The Battle Between Soul and Spirit: How Daily Renewal of the Mind Helps Overcome the Carnal Nature

 

The Battle Between Soul and Spirit: How Daily Renewal of the Mind Helps Overcome the Carnal Nature"

by Chet Nowlen

The conflict between the soul and the spirit is one of the most profound battles that Christians face. Understanding the distinct roles of the soul and spirit is critical in our journey of faith, as it reveals the internal struggle that each believer encounters on a daily basis. The soul represents the subconscious, a realm of thoughts, desires, and emotions, while the spirit is the essence of the external man—connected directly to God. For the believer, this internal conflict is real, and it is crucial to recognize how the subconscious, often governed by the carnal nature, can battle against the spirit that has been made new through salvation.

The Soul: The Subconscious and the Carnal Nature

The soul is often referred to as the seat of emotions, will, and intellect—essentially the "subconscious" of a person. It is where our thoughts, desires, and attitudes reside, shaping our actions and responses. For the unsaved person, the soul is entirely under the influence of the carnal nature. However, for the believer in Christ, the soul undergoes a transformation but still contains remnants of the carnal mind that continue to battle against the renewed spirit.

The soul can be influenced by worldly desires, fears, pride, and selfishness. This is the subconscious mind at work—a place where sinful tendencies can linger and resurface, even after salvation. The mind of the believer is constantly being renewed, but the old nature (or "flesh") still seeks to assert its control over the subconscious. This is why, even after we are saved, we can feel as though we are battling within ourselves—between the desires of the flesh (soul) and the desires of the spirit (the new man).

The Spirit: The External Man and Connection to God

The spirit, on the other hand, is the part of us that is made alive through Christ. It is through the spirit that we commune with God and experience spiritual renewal. When we accept Christ, our spirit is instantly regenerated, becoming a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17). The spirit is external in the sense that it is the part of us that connects with the spiritual realm and with God Himself.

While the soul remains a battleground, the spirit is the victorious part of the believer. It is in our spirit that the Holy Spirit resides, guiding us into all truth and empowering us to overcome sin. The spirit desires to live according to God's will, but it is often at odds with the carnal desires of the soul.

The Battle Between Soul and Spirit: Carnal vs. Spiritual Mind

This ongoing battle between the carnal soul and the spiritual man is perhaps most clearly articulated in Romans 8:6, which states, "For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace." The battle is real. The subconscious mind (the soul) often desires things that are contrary to the will of God, and if left unchecked, it can lead the believer astray.

The carnal mind, influenced by the flesh, often fights against the spirit, creating tension within the believer. The soul may crave worldly pleasures, success, and self-glory, while the spirit longs for humility, obedience, and alignment with God’s will. The flesh will always strive to dominate, but it is in the spirit that the believer has victory through the power of God’s grace.

The Power of God’s Word: Renewing the Mind and Overcoming the Carnal Soul

This is where the power of daily reading of God’s Word comes into play. The mind of the believer needs continual renewal to align with God's will and to combat the carnal nature. Romans 12:2 clearly instructs believers: "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."

Daily engagement with Scripture is the key to renewing the mind. As we meditate on the Word of God, we are reminded of our identity in Christ, the promises of God, and His divine plan for our lives. This daily intake of God’s Word serves as a tool to expose the carnal nature of the subconscious and replace it with the truth of God’s Word.

The Word of God is living and active (Hebrews 4:12) and is able to pierce through the heart, discerning the thoughts and intentions of the soul. It exposes the sinful desires within the subconscious and brings them under the authority of the Spirit. As we read the Word daily, it strengthens our spirit and weakens the grip of the carnal soul.

Practical Steps for Victory Over the Carnal Soul

• Daily Bible Reading: Consistent study of the Word of God is essential. It is not merely an intellectual exercise, but a spiritual discipline that transforms our hearts and minds.

• Meditation on Scripture: Take time to reflect on Scripture, allowing it to permeate your thoughts and challenge your carnal tendencies.

• Prayer: In prayer, invite the Holy Spirit to speak to your spirit and reveal areas of your subconscious that need to be surrendered to God.

• Accountability: Surround yourself with other believers who can help you recognize areas where your soul is still yielding to carnality.

Conclusion: Overcoming the Battle Between Soul and Spirit

The battle between the soul and the spirit is one that every Christian faces, but it is a battle that we are not left to fight alone. Through the power of the Holy Spirit and the truth of God's Word, we can daily renew our minds and bring the subconscious, carnal nature under submission. As we continue to grow in our relationship with God, we will find victory in the spirit and be able to overcome the flesh.

We are called to "put on the new self" (Ephesians 4:24), and this happens through the ongoing transformation that occurs as we engage with the Word of God. The mind is renewed, the spirit is strengthened, and the flesh is subdued. Through daily Bible reading, we align ourselves with God’s purposes, and the soul becomes progressively sanctified.

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