Read 1 Corinthians 2
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+2;&version=NIV
2:1–5 Wisdom and Power in Evangelism
Paul admitted his lack of human wisdom (2:2), not because he was unlearned and foolish in the world’s terms, but to bring to focus the mystery of God’s work on the cross and to reestablish faith in the power of God. Why did Paul come to Corinth in “weakness” and fear (2:3)? He had recently been run out of Thessalonica (Acts 17:1–10) and had not had a very encouraging experience in Athens (Acts 17:15–34). But Paul came to every city in “weakness” and fear (cf. 2 Cor. 7:15; Eph. 6:5; Phil. 2:12). Paul’s attitude of “weakness” and fear was the way he ordered his ways in humility and awe before God, rather than in the self-reliant and cocky manner of worldly wisdom. Paul came to them humbly to show them that wisdom was not in him but in the power of God through Christ’s work on the cross.
2:6–9 Wisdom and the Mature
In these verses, Paul explained how he could be rejected or misunderstood, even if his way was God’s way. He revealed that the hidden mind of Christ is above human understanding and evaluation. The “rulers of this world” were contrasted with God and his wisdom (2:6–8). These “rulers” had failed to understand God’s mysterious wisdom and would be excluded from his kingdom. Those with the “wisdom that belongs to this world” even crucified the Messiah, Jesus. The “secret wisdom of God” (2:7), the truth of the gospel, was a divine secret—a truth undiscoverable apart from divine revelation. Paul’s quotations of the Old Testament (2:9; Isa. 64:4; 65:17; Jer. 3:16) were used to defend the nature of the gospel, not simply to describe future glory in heaven (see Isa. 6:9–10 in Matt. 13:14–15).
2:10–16 The Communication of This Wisdom
Paul revealed that the things long hidden are now revealed by the illuminating work of the Holy Spirit, not by human wisdom. Only spiritual people could receive this revelation. The spiritual person is one who thinks like Christ.
Discussion question
What part of this chapter did you connect with? Why?
Reflection question
What can you do to exercise “the mind of Christ” more fully in your life?
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What stands out to me is verse 14 where it talks about man without Spirit has no idea of what he has through Jesus Christ. It is the spirit in man that allows him to know the depth of Christ and without it looks upon it all as foolishness. I love the fact that having the spirit of God allows us to be of one mind with the Lord.
ReplyDelete4My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, 5so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power.
ReplyDeleteI liked these verses, especially verse 5
Agreed with Colene...Many times I feel inadequate to witness and feel as Paul "I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling." It is good to know that the holy spirit provides the words.
ReplyDeletejeanie: I feel that Paul is for real. He is so human. He has litterely been unmasked to us.He can to His mission post right out of a great big pile of humanism. He has often been unmasked, This unmasking has left him
ReplyDeleteright out there in the open for all to see.
Well all of his readers that is.
He is protected by his apparent faith in his need to serve His very beloved God. He is guided by the Holy Spirit. HE has put his head on the chopping block. He is a fly-by- the-seat-of my-pants-kind -of-guy. Boy oh boy do I like that!!!!
He says what he believes and believes what he says. That takes real guts!!! Is that great are what???? My kind of peerson.
Well those individuals often stick their right foot and left foot right in their mouth , if you know what I mean. Gee , that is a tough place to find your self. One really has to pray for wisdom , and I mean alot are needed here. I know because that 's how I have seamed to fly myself.
Well I am by no means Paul or have I done such great work for God. I have often hoped to do great work for God. I kwno many of God's peopl have had these asperirations.
I will stay in prayer and press forward toward that mark. I pray Dear Father do not let me come too short too often in your will for my life.
Each of us have our own calling in life. I pray that we can stand strong ane gorify
God with all that He has place in our care.
Dear Jim : The futher I get behind the more I'm behind, Well that 's one way to put it.
ReplyDeleteI am saving each posting on jimestudy folder on my email page. Or whatever that is. This way I hope to progress ot my own speed.
Like Dad always said to mee:" I've got two speeds my dear. Slow and stop. Well I'm never stopping so I just go slowly to the finish line. See you later agator!!!!
Your friend jeanie