… they are puffed up with idle notions by their unspiritual mind.
Summary: In this passage, Paul returns to the basic principle of spiritual life: We have to be born again by the power of Jesus Christ to have any hope of understanding spiritual things.
As we begin this meditation, we should review where we are.
Most of chapter two has been about the dangers of false teachings. Paul wants us to remain focused on the true Gospel of Jesus Christ and not be distracted by anything.
In verse eighteen, he turns his attention to teachers who employ “false humility” as a tool for winning people’s trust. He also warns against their teachings that detract from Jesus. He specifically mentions “the worship of angels,” a principle that applies to any teaching that distracts us from Jesus.
In this passage, he returns to the topic of recognizing false teachers. He describes them as “puffed up with idle notions by their unspiritual mind.”
Paul’s words introduce us to the idea of a “spiritual mind” and an “unspiritual mind.”
What is an “unspiritual mind?”
The answer is found in Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus. Jesus says:
“Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.” (John 3:6)
We are all born with an “unspiritual mind.”
The unspiritual mind is separated from God. Whatever knowledge of the spiritual realm it has is limited. Before we know God directly, we know about him. However, without being born again, we do not have access to God’s Spirit, our guide and teacher. Imagine someone who has not been born again attempting to teach on spiritual matters. It would be like a blind man giving a tour through an art museum. A blind tour guide memorizes what they have been told is there, or they make things up.
Without the Holy Spirit, we are mostly limited to the physical world around us. The “flesh,” as Jesus calls it, is concerned with those things that “feel” good to the flesh. The “spiritual mind” is different. It sees beyond the physical realm and past the desires of the flesh. More importantly, it is aware of God. One of the dangers of an unspiritual mind is the possibility of being influenced by ungodly spirits.
When we are “born again” (John 3:3), our spirit is reborn, and we are given a fresh start in our relationship with God. Added to this is God’s own Spirit, the Holy Spirit (John 14:26, 15:26). God’s Spirit testifies about Jesus and teaches us about God’s will.
The best defense against unspiritual minds is a mind and spirit, devoted to Jesus.
Application: Listen to the Spirit’s teaching.
Food for Thought: Where do “idle notions” come from?
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