Spirit, Soul, and Body Page 1

Lesson 6 Notes

Spirit, Soul, and Body

Key Verse: 1 Thessalonians 5:23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify
you completely; and may your whole spirit (pneuma), soul (psuche), and body
(soma) be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Introduction

In Lesson 5, we learned that we are made righteous through faith in the finished work
of Jesus. However, in our day-to-day living, we do often do not seem to be very
righteous. How can God say we are righteous when we make such bad choices at
times? The key to understanding and correcting this situation lies in the proper
understanding of the three-part nature of man.

Three Parts — One Person

Man has three dimensions: spirit, soul, and body. He is a spirit being who has a soul
and lives in a body. Each part relates to a different realm: spiritual, mental, and
physical.

What is Man?

Psalm 8:4-8 What is man that You take thought of him, And the son of man that
You care for him? Yet You have made him a little lower than God, And You
crown him with glory and majesty! You make him to rule over the works of Your
hands; You have put all things under his feet, All sheep and oxen, And also the
beasts of the field, The birds of the heavens and the fish of the sea, Whatever
passes through the paths of the seas.

God => Man => Angels => Other Creations

Genesis 1:26 Then God said, "Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our
likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky
and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that
creeps on the earth. (make = asah = to form, construct, prepare, build)

Genesis 2:7 Then the LORD God formed man of dust from the ground, and
breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being
(form = yatzar = to form or shape [like a potter])

Genesis 1:27 God created man in His own image, in the image of God He
created him; male and female He created them. God blessed them; and God
said to them, Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it; and rule
over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over every living thing
that moves on the earth. (create = bara = the production or effectuation of
something new, rare & wonderful)
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Lesson 6 Notes

 What are the three parts of a man or woman?

a.

b.

c.

Spirit of Man

Man’s spirit is that part that knows and relates to God. It is the real you.

1 Corinthians 2:11-14 For what man knows the things of a man except the
spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God
except the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world,
but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been
freely given to us by God. These things we also speak, not in words which
man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual
things with spiritual. But the natural man does not receive the things of the
Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because
they are spiritually discerned.

Soul of Man

The soul of man includes his intellect, will, and emotions. People sometimes
confuse the spirit and soul of man, thinking they are the same. While it may be
difficult at times to distinguish between the two, they are not the same. They can
be separated.

Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than
any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of
joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Body of Man

The body is that outward part of a person that houses the real you. It contacts the
physical realm. The body is a housing or vehicle through which a person’s spirit
and soul functions in this present physical world.

2 Corinthians 5:1-6 For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is
destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands,
eternal in the heavens. For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed
with our habitation which is from heaven, …. So we are always confident,
knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord.

Spirit Soul Body

Holy of holies Inner court Outer court
Contacts God Contacts minds/emotions Contacts world
Spiritual realm Intellectual realm Physical realm
God-conscious Self-conscious Sense-conscious
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Lesson 6 Notes

Salvation of the Whole Person

Man is a three-part being. The salvation of each of those parts is related to the born
again experience. However, each part experiences a different salvation process as
we move toward that final righteous and perfect state originally intended by God.

The spirit attains perfection at the very instant a person is born again. The soul
ideally moves toward perfection over time as it is renewed to the things of God. Final
perfection of the body is completed when the person goes to be with the Lord.

Isaiah 53:4, 5 Surely our griefs He Himself bore, And our sorrows He carried;
Yet we ourselves esteemed Him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But He
was pierced through for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities;
The chastening for our well-being fell upon Him, and by His scourging we are
healed.

The body moves away from perfection as it deteriorates throughout a person’s life
until it finally decays in death. Perfection comes to the body when believers receive a
new body at the coming of the Lord. What we can experience now is divine health.

 Which part of man experiences full salvation first?

Salvation and the Spirit

Before salvation, a person is dead in sin. When a person is born again, his spirit
is made alive, making him a new creature in Christ.

Ezekiel 11:19 Then I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit
within them, and take the stony heart out of their flesh, and give them a heart
of flesh…

Ephesians 2:1 And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and
sins…

2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old

things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

This new spirit is joined to God’s spirit and has the righteousness of Jesus.

1 Corinthians 6:17 But he who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with Him.

2 Corinthians 5:21 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that
we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

When God says you are righteous, He is referring to the real you, the spirit. The
spirit man of a Christian is totally righteous. There is nothing that can be done to
make that spirit more righteous than it is.

 When the Bible states that you are righteous, what part does it mean?
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Lesson 6 Notes

At the death of a believer, his spirit immediately goes to be with Jesus. His works
will be judged to determine his rewards, but his salvation will not be in question.

2 Corinthians 5:6-8 …we are at home in the body we are absent from the
Lord…to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.

1 Corinthians 3:11-15 …builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious

stones, wood, hay, straw, each one’s work will become clear…it will be
revealed by fire…If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will
receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he
himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.

At the death of a non-believer, his spirit eventually ends up at the Great White
Throne Judgment before being cast into the Lake of Fire.

Revelation 20:11-15 Then I saw a great white throne …. The sea gave up
the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who
were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works. Then
Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.

Salvation and the Soul

After the new birth, a Christian’s soul (mind, will, and emotions) must be saved.
This salvation of the soul is a process that takes place over a believer’s entire life
as his mind is renewed and transformed to conform to the will of God.

James 1:21 Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness,
and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save
(deliver, protect, heal, preserve, do well, make whole) your souls.

Romans 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by

the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and
acceptable and perfect will of God.

1 Peter 1:22 Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through
the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a
pure heart…

Ephesians 4:23 and be renewed in the spirit of your mind…

At death, the soul goes with the spirit to be with the Lord (for believers) or to
await the Great White Throne Judgment (for non-believers).

Salvation and the Body

When a person is born again, he receives a new spirit, but his body is not
replaced. If you were bald a minute before salvation, you will still be bald a
minute after salvation. Unfortunately, the body also retains its old desires for self-
gratification after you are born again.

Romans 7:18-25 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good
dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not
find. For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that
I practice. Now if I do what I will not to do, it is no longer I who do it, but sin
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Lesson 6 Notes

that dwells in me. I find then a law, that evil is present with me, the one who
wills to do good. For I delight in the law of God according to the inward man.
But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind,
and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. O
wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? I thank
God—through Jesus Christ our Lord! ….

At death the body dies and decays. Later, when Jesus returns and Christians are
resurrected, they will receive a new, spiritual body that is perfect in every way.
However, until that day, the Bible gives us specific instructions on how we are to
rule our bodies rather than to let our bodies rule us.

1 Corinthians 15:42-44, 51-52 So also is the resurrection of the dead. The

body is sown in corruption, it is raised in incorruption. It is sown in dishonor, it
is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness, it is raised in power. It is sown a
natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is
a spiritual body. … Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we
shall all be changed—in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last
trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible,
and we shall be changed.

Philippians 3:20-21 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also

eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our
lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the
working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.

Successful Christian Living – Inside Out

3 Jn 2 Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good
health, just as your soul prospers.

To live a life that brings glory to God and joy to us, we must properly address the
various aspects of our three-part nature. Attitudes, actions, responses, and reactions
to life’s circumstances are determined by your conscious & subconscious self-
perception. If you see yourself as a victim, you’ll live like a victim. But if you see
yourself like God does – His child – then you’ll live that way.

2 Cor. 4:7-9, 16 talks about an inner life and an outer life. Think of a geode - rough
on the outside, not appealing, but beautiful crystals on the inside. The outer life is
our reputation with people. The inner life is our reputation with God.

Nobody really knows what’s in you except for you and God. Are you a happy
Christian? Are you an exterior or interior Christian? Are you a Christian of outer
oppression, yet inner wealth (Rev. 2:9)? Or outer wealth, yet inner poverty (Rev.
3:17). We tend to count the wrong things (outward) and that makes us depressed
(inward). For example: ”My sister got a new car, but I still have this ol’ Geo Metro!”

The disciples wanted to rule in a physical kingdom, but Jesus says the kingdom is
within us (Luke 17:20, 21). We need to concentrate on ruling over that kingdom first.
There is a lot that goes on inside of us.

Prov. 25:28 a river is a swamp w/o banks; city w/o walls is no city; a man
out of control (w/ no self-imposed limits) is no man

Prov. 16:32 self-discipline is more important & more difficult than physical
prowess (skill/ability)
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Lesson 6 Notes

Prov. 12:24 they never get a position of authority

The problem occurs when we have too much contact with the world and not enough
contact with God. We are to be the home of God. Does He feel "at home" inside of
us? What other things does He have to live in there with? What about the
atmosphere? Like when you go to friends house and they say, "Make yourself at
home." Then they get in a huge fight or talk bad about your friend - how do you feel
now? Many Christians are not at rest, because Jesus in them (in the inner man) is
not at rest.

Spirit Responsibilities

The born-again spirit will always seek to serve God. A Christian must realize that
his spirit is righteous with the righteousness provided by Jesus. Attempts to
perfect our right relationship with God through good works will hinder our
relationship with God (see Lesson 5 on Righteousness).

Body Responsibilities

We must not let the body rule our spirit and soul. The body will self-destruct if we
let it. The body is sense oriented. It chooses to do what feels good for the
moment, regardless of later consequences. It does not like pain, discomfort, or
pressure. It will avoid anything that is difficult and run to anything that feels good
or brings pleasure. If we allow the body to have its way, it will bring death to our
life.

Romans 8:5-7 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, the things of
the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is
life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not
subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be.

We must present our bodies as living sacrifices to God. That means that we must
bring our bodies into submission to God’s will. The key to accomplishing this on a
regular basis rests in the realm of the soul.

Romans 12:2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that
you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is
your reasonable service.

1 Corinthians 9:27 But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest,
when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.

Colossians 3:5 Therefore put to death your members which are on the
earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness,
which is idolatry.

 What are we supposed to do with our bodies?

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Lesson 6 Notes

Soul Responsibilities

A person’s spirit is in union with Jesus and it will always want to do God’s will.
The body is always seeking that which is easiest or produces the most pleasure.
Therefore, the body will always choose against God’s will in order to satisfy its
own desires. There is constant conflict between a believer’s spirit and body.

Galatians 5:16-17 I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the
lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against
the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the
things that you wish.

The soul has an essential function in this conflict. When a situation arises, the
spirit will always urge you to do God’s will while the body will always urge you
take a different route. Your soul will cast the tie-breaking vote.

Romans 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God,

that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which
is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be
transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that
good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Which way your soul “votes” depends on how well you have renewed your mind
to the things of God. If your soul is strong in the things of God, it and your spirit
will gang up on your body to drag it to the altar and present it as a living sacrifice
to the will of God. However, if your soul is weak in the things of God, you will end
up following the desires of your body and further weaken your soul.

 What must you do with your mind so you can effectively present your body
as a living sacrifice to God?

1 Peter 2:11-12 Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from
fleshly lusts which war against the soul, having your conduct honorable
among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they
may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of
visitation.

You can measure your progress in renewing your mind by evaluating the choices
that you make each day.

Anatomy of Sin

Are you a sinner or are you a Saint? If you see yourself as a sinner, you will be in
bondage to sin. Does the Bible call us believers or sinners? Sinners saved by grace?
We are called saints, holy ones, children of God – who occasionally sin.

Remember the war in Romans? Where is it fought? …in the mind. When you got
saved there was no “clear” button for the mind. If satan can control your thoughts he
can control your behavior. You, the spirit you, is not the issue. For example: if a dog
ran up and bit you on the leg, would you beat on your leg or the dog? The dog = sin,
don’t beat yourself up.
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Lesson 6 Notes

2 Cor. 11:3 leave the simplicity...lest your minds should be led astray...

2 Cor. 10:3-5 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:
(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to
the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high
thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into
captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.

Sometimes strongholds are destroyed through the wrecking ball approach – hit
after hit, it brings the building down. But, sometimes it’s like strategically placed
dynamite - within seconds it brings the building down.

2 Cor. 10:3-5 (Living) It is true that I am an ordinary, weak human being, but
I don’t use human plans and methods to win my battles. I use God’s mighty
weapons, not those made by men, to knock down the devil’s strongholds.
These weapons can break down every proud argument against God and
every wall that can be built to keep men from finding Him. With these
weapons I can capture rebels and bring them back to God, and change them
into men whose hearts’ desire is obedience to Christ.

1. Thought = soul = plan; scheme; device; plot; spontaneous thoughts &

temptations used to assault believers

2. High thing = soul = an elevated place or thing; all pride that rises up

3. Imagination = soul = calculative reasoning; wisdom or logic; a person’s mind-set;

philosophies; religions; humanism; atheism; racism; intellectualism; materialism;
rejection; perversion, etc.; anything that causes a person to think a certain way

4. Stronghold = spirit = fortress; bad habits; sinful thought patterns; repeated acts
form a habit; exercised habits = strongholds; a place from which to hold something
strongly

5. Action = body
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Lesson 6 Notes

Josh. 7:1-26 “So Achan answered Joshua and said, "Truly, I have sinned
against the LORD, the God of Israel, and this is what I did: when I saw
among the spoil a beautiful mantle from Shinar and two hundred shekels of
silver and a bar of gold fifty shekels in weight, then I coveted them and took
them; and behold, they are concealed in the earth inside my tent with the
silver underneath it."

2 Sam. 11:2-13 David & Bathsheba

“If you think you can do a thing or think you can't do a thing, you're right.” Henry
Ford

Prov. 23:7 As a man thinketh (to act as a gate-keeper) in his heart so is

he...

Ps. 19:14 meditation of my heart = what you think about when you are free
to think on your own

Col. 3:15-17 peace of God rule

Is. 26:3 …mind is stayed on the Lord He will keep in perfect peace

Phil. 4:6-9 peace of God guards hearts & minds

Prov. 4:20-23 the springs (issues) of life = borders of life

Prov. 16:23 heart of the wise teaches his mouth...

Lk. 6:45 ...out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh

Anatomy of Prayer

Ps. 37:4 ...give you the desires of your heart

Mk. 11:24 ...whatsoever ye desire...

1 Jn. 5:14-16 ...ask according to His will...

1 Cor. 14:14 (Amp) For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit by the Holy
Spirit within me prays, but my mind is unproductive it bears no fruit and helps nobody

Anatomy of Praise

Mk. 12:30 ...love the Lord w/ all heart, soul, mind & strength

2 Chron. 16:9 eyes of the Lord ...”is perfect” = complete; made ready; peaceable

Ps. 22:3 inhabits the praises...

Jn. 4:23, 24 seek those who worship in spirit and in truth

Is. 12:3 with joy draw water...

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Lesson 6 Notes

Sanctification

When something or someone is sanctified, it is set apart for God’s use. As Christians,
our lives—spirit, soul, and body—must be set apart for the use of our Lord.

1 Thessalonians 4:3-7 For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that
you should abstain from sexual immorality; that each of you should know
how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, not in passion of
lust, like the Gentiles who do not know God; that no one should take
advantage of and defraud his brother in this matter, because the Lord is the
avenger of all such, as we also forewarned you and testified. For God did not
call us to uncleanness, but in holiness.

John 17:17-19 Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. …. And for
their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also may be sanctified by the truth.

1 Thessalonians 5:23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you
completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved
blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Summary

Man is a three-part being.

The spirit, when born again, is righteous. You cannot add to what Jesus did.

The body is self-serving. It must be presented as a living sacrifice, requiring it to

serve God’s purposes rather than its own desires.

The soul needs work. It is our job to renew our mind so it functions with godly
purpose and wisdom rather than with worldly goals.

Your mission in life is to renew your mind and rule your body. If you do this, your life
will bring glory to God and joy to you. Failure to be diligent in this mission will lead to
shame and discouragement.

spirit, soul, body; your spirit; present it as a living sacrifice to God; renew your mind to the
things of God