Playlist:

playlist Go to the Carnal Nature (topic) playlist

Filter by Categories

Human Nature: Good or Evil?

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The carnal nature of humanity is a pervasive and corrupting force, deeply rooted in the choices and influences that shape our lives. Initially, human nature was created unspoiled, as God declared everything He made to be very good, including the hearts and minds of Adam and Eve. However, this nature was not permanently set; it remained malleable, subject to change through the exercise of free will. Each person has the God-given ability to improve or corrupt his own nature through the decisions made throughout life. The fall of Adam and Eve introduced a hostile dimension to human nature, turning it away from God and toward self. Their choice to follow the serpent's deception marked the beginning of a nature inclined toward enmity against God, as described in Romans 8:7, where the carnal mind is depicted as hostile to Him. This corruption is not innate at birth but develops through three primary influences: absorbing sinful attitudes from society, being receptive to Satan's broadcast of his evil nature, and the inherent selfishness of the flesh that predisposes us to carnality. Human nature, thus shaped by the world, Satan, and self, begins as neutral but with a bias toward self-satisfaction, making it easily pulled toward evil. God has largely adopted a hands-off policy since the fall, allowing humanity to reap the consequences of its choices, though He reserves the right to call individuals out of this corruption. Even when called, human nature remains within us, requiring constant battle and effort to subdue it. Scriptures such as Genesis 8:21 reveal that the imagination of man's heart is evil from youth, unchanged even by catastrophic events like the Flood. Psalm 14:1-3 and Romans 3:10-12 further emphasize that all are corrupt, with none doing good apart from God's intervention. Jesus Christ Himself confirms this inherent evil in Matthew 7:9-11 and Mark 7:20-23, stating that defilement comes from within the heart of man, producing all manner of wickedness. Ephesians 2:2 describes humanity as walking according to the course of this world, influenced by Satan, fulfilling lusts, and deserving of wrath. The struggle against this carnal nature is relentless, as Galatians 5:16-17 illustrates the conflict between the flesh and the Spirit, a battle that persists throughout life. Yet, God provides His Spirit to His called-out ones to guide and empower them to recognize and overcome sin. Through a transformative process, as outlined in Romans 12:1-2 and II Corinthians 3:18, we are to be renewed in mind and spirit, gradually changing our nature to resemble His. Ephesians 4:17-24 urges us to put off the old man, corrupted by deceitful lusts, and put on the new man, created according to God in righteousness and holiness. This transformation, supported by God's Spirit, is our path to rise above the carnal nature that defines humanity, striving to reflect His character in all actions as we prepare for His Kingdom.

Evil Is Real (Part Three)

CGG Weekly by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

We fight Satan by defending our ground, and we accomplish this by avoiding temptation, doing good as we are able, and overcoming the evils within.

God Works in Mysterious Ways (Part Two)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

God has providentially given us trials to build character, proving beyond a doubt that we believe Him and have a burning desire to be at one with Him.

It's Important to God Too (Part Two)

Sermonette by John W. Ritenbaugh

God does not do things uselessly, and certainly does not need our physical goods. Being a living sacrifice produces successful living.

Unsheathe Your Sword! (Part One)

'Ready Answer' by Pat Higgins

God gifted Christians with a weapon to use in daily spiritual warfare: 'the sword of the Spirit' (Ephesians 6:17). We must wield it with faith and courage.

God Works in Marvelous Ways (Part Two)

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

God's mysteries have been in plain sight from the beginning of time, but carnality has obscured them from mankind.

Genesis 3:20-24: Consequences for God and Man

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

When Adam and Eve were given the death sentence by God, they also received hope that through the offspring of Eve a Savior would be born to crush the serpent.

Warfare!

Sermon by John O. Reid

We must don the whole armor of God, using His spiritual weapons to bring every thought into obedience to Christ, destroying the enemy's footholds.

The Great Flood (Part Six)

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Before the Flood, human thoughts and attitudes were evil continually, and civilization was rotten to the core. Universal sin was met with universal punishment.

Conviction to Godly Righteousness

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Real repentance and conviction of righteousness should dramatically augment prayer, study, meditation, but most importantly, how we live our lives.

Human Will and God's Sovereignty (Part Two)

Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Human will is not sovereign in the body, but is just another servant, functioning according to the information it receives. We choose according to desires.

Born Again or Begotten? (Part Two)

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

We must understand Jesus' words about being born again from a spiritual perspective. Interpreting His symbols physically obscures necessary truths.

Sin (Part One)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Though relatively neutral at its inception, human nature is subject to a deadly magnetic pull toward self-centeredness, deceit, and sin.

Why Must Satan Be Released?

'Prophecy Watch' by David C. Grabbe

Satan's release after the Millennium will reveal the Devil's unrepentant rebellion against God and test the character of humanity one last time.

The Christian Paradox (Part Two)

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

We have two conflicting natures: a downward-pulling carnal nature versus a divine nature imparted by God's Holy Spirit, continually at odds, seen in Romans 7.

Philippians (Part Eight)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

We must willing to yield to God's shaping of us, willing to be corrected and changed as He sees fit. If we become self-satisfied, He cannot work with us.

The Fruit of the Spirit: Self-Control

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

Has anyone, other than Jesus Christ, really exhibited self-control? In the end, however, this is the ultimate aim of growing in the character of God.

The Original Sin Question

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Though we inherit the proclivity to sin, neither it nor Satan makes us sin. We are responsible for our own sins and for the consequences—death.