This article is a companion piece to our YouTube teaching. We encourage you to watch the video first and then use this article to deepen your understanding.
The Three-Part Nature of Human Beings
Have you ever wondered why some people can’t seem to understand spiritual things, no matter how clearly you explain them? Or why your faith feels more alive at certain times than others? The answer lies in understanding how God designed us as three-part beings: spirit, soul, and body.
“Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:23
Your Spirit: The God-Connection
Think of your spirit as your “God antenna” – it’s the part of you designed specifically to connect with God. When you’re born again, your spirit comes alive, enabling you to understand and experience God in ways that were impossible before. This is why spiritual transformation always begins with spiritual rebirth.
Your Soul: The Command Center
Your soul encompasses your:
- Mind (how you think)
- Emotions (how you feel)
- Will (how you choose)
It’s fascinating how the soul acts as an intermediary between your spirit and body. When your spirit is alive in Christ, it influences your soul, which then directs your body to live in alignment with God’s purposes.
The Battle Within
“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” – Hebrews 4:12
Here’s a truth that might transform your spiritual life: many believers struggle because they’re living from their soul instead of their spirit. Your soul, influenced by the world, might push you toward anger, fear, or selfishness. But your spirit, connected to God, pulls you toward love, peace, and generosity.
Why Non-Believers Can’t Understand
“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.” – 1 Corinthians 2:14
Have you ever felt frustrated trying to explain your faith to someone who just couldn’t grasp it? Now you know why: without a spiritually alive spirit, people can only process spiritual truth through their soul and body, which is like trying to catch a radio signal without an antenna.
The Path to Transformation
Real transformation happens when we learn to live from our spirit rather than our soul. When your spirit is in charge:
- Your mind becomes renewed by God’s truth
- Your emotions align with God’s heart
- Your will surrenders to God’s purposes
Becoming Spirit-Led
To strengthen your spirit and live more from this God-connected part of your being:
- Spend time in God’s Word daily – it feeds your spirit
- Practice spiritual disciplines like prayer and worship
- Listen for the Holy Spirit’s guidance
- Act on spiritual promptings rather than just emotional impulses
The 7-Day Spirit Challenge
I challenge you to spend the next week living more intentionally from your spirit. Each day:
- Start with 15 minutes of Bible reading and prayer
- Ask yourself before major decisions: “Is this coming from my spirit or my soul?”
- Journal one way you sensed God’s Spirit leading you
A New Creation
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” – 2 Corinthians 5:17
Remember: You don’t have to perfect yourself – you just need to connect with God. When you said yes to Jesus, He began a transformational work in your spirit. Your role is simply to yield to that work and let it flow through your soul and body.
Your Next Step
Whether you’re just beginning your spiritual journey or have walked with God for years, understanding your three-part nature can revolutionize your relationship with God. Start paying attention to which part of you is leading your decisions – your spirit, soul, or body.
Join us next week as we continue our Bible Truth series, exploring more foundational principles that will help you grow in your faith. Don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel for more biblical teachings that will help you understand God’s Word better.
How has understanding the difference between spirit, soul, and body impacted your faith journey? Share your thoughts in the comments below!