Introduction: 1 Corinthians 2 teaches believers about the way spiritual truths are discerned, pointing out that the teachings and mysteries of God are not understood through worldly wisdom but through the Spirit of God. Paul shares his own approach to preaching among the Corinthians, focused not on eloquent wisdom, but on the demonstration of the Spirit’s power. This allows believers’ faith to rest in God’s power rather than human wisdom. This chapter should inspire believers to seek the wisdom that comes from above and rely on the Spirit for understanding the depths of God.
I. Paul’s Approach to Preaching in Corinth – 1 Corinthians 2:1-5
Paul recalls his approach when he first preached to the Corinthians, shedding some light on the simplicity and reliance on God’s power. We read in 2 Corinthians 4:7, that the treasure of the gospel is in earthen vessels so that God’s power may be evident. We who are flesh and blood (earthen vessels) preach, teach and sing the gospel, showing God’s power to save. Also in 1 Thessalonians 1:5, we read that the Gospel came to the Thessalonians not only in word but in power and the Holy Spirit, through an earthen vessel (God uses people like me and you to spread the message, very simply put). In Acts 4:33, we have an affirmation that the apostles (simple preaching of the Word of God) gave witness to the resurrection of Jesus with great power, God uses people to simply show the power of the gospel.
II. The Wisdom of God Versus the Wisdom of the World – 1 Corinthians 2:6-9
Paul draws a contrast between the wisdom of the age, or this world and the hidden wisdom of God, which was predestined (Ephesians 1:4-6) for the believers’ glory. The saints of the Old Testament were looking forward to the cross of Christ as we can read in Ephesians 3:5, this verse points out that the mystery of Christ was not known to previous generations but has now been revealed, God’s plan for Christ to come is the wisdom of God, it was going to be this way before the foundation of the world was laid. In Romans 16:25, Paul speaks of the mystery kept secret but now revealed through prophetic writings, me, you or anybody can read about God’s plan throughout the Old Testament, through the messianic prophecies. Also in Colossians 1:26, the Bible refers to the mystery hidden for ages but now made known to the saints.
III. The Role of the Spirit in Understanding God’s Wisdom – 1 Corinthians 2:10-13
The Holy Spirit searches all things and reveals the deep things of God to believers, pointing out that spiritual truths are spiritually discerned, college won’t give it to you, it is supernatural.
In John 16:13, he writes that the Spirit of truth guides into all truth, shedding light on the Holy Spirit’s role in revelations and understanding. 2 Peter 1:21 show us that prophecy never came by the will of man, through holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. We can help ourselves by praying as stated Ephesians 1:17-18, pray for the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so believers can know God better.
IV. The Natural Person Versus the Spiritual Person: 1 Corinthians 2:14-16
Paul compares the natural person who does not accept the things of God or the Spirit, but the spiritual person is able to judge all things through the Spirit. A sure sign someone is lacking the Holy Spirit can be read in Jude 1:19, he writes that those who cause divisions are worldly, devoid of the Spirit. In Romans 8:6-7, we read a comparison of the mindset on the flesh with the mindset on the Spirit, where the former leads to death and the latter to life and peace. Another verse about the spiritual people is in John 14:26, Jesus promises the Holy Spirit will teach all things and remind of all that Jesus said, pointing to the Spirit’s role in the believers understanding.
Conclusion: 1 Corinthians 2 challenges believers to think about their understanding of wisdom and knowledge. Paul’s points out the inadequacy of human wisdom and the necessity of divine revelation through the Spirit is a powerful reminder that true understanding comes from God. As believers, we are invited to embrace the Spirit’s role in revealing the deep mysteries of God, recognizing that the gospel’s life changing power is not in eloquent words but in the demonstration of the Spirit’s presence. This chapter should encourage us to seek the wisdom that is from above, to trust the Spirit for discernment, and to rest our faith not on human cleverness but on the power of God.
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