Understanding Our Trichotomous Nature: Spirit, Soul, and Body

Tonight, we revisited the foundational truth of how God created us as three-part beings: spirit, soul, and body. This understanding is not just theological, but deeply practical for our daily walk with God. Our spirit is the eternal part of us, the place where God dwells and communicates. The soul—our mind, will, and emotions—must be renewed and transformed by the Word of God, while our body is the vessel that carries us through this world. Many people spend their lives caring for their bodies and even their souls, but neglect the spirit, which is the very core of our connection with God.

We looked at how, before salvation, our spirit is dead to God, but when we accept Christ, our spirit is made alive—a true spiritual resurrection. This is not just a change in behavior or emotion, but a new creation at the deepest level of our being. However, our soul does not automatically change at salvation. The mind, will, and emotions must be reprogrammed, or renewed, by the ongoing intake and meditation on God’s Word. This is how we become sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s leading and begin to manifest the fruit of the Spirit in our lives.

A key point tonight was the distinction between soul and spirit. Many confuse the two, but Scripture makes it clear they are separate. The Word of God is the only thing sharp enough to divide between soul and spirit, helping us discern what is truly from God and what is merely emotional or intellectual. We used a simple illustration to show how the Word acts as a strainer, separating the soul and spirit so we can follow God’s voice with confidence.

To grow in this discernment, I encouraged three practical habits: regularly reading or hearing the Word, meditating deeply on it, and speaking it aloud over our lives. These practices renew our minds, sensitize our spirits, and empower us to walk in God’s will. Ultimately, fulfilling God’s destiny for our lives depends on our ability to hear and follow His voice, which comes as we prioritize our spirit and allow the Word to do its work in us.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Understanding Our Trichotomous Nature God created us as spirit, soul, and body, each with distinct roles. The spirit is our eternal core, the soul is our mind, will, and emotions, and the body is our physical vessel. Recognizing this design is foundational to understanding how God communicates with us and how we are to live in alignment with His purposes. [48:45]
• 2. The Spirit’s Resurrection and the Ongoing Renewal of the Soul Salvation brings our spirit to life, but our soul—our thoughts, feelings, and desires—requires continual renewal. This process is not automatic; it demands intentional engagement with God’s Word to reprogram old patterns and align our inner life with the new nature Christ has given us. [56:43]
• 3. The Word of God as the Divider of Soul and Spirit Only the Word of God can accurately distinguish between what is spiritual and what is merely soulish. This discernment is crucial, as even well-meaning emotions or intellectual excitement can be mistaken for spiritual leading. Regular exposure to Scripture sharpens our ability to hear God’s true voice and avoid being led astray by our own feelings or reasoning. [75:50]
• 4. Practical Habits for Spiritual Sensitivity To cultivate a spirit that hears God, we must read or listen to the Word, meditate on it deeply, and speak it aloud over our lives. These practices not only renew our minds but also build faith and create an environment where the Holy Spirit’s guidance becomes clear and reliable in every circumstance. [82:05]
• 5. Fulfilling God’s Destiny Requires Spiritual Discernment It is possible to be saved and yet miss God’s specific plan for your life if you do not learn to discern His voice. Fulfilling your destiny is not automatic; it requires a commitment to spiritual growth, community, and the ongoing renewal of your mind so you can confidently follow the Holy Spirit’s direction. [67:25]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [43:23] - Review of Zechariah 4:6 and the Power of the Spirit
• [47:01] - The Value of Going Back to Basics
• [48:45] - Body, Soul, and Spirit: Our Three-Part Design
• [50:04] - Caring for Body, Soul, and Spirit
• [50:54] - Biblical Foundation for Trichotomy
• [53:17] - The Trinity and the Rope Illustration
• [55:32] - The Spirit’s Role and Spiritual Resurrection
• [56:43] - Baptism: Outward Sign of Inward Change
• [58:17] - New Creation in Christ
• [60:48] - The Ongoing Renewal of the Soul
• [62:37] - The Enemy’s Tactics and Renewed Nature
• [64:46] - Reprogramming the Mind
• [67:25] - Fulfilling God’s Plan: Hearing His Voice
• [75:50] - Distinguishing Soul and Spirit
• [77:35] - The Strainer Illustration: Dividing Soul and Spirit
• [82:05] - Three Habits for Renewing the Mind
• [84:19] - Meditating and Speaking the Word
• [86:57] - Living as a New Creation
• [88:40] - Prayer and Final Encouragement
• [94:15] - Dismissal and Closing Remarks

Bible Reading

1 Thessalonians 5:23 (ESV) — > 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.

2. Hebrews 4:12 (ESV)
> 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.

3. Romans 12:2 (ESV)
> 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.

Observation Questions

1. According to 1 Thessalonians 5:23, what are the three parts that make up a human being? How does Paul pray for each part to be kept? [48:45]
2. In Hebrews 4:12, what does the Word of God do that nothing else can? What does this tell us about the relationship between soul and spirit? [01:15:50]
3. The sermon described a simple illustration using water, rocks, and a strainer. What did each element represent, and what was the main point of this demonstration? [01:18:39]
4. According to Romans 12:2, what is the result of renewing your mind? How does this connect to the process of spiritual growth described in the sermon? [01:00:48]

Interpretation Questions

1. Why is it important to recognize the difference between soul and spirit, rather than treating them as the same thing? How might confusing the two affect a believer’s spiritual life? [01:13:00]
2. The sermon said that our spirit is made alive at salvation, but our soul needs ongoing renewal. What does it look like for someone to neglect the renewal of their soul, even after becoming a Christian? [01:00:48]
3. Hebrews 4:12 says the Word of God divides soul and spirit. What are some practical ways the Word helps us discern whether something is from God or just our own emotions or thoughts? [01:15:50]
4. The pastor mentioned that it’s possible to be saved but still miss God’s specific plan for your life. What role does spiritual discernment play in fulfilling God’s destiny for us? [01:07:25]

Application Questions

1. The sermon pointed out that many people spend time caring for their bodies and even their souls, but often neglect their spirit. Looking at your own life, which of the three—body, soul, or spirit—do you tend to prioritize? What is one step you could take this week to invest more in your spirit? [50:04]
2. The pastor encouraged three habits: reading or hearing the Word, meditating on it, and speaking it aloud. Which of these is most challenging for you, and what is one practical way you could start building this habit into your daily routine? [01:22:05]
3. Think about a recent decision or situation where you weren’t sure if you were being led by God or just your own feelings. How could you use the “strainer” of God’s Word to help you discern the difference next time? [01:18:39]
4. The sermon said that fulfilling God’s destiny is not automatic, even for believers. What are some distractions or habits in your life that might keep you from hearing God’s voice clearly? What is one thing you could change this week to become more sensitive to the Holy Spirit? [01:07:25]
5. The pastor talked about the importance of community and being around other believers to help sharpen us. Are you currently connected to a group or community that encourages your spiritual growth? If not, what is one step you could take to get more connected? [01:26:57]
6. When you face a problem or challenge, do you tend to speak the problem or speak God’s Word over it? Can you think of a specific situation where you could practice speaking God’s promises instead of your worries? [01:25:11]
7. The sermon described the process of “chewing” on Scripture—taking time to meditate and let it sink in. Choose one verse from tonight’s reading. How could you meditate on it this week, and what do you hope God will show you through it? [01:24:19]