spiritual Man"

Heavenly Father,

I thank You for calling me into a deeper life with You.

I confess that I often fall short and walk according to the flesh.

Today, I surrender my heart, mind, and body to You.

Fill me with Your Holy Spirit. Renew my mind. Shape my character to reflect Christ.

Teach me to walk by faith, not by sight, and to live according to Your Word.

Make me a spiritual man,discerning, wise, humble, and full of Your love.

Let my life glorify You and draw others closer to You.

I trust You to complete the good work You have begun in me.

Have a blessed day 🙏🙏🙏🙏

In Jesus’ Christ  the Lord name,

Amen.