John writes to believers concerning the unction or anointing of the indwelling “Spirit of life in Christ Jesus” that is inherently possessed by all believers since the cross, received from the moment of their rebirth. The “Spirit of Christ” comes to eternally dwell in their spirit. All Old Testament anointing with olive oil represented the impartation of “the Spirit” who was then yet to come to dwell in every believer’s spirit.

“But ye have an unction (anointing) from the Holy One (Christ), and Ye Know All Things.” (1 John 2:20)

“But the anointing which ye have received of him (Christ) Abideth In You, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.” (1 John 2:27 (KJV)

Some Christians have grown in their knowledge and faith such that they’ve then come to experientially know the indwelling “Spirit of Christ” as their all sufficiency. He teaches, guides, restrains, and prompts them from within. They’ve learned to walk in union and in accord with His “Spirit of life” within them. They’ve come to know and fellowship with the indwelling “Christ,” partnering with Him who leads them and who has freed them from Sin’s dominion. In all this they’ve gained a spiritual discernment as they live, face and encounter this life, such is not otherwise possible. The Apostle to the Gentiles, Paul, calls this “the fellowship (Gk koinonia, partnership) of the mystery” (Eph. 3:9), “the mystery” of “Christ In You the hope of glory” (Col 1:27).

Paul wrote: “He that is spiritual judgeth [discerneth] all things, yet he himself is judged [discerned] of no man” (I Cor. 2:15). The truly spiritual man is wiser than the wisest of this world, so far above the mass of nominal or token Christians with whom he comes into contact. Thus he can understand them, but non-spiritual Christians can never quite understand him. In fact, the things that a spiritual man may share seems to them like “foolishness.”

“But the natural man (Gk., psuchikos, soulish man) receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. (1 Corinthians 2:14)

We as believers should long to be truly spiritual, but what is true spirituality? In Paul’s epistles Christians are divided by the Spirit into four classes: the babe in Christ, the carnal Christian, the natural man, and the spiritual Christian. All four of these kinds of Christians are referred to in this one passage of Scripture (read I Cor. 2:14–3:4). Note that they are classified according to their ability to appreciate and assimilate “the things of God” as revealed in His Word and by His indwelling “Spirit.”

1. The “babe” in Christ is just that, he’s unstable, needs to be fed, overseen and cared for. He’s yet a babe even though he may have become a Christian long ago but is stunted in his growth.
2. The “carnal” Christian is fleshly in his way of living and outlook; he yields to the impulses of the “Sin (nature located) in the flesh” (Rom 8:3b). The flesh and spirit are at odds. (cf. Gal 5:17)
3. The “natural man” (1 Cor 2:14) is not an unsaved one as so many suppose. The Greek word “psuchikos” is translated “natural man.” ‘Psuchikos’ is derived from the Greek ‘psuche’ or “soul.” The “natural” man is the man of the soul. The soul consists of these faculties; mind, emotion and will. The natural man is one who lives by his soul’s independent mindset, and/or his emotions, or his self-will. He does not hear and heed the indwelling “Spirit of Christ,” therefore he is not spiritual.

Thus the “natural man” may be intellectual and know his Bible… but has not come to know the person of “Christ” intimately. He perceives and judges everything by his independent mindset and intellect, therefore he has no spiritual discernment. He tends to cling to “the Law.” The soulish Christian judges everything by his soul’s mind, emotion, or unbent will, thus not seeing by the spirit.

Through diligent study of the Word rightly divided, and with a sincere desire and willingness to walk union with the Lord, the spiritual man comes to know the Lord Jesus Christ within him ever more and more intimately. Babes in Christ, carnal, and soulish believers cannot “discern” the Lord’s inner speaking simply because they have not come to know and trust “the Spirit of Christ” within them to guide them and live through them. “He that is spiritual” is one who has grown to spiritual maturity, understanding that Christ is always at work within him. He is among those of whom it is written:

“But strong meat [solid food] belongeth to them that are of full age (mature), even Those Who By Reason Of Use (Experience) Have Their Senses Exercised To Discern Both Good And Evil” (Heb. 5:14).