THE MAN GOD CANNOT USE PT.4
Isaiah 6:8 Then I heard the Lord asking, “Whom should I send as a messenger to this people? Who will go for us?” I said, “Here I am. Send me.” NLT
THE CARNAL BELIEVER
The word “carnal” is translated from the Greek word sarkikos, which literally means “fleshly.” This is the word Paul used in describing some of the Corinthian brethren in 1 Corinthians 3:1-3.
And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. 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. For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?(1 Corinthians 3:1-3 KJV).
To be carnal is to be worldly. It is to give in to the cravings of the sinful nature and to fulfil its desires. Here, we are talking about those who live carnal lives perpetually. No repentance no change of heart. This our concern.
You may be wondering why some persons you know who live carnally are doing "mighty" things. Seeing people like this, it is common to quickly adjudge them as being used by God but is it God that is using them?
In the book of Matthew 7, Jesus spoke about some persons who on the last day will lay claim to being used by God with exploits done in His name yet they are not known in heaven.
"Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity".(Matthew7:21-23 KJV).
The scripture above shows clearly that it is possible to do great things in the name of Jesus yet not known by Jesus. One deception that comes with gift is to make the gifted think He is in tune with God when he is not. The devil knows how to do this.
One of my trainers told me about an adulterous prophet who was warned about his lifestyle. He said, "After all, my prophecies still come to pass". That man was deceived by performance. He has forgotten that Satan can also give counterfeit gifts to those who do his bidding.
Satan can use a carnal believer and give him counterfeit gifts. To be truly used by God, your life must be attuned to His will. That standard hasn't changed.
James asked a question still begging for answer: "Does a spring of water bubble out with both fresh water and bitter water? Does a fig tree produce olives, or a grapevine produce figs? No, and you can’t draw fresh water from a salty spring" (James 3:11-12 NLT).
One source can't produce two things. Forget about those you know who speak in tongues, work miracles and still live impure lives. Don't let Satan deceive you into thinking God uses anyone who lives in impurity.
Apostle Paul says, IF you keep yourself PURE, you will be a special utensil for honorable use. YOUR LIFE WILL BE CLEAN, AND YOU WILL BE READY FOR THE MASTER TO USE YOU FOR EVERY GOOD WORK."(2 Timothy 2:21 NLT). This is the standard of God for anyone He want to use- purity.
Father, purge me.