Introduction: Why Definitions Matter in Biblical Spirituality
In our cultural moment, the word “spiritual” is used constantly—and loosely. People say things like:
- “I’m spiritual but not religious”
- “That experience was very spiritual”
- “I’m on a spiritual high/journey”
Yet when we open the Bible, we discover that Scripture uses language precisely, not vaguely. When it comes to Biblical spirituality is not about:
- inner feelings
- mystical experiences
- moral improvement
- religious interest
Instead, Biblical spirituality is about origin, source, and governance.
The central question is not “Do you feel spiritual?” but “What spirit gives you life and direction?”
Have you had any experiences where someone used the term “spiritual” or called something “spiritual” but it was not from God?
This first session is foundational. Before we can talk about spiritual growth, disciplines, or maturity, we must learn to read the Bible on its own terms—especially its use of Spirit (πνεῦμα) and spiritual (πνευματικός).
Key premise for the week:
In Scripture, “spiritual” does not describe personality, interest, or intensity—it describes life produced and governed by the Holy Spirit.
Note that it is not a condition developed by people, or occasions or events and practices. A person going to church regulary and being nice to his/her neighbor does not make them Biblically spiritual. Since even a non-follower, believer in Jesus can go to work at the church cleaning toilets and be nice to their neighbor, but that does not “make them spiritual”.
Core Distinctions
Spirit (πνεῦμα)
Refers to:
- the Holy Spirit
- the human spirit
- breath, life, wind
- the animating power behind life and action
Spiritual (πνευματικός)
Refers to:
- that which comes from, belongs to, or is directed by the Holy Spirit
- a category of origin, not maturity
- a state made possible only after regeneration
Important observation:
The Bible speaks of the Spirit throughout both Testaments, but the category of a “spiritual person” emerges only after Pentecost, when the Spirit permanently indwells believers.
We all have our own spirit, but that does not classify us as spiritual. Looking at the definition above, spiritual has to do we origin and not necessarily condition. Meaning that the Holy Spirit can impact a persons life, and that is spiritual because it comes from the Holy Spirit. Even a new believers with many hurts, habits and hang-ups can accept Jesus as savior, receive the Holy Spirit through faith and become spiritual. Meaning that they can be led by the spirit that comes from the Holy Spirit.
It needs to be clear that the only action that a person takes to become spiritual is receiving of the Holy Spirit after confessing Jesus as their Lord. A person does not become more spiritual because of their own desires. They become more spiritual by the surrender to the Holy Spirit in leading their life and directing their ways.
Key Scripture 1: John 3:5–8 (ESV)
“Unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God…”
Context and Insight
Jesus is speaking to Nicodemus, a Pharisee—deeply religious, morally disciplined, and biblically educated. Some people in the community might even label him as very spiritual. Yet Jesus tells him that none of that qualifies him for the kingdom.
Jesus introduces a radical idea:
- Spiritual life is not improved humanity
- It is new birth from above
The Spirit is compared to wind—invisible, sovereign, uncontrollable. You cannot manufacture spiritual life any more than you can command the wind.
Have you ever experienced a situation where someone was attempting to be spiritual independent of the Holy Spirit?
Unfortunately, we have all witnessed such situations and it can be difficult to process. Some times we even want to jump in and correct the person, or sometimes we put our face into the palm of our hand and declare that what we are witnessing is not the truth. If there are curious bystanders, we almost want to sheild them and make sure they don’t believe that what they are experiencing is not of the Lord Jesus.
We cannot always know the reasoning or motive why an individual attempts to be more spiritual than they are. Many times it has to do with wanting to be accepted, to be approved. But this situation actually does the opposite of what was intended.
This passage teaches us:
- Spirituality begins with regeneration, not education
- The Spirit gives life, not just insight
- Entry into God’s kingdom is not behavioral but ontological (a change of being)
Biblical Spirituality begins where self-effort ends.
Discussion Questions
- Why do you think Nicodemus struggled to understand new birth, despite his biblical knowledge?
- How does this passage challenge the idea that spirituality is self-achieved?
- What happens when we confuse religious activity with spiritual life?
Key Scripture 2: 1 Corinthians 2:12–15 (ESV)
“The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God…”
Context and Insight
The Corinthian church valued:
- eloquence
- wisdom
- philosophy
- spiritual experiences
Many demominations and congregations strive towards those values just as much as the Corinthians. Paul, a man of precise, intentional words, corrects this approach by introducing two categories of people, not three:
- Natural (ψυχικός) – operating from human life alone, one’s own spirit
- Spiritual (πνευματικός) – operating from the Holy Spirit
The “spiritual person” is not:
- more emotional
- more mystical
- more impressive
Rather, the spiritual person is one who:
- has received the Spirit (v.12)
- can discern spiritual truth
- lives from a new source of understanding
This is critical:
Spiritual discernment is not a skill—it is a gift of the Spirit.
Discussion Questions
- Can you reflect on the moment or time when you knew that the Holy Spirit guided you in a situation?
- Can you describe how surrendering and following the Holy Spirit has shifted your source of understanding?
- How does Paul define the difference between “natural” and “spiritual”?
- Why do you think people often equate spirituality with personality or intensity?
- How might this passage reshape how we think about wisdom and discernment?
Key Scripture 3: Romans 8:9 (ESV)
“Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him.”
Context and Insight
Romans 8 is one of the clearest chapters on life in the Spirit. Paul draws a sharp line:
- You are either in the flesh or in the Spirit
- You either have the Spirit or you do not
This verse teaches:
- The Spirit is not optional for Christians
- There is no category of “believer without the Spirit”
- Belonging to Christ is inseparable from the Spirit’s indwelling
Biblical spirituality is therefore not a second stage of Christian life—it is Christian life.
To be Christian is to be Spirit-indwelt.
To be Spirit-indwelt is to be spiritual.
Discussion Questions
- Why do you think some Christians talk as if the Spirit is optional or secondary?
- How does this verse challenge the idea of “spiritual elites”?
- What assurance does this give struggling believers?
Teaching Emphases (Expanded)
- Spirit language appears throughout Scripture, but spiritual identity emerges after Christ’s resurrection and Pentecost
- “Spiritual” refers to source, not sophistication
- A spiritual person is not defined by emotion or experience but by indwelling and submission
- Regeneration changes identity before behavior
- Biblical spirituality is relational and participatory, not performative
Bridging Scripture and Life
Reflective Questions
- Where have you seen “spiritual” used in ways that differ from Scripture?
- How might loose definitions weaken the gospel?
- In what ways do believers today try to act spiritual instead of living from the Spirit?
Life Application Challenge
As we go about are way this week, think about our action and behaviors. Maybe write the following bullet points down on an index card and keep it in your pocket and review it frequently, or put it on your phone to notify you multiple times during the week to reflect.
- Source: What do I rely on for wisdom, strength, and direction?
- Identity: Do I see myself primarily as self-improving or Spirit-indwelt?
- Posture: Am I trying to produce spiritual life—or receive and respond to it?
Closing Insight:
Biblical spirituality does not ask, “How spiritual are you?”t asks, “Who is giving you life?”