From Carnal to Spiritual (Part 6): Liberty and Responsibility

From Carnal to Spiritual (Part 6): Liberty and Responsibility

We’ve come a long way in this series, and it’s worth pausing to take it in. Each part has been a step—not just in understanding, but in spiritual posture. We began by recognising the carnal mind for what it is: natural, unrenewed, and unable to receive the things of God. That was Part 1. Then we saw that renewal isn’t just about adding truth—it’s about forsaking what shaped us before. That was Part 2. In Part 3, we were reminded that growth is measured by movement, not by flawlessness. The spiritual mind is formed gradually, and every step matters. Then came Part 4, where we saw that doctrine isn’t dry—it’s the very substance that renews the mind. Truth rightly divided gives structure to our thinking. And in Part 5, we brought that renewal into daily life. Walking in the Spirit isn’t mystical—it’s practical. It’s how we respond, how we think, how we live.

Now we arrive at a quiet turning point. Not a new lesson, but a reminder. A moment to breathe and consider what all of this means—not just inwardly, but outwardly. Because the renewed mind doesn’t exist in isolation. It begins to shape how we carry ourselves, how we speak, how we serve. And that’s where liberty comes in—not as a concept to admire, but as a reality to steward.

Paul wrote to the Galatians, “Only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another” (Galatians 5:13). That verse doesn’t come with pressure—it comes with perspective. Liberty in Christ is a gift, but it’s also a trust. It frees us from the weight of law, yes—but it also frees us to walk with purpose. The spiritual mind doesn’t treat liberty as a personal escape. It sees it as an open door to serve, to build, to edify.

Our Bodies are to be Vessels for the Glory of God, Not Instruments of Sin

Our Bodies are to be Vessels for the Glory of God, Not Instruments of Sin

The moment we believe the gospel—that Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again—we are placed into the Body of Christ. We are no longer just individuals navigating life on our own terms; we are now members of His Body, united with Him in purpose and destiny. This profound truth transforms not only our identity but also the way we view and use our physical bodies. Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 6:15: 

"Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ?"

Our bodies are not our own. They have been purchased with the precious blood of Christ and now serve a divine purpose. Though we still inhabit mortal flesh, the purpose of these earthly vessels has changed—we are no longer bound to sin but called to manifest the life of Christ in us. Paul declares in 2 Corinthians 4:7: 

"But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us."

This "treasure" is the glorious truth of Christ dwelling within us. Our weak and imperfect bodies have now become instruments through which His power and life shine forth.