1 Corinthians 2:1-16 Spiritual Wisdom through the Holy Spirit

In this section of his letter to the Corinthians Paul explains his use of common language to preach the gospel. The apostle associates his preaching as being empowered by the Holy Spirit.

1 When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. 2 For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. 3 I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling.” (1 Corinthians 2:1-3)

Paul describes his wisdom as one of God rather than the world’s. The apostle preached the mystery of God simply and fully, not disguised or arranged to please Greek philosophers or Jewish law makers. Paul made Jesus Christ the focus on his preaching which would prove more powerful than any Greek mythology or Jewish laws.

4 My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, 5 so that your faith might not rest on men’s wisdom, but on God’s power.” (1 Corinthians 2:4-5)

Relying on the Holy Spirit and the truth, Paul continued to advance the gospel of Jesus Christ with simplicity rather than complicated doctrine. It was this simplicity which would be at the root of his ministry’s success throughout Greece.

6 We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. 7 No, we speak of God’s secret wisdom, a wisdom that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began. 8 None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.” (1 Corinthians 2:6-8)

Again the apostle describes his wisdom as one brought on by the Holy Spirit and the truth. God’s secret wisdom is one based on faith in Jesus Christ, a wisdom misunderstood by those cursed with worldly wisdom.

9 However, as it is written: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him” — 10 but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.” (1 Corinthians 2:9-10)

It is through the Holy Spirit we have been enriched with a glimpse of the great rewards that await us at the conclusion of our walk along the narrow path that leads to eternal life.

11 For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man’s spirit within him? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. 12 We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us.” (1 Corinthians 2:11-12)

Paul explains how a man’s spirit knows his own secrets but these are not known to other men. So it is with God, no one knows His secrets, His divine, perfect plan except for the Holy Spirit which slowly but surely reveals more and more of God’s love and plan as we grow in Christ.

13 This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words. 14 The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.” (1 Corinthians 2:13-14)

Using the power given by the Holy spirit, and armed with the truth about Jesus Christ, the apostle Paul describes those not in Christ as unable to understand and receive the gospel. Only seeds planted before the gospel is heard will grow to produce a harvest beyond measure as part of God’s predestined plan.

15 The spiritual man makes judgments about all things, but he himself is not subject to any man’s judgment: 16″For who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 2:15-16)

Empowered with knowledge brought on by the Holy Spirit, the spiritual man is blessed with discernment which allows him to examine all things with the eye of God rather than that of man. But since no one knows the mind of God, none can advise Him.

Paul concludes all those in Christ are blessed with the mind of Christ, with His love and divine wisdom. We should live each day accordingly and promote Christ like character. Let us pray!

Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives and for your servant Paul,
We praise you Lord for his wisdom and for his works through this scripture,
We ask you Lord to inspire us to use these verses in our lives
As we grow in you through the teachings of your faithful apostle.

Lord we ask you to strengthen us each day as we endure through battles,
Allow us to praise and love each other through faith in you Jesus,
Shield us from evil through truth, the gospel, salvation and prayer,
Guide us to abide by your word as we spread your gospel to one and all
Becoming examples of faith through our character as we walk the narrow path.

God we pray that you will continue to bless us, to bless our lives and fill us with hope
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and a place with you in heaven
According to your word, your everlasting wisdom and strength.

May your will be done
In our lives, for your life.

We thank you for your love and all you bless us with each day.

Praise God,
Amen!

This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: DanielStPierre@ThriveThroughChrist.com

Posted in Bible Studies.

Daniel St.Pierre