1 Corinthians 2:14-16 -#;4
14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
15 But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.
16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ. 1 And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ.
2 I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able.
3 For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?
4 For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal?
When we say four kinds/types we are not referring to races – there is only one race of people: human and there is variety of colors, designs and other specifics of people. The Bible speaks of four types of people.
Natural man (unsaved)
They may be very moral, honest or immoral and dishonest, but they have not confessed they are sinners in need of a Savior and have not been forgiven of their sins. They are still under the wrath of God and are living on “borrowed time”. They may be church members, baptized, preachers, deacons, Sunday School teachers, but unsaved. Professing salvation but not possessing Tit 1:16
Infant believer 1 Cor 3 (new Christians)
These are dependent upon others for spiritual help. They feed upon milk of God’s word (1 Pet 2:2); usually not well versed in Scripture; lack understanding of most spiritual truths. They are unpredictable, often enthusiastic and energetic. A new convert wants to serve the Lord and usually tries to do all they can to be a good Christian.
Carnal Christians 1 Cor 3:3-4 (not totally surrendered)
For one reason or another they have never understood the truth of surrender, never heard it preached, not seen it displayed or they have rejected it. Some characteristics of the carnal are: double minded – unstable Jam 4:8; many inner struggles Jam 3:14; they often have interpersonal relationship problems – easily upset or angered or hurt – wear feelings on their sleeve. proud – unable to understand Heb 5:11-14. They refuse to be instructed – “know-it-alls” – argue against holiness 1 Tim6:3-4; they vacillate in their walk/ Sometimes they are good, then bad, say right things but can also use foul language, etc. They too often permit others to control their walk with the Lord.
Surrendered, sanctified
These are these who have recognized their struggle with the old nature and have surrendered for cleansing by the Holy Spirit. They are faithful, dependable to God, seek God’s honor first, desire to walk without blame or condemnation; seek Lord continually.
They continually seek more and greater light and walk in it; they also are sensitive to their daily life, words, thoughts, spiritual life. And they are forgiving and humble.