In the Bible, a spiritual person is one who is guided by the Holy Spirit and lives in accordance with God’s will, demonstrating qualities such as love, joy, peace, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). They seek to grow in faith and understanding of God’s word, often engaging in prayer and fellowship with other believers (1 Corinthians 2:14-15).
Scripture
But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.
17 For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.
18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality,
20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions,
21 envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.
26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.
Biblical Definition of a Spiritual Person
The definition of a spiritual person in the Bible encompasses a multifaceted relationship with God and a commitment to embodying the principles of the Christian faith. As indicated in Galatians 5:22-23, the spiritual person’s life is characterized by the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—which serve as evidence of their intimate connection with the Holy Spirit. This transformation occurs as a person submits to the Holy Spirit’s guidance, moving beyond a mere adherence to religious laws and embracing a lifestyle reflective of Christ’s teachings.
Moreover, spiritual individuals are not isolated but are woven into the community of believers, as highlighted in 1 Corinthians 2:14-15, where Paul distinguishes between those with the Spirit and those without, indicating that spiritual persons discern God’s truth and wisdom. They engage in prayer, study scripture, and participate in fellowship, which nurtures their growth in faith. This community aspect fosters mutual encouragement in embodying Christ’s love and commands, as highlighted in Hebrews 10:24-25. Thus, being a spiritual person transcends personal piety; it involves actively living out one’s faith in a manner that contributes to the collective witness of the church, reflecting God’s love to the world.
In addition to the qualities previously mentioned, being a spiritual person, as outlined in Scripture, encompasses a life marked by humility and dependence on God. James 4:6 states that God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble, emphasizing that a spiritual individual recognizes their limitations and the need for divine grace. This humility opens the heart to God’s transformative power, allowing His wisdom to permeate thoughts and actions. Such a posture fosters an attitude of servanthood, encouraging the spiritual person to seek the welfare of others, echoing the example set by Christ, who washed the feet of His disciples.
Furthermore, spiritual individuals cultivate a deep understanding of God’s Word, reflecting their commitment to meditating on Scripture, as seen in Psalm 1:2-3. This meditation leads to a wisdom that guides their decisions and life choices, enabling them to bear fruit in their lives. This type of engagement with the Bible not only shapes their character but also equips them for the challenges of life in a fallen world, providing a firm foundation that withstands various trials. In this way, being spiritual is not merely an inward experience; it also manifests in outward obedience and service, showing that true spirituality exists in the alignment of one’s life with God’s purposes and a willingness to reach out in compassion and service to others.
The Indwelling of the Holy Spirit
A spiritual person in the Bible is often defined by the presence of the Holy Spirit within them. This indwelling signifies a transformative relationship with God, where the individual is guided, empowered, and sanctified by the Spirit. Such a person exhibits a deep connection to divine wisdom and understanding, allowing them to discern spiritual truths and live in accordance with God’s will. This relationship fosters a sense of peace, joy, and purpose, reflecting the character of Christ in their daily life.
Manifestation of Spiritual Gifts
Another broader meaning of a spiritual person is the active manifestation of spiritual gifts. These gifts, bestowed by the Holy Spirit, enable individuals to serve the body of Christ and the wider community effectively. A spiritual person recognizes their unique abilities and uses them for the edification of others, demonstrating love, compassion, and service. This selfless orientation towards others is a hallmark of spiritual maturity, showcasing the believer’s commitment to living out their faith in practical ways.
Commitment to Spiritual Growth
A spiritual person is characterized by a commitment to ongoing spiritual growth and maturity. This involves a continuous pursuit of knowledge, prayer, and fellowship, as well as a desire to deepen their relationship with God. Such individuals are often engaged in practices that nurture their faith, such as studying scripture, participating in worship, and seeking accountability within a community of believers. This dedication to growth reflects a heart that longs to know God more intimately and to live a life that honors Him.
How to Live a Faith-Focused Life as a Christian
Living a faith-focused life as a Christian is about weaving your beliefs into the very fabric of your daily existence. Start by nurturing a personal relationship with God through prayer and scripture reading; these practices ground you and provide guidance in times of uncertainty. Surround yourself with a community of fellow believers who can encourage and challenge you in your walk of faith. Remember, it’s not just about attending church on Sundays; it’s about embodying Christ’s love in your interactions throughout the week—whether that’s through acts of kindness, forgiveness, or simply being present for someone in need. Embrace the idea that your faith is a journey, not a destination; allow yourself to grow, ask questions, and seek understanding. Ultimately, living a faith-focused life means letting your light shine in the world, reflecting the love and grace you’ve received, and being a beacon of hope to those around you.
Bible References to Spiritual Person Definition:
1 Corinthians 2:10-16: 10 these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God.
11 For who knows a person’s thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.
12 Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God.
13 And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual.
14 The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.
15 The spiritual person judges all things, but is himself to be judged by no one.
16 “For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ.
Romans 8:5-14: 5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit.
6 For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.
7 For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot.
8 Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.
9 You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him.
10 But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
11 If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.
12 So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh.
13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.
14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.
Ephesians 4:17-24: 17 Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds.
18 They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart.
19 They have become callous and have given themselves up to sensuality, greedy to practice every kind of impurity.
20 But that is not the way you learned Christ! – Ephesians 4:20 (ESV)
21 assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus,
22 to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires,
23 and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds,
24 and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.
Colossians 3:1-17: 1 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.
2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.
3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
4 When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
5 Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.
6 On account of these the wrath of God is coming.
7 In these you too once walked, when you were living in them.
8 But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth.
9 Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices.
10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.
11 Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all.
12 Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience,
13 bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.
14 And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.
15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.
16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
1 John 4:1-6: 1 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.
2 By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God,
3 and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you heard was coming and now is in the world already.
4 Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.
5 They are from the world; therefore they speak from the world, and the world listens to them.
6 We are from God. Whoever knows God listens to us; whoever is not from God does not listen to us. By this we know the Spirit of truth and the spirit of error.
1 Corinthians 3:1-3: 3 But I, brothers, could not address you as spiritual people, but as people of the flesh, as infants in Christ.
2 I fed you with milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for it. And even now you are not yet ready,
3 for you are still of the flesh. For while there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not of the flesh and behaving only in a human way?
2 Peter 1:3-11: 3 His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence,
4 by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire.
5 For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge,
6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness,
7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love.
8 For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
9 For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins.
10 Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall.
11 For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
James 3:13-18: 13 Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom.
14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth.
15 This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.
16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.
17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.
18 And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.
Philippians 2:1-11: 1 So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy,
2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.
3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.
4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.
5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,
6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped,
7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.
8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name,
10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Reverend Michael Johnson is an experienced Church Minister with a profound expertise in spirituality and guidance. With a serene presence and a compassionate heart, he has faithfully served his congregation for over 20 years, leading them on a spiritual journey towards inner peace and enlightenment. Reverend Johnson’s extensive knowledge of religious philosophies and profound understanding of human nature have made him a trusted confidant and mentor to many, as he seamlessly weaves his profound wisdom into life teachings. Reverend Johnson’s calming demeanor and empathetic nature continue to uplift and heal souls, nurturing a sense of unity and tranquility within his community.