The spirit-flesh continuum is similar to but which takes place at a
different level of the spirituality-philosophical continuum. They can
be confusing because both of them can be extracted from the Bible.
When we are told that "He that believes in the Son has eternal life",
or "what is born of the flesh is flesh but what is born of the Spirit
is spirit", it is the spirit-flesh continuum. When we hear about works
and grace, we are talking about the spirit-flesh continuum. When Paul
says that "not of works, lest any man should boast", he is talking about
this distinction. One that it is eternal, inmutable and fixed.
When the natural man thinks that things of the spirit of God are foolish
and that they must be discerned spiritualy (1 Cor 2:14) and when Jesus
tells his disciples to pray lest they fall into temptation (Mat 26:41),
it is the second continuum. It is ever changing, either getting better
or getting worse, opposite to the never changing nature that separated
the spirit and the flesh, the spirit-flesh continuum.
In my opinion, the reason this distinction is important is that the
spirit-flesh continuum is a universal condition and exists as part of
human nature, within each individual regardless of any other
characteristics. It is hard-wired in the human condition while the
second is an ongoing wiring process.
The spirituality-philosophical continuum requires a certain degree of
participation by the individual's intellect and spirituality. Each
individual actively participates in the wiring process through thinking,
interactions, readings, praying, etc. It is what happens in the journey,
each individual's journey.
I am not ready to discuss the relationship between these two continua
but there is a definite relationship. Just like a person with physical
impediments is handicapped in a physical activity, a person with limited
spiritual characteristics will not prosper as much as others who are
better equipped.
Lk 12:48
For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required.
1 Co 4:2
It is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.