Bible Dictionary
SPIRITUAL THINGS
Spiritual things are realities that proceed from the Holy Spirit and concern salvation, worship, Christian service, and the regenerate life. They include such blessings as faith, hope, love, justification, sanctification, peace, and the gifts of the Spirit.
Definition
Spiritual things are realities proceeding from the Holy Spirit and pertaining to spiritual life, worship, and service. They include the benefits accompanying salvation, the gifts of the Spirit, and the fruits, blessings, and aids of the regenerate life.
Biblical Usage
Paul contrasts spiritual things with fleshly or physical things such as food, clothing, and money. Spiritual things include faith, hope, love, justification, sanctification, peace, and the gifts and blessings given to believers.
Historical Background
The expression may also refer ecclesiastically to matters belonging to spiritual office, the ministry of the Word, or service in the sanctuary.
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>(ta pneumatika): Things proceeding from the Holy Spirit and pertaining to man's spiritual life, worship, service. Contrasted in 1Co 9:11 and in Ro 15:27 with ta sarkika, things fleshly, physical, which have to do with man's sensuous, corporeal nature, such as food, raiment, money. By "spiritual things" Paul signifies the benefits accompanying salvation, the gifts of the Spirit--faith, hope, love, justification, sanctification, peace--all the fruits and blessings and aids of the regenerate life.</p><p>Ecclesiastically:</p><p>Things pertaining to spiritual office, the ministry of the Word, or the service of the sanctuary.</p><p>Dwight M. Pratt</p>