I Corinthians 2: The Power of God, Not Human Wisdom
And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God.
For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.
And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.
And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:
That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.
Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:
But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:
Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.
But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.
But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.
For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.
Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.
For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.
I Corinthians 2 delves into the heart of Paul's ministry and the essence of true wisdom. Picking up the thread from I Corinthians 1, Paul contrasts the gospel's power with the allure of human eloquence and intellectual prowess. This chapter emphasizes that genuine faith rests not on persuasive rhetoric but on the demonstrative power of God's Spirit. Understanding this chapter is crucial for grasping how God reveals truth and how believers can access divine wisdom.
Paul's Approach in Corinth (I Corinthians 2:1-5)
Paul begins by reminding the Corinthians of his humble approach when he first preached the gospel to them. He deliberately avoided relying on impressive speaking skills or intellectual displays, recognizing that such methods could detract from the gospel's core message. He states in I Corinthians 2:1, "And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom."
Instead, Paul focused on presenting "Jesus Christ and him crucified" (I Corinthians 2:2). He even admits to being "with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling" (I Corinthians 2:3). This vulnerability wasn't a sign of inadequacy but a strategic choice. Paul understood that reliance on personal charisma or intellectual argumentation could lead people to place their faith in human ability rather than in God's power. Paul's confidence wasn't in his own intellect, training, abilities, or background. Rather, Paul was confident in the Spirit’s power that accompanied his message so that the Corinthians’ faith would be in God’s power and not human wisdom (I Corinthians 2:4-5).
This is a crucial lesson for us today. When sharing our faith, we should rely on the Holy Spirit's power, not on our own eloquence or persuasive abilities. It's not wrong to be articulate or knowledgeable, but our confidence should be in God's ability to transform hearts.
Divine Wisdom vs. Human Wisdom (I Corinthians 2:6-10)
Paul clarifies that he is not against wisdom itself. He states in I Corinthians 2:6, "Yet among the mature we do impart wisdom, although it is not a wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are doomed to pass away." He distinguishes between the wisdom of the world and the wisdom of God. The wisdom of the world is limited to what can be observed through the senses and understood through human reason. In contrast, God's wisdom is a "secret and hidden wisdom" (I Corinthians 2:7), a plan of salvation established before the world began, centered on Christ's sacrifice.
This divine wisdom is not accessible through human intellect alone. As I Corinthians 2:9 states, quoting Isaiah, "What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him." This isn't necessarily a reference to heaven, but to God's work in the life of the believer. God can help believers understand things that they cannot learn through natural means. How does he do this? He reveals these things to us by the Spirit (I Corinthians 2:10). This is called illumination. Through the Holy Spirit, God reveals these truths to those who love Him. He illuminates our minds, enabling us to grasp spiritual realities that would otherwise remain hidden.
The Role of the Holy Spirit (I Corinthians 2:11-13)
Paul further explains the vital role of the Holy Spirit in understanding God's wisdom. Just as a person's spirit knows their own thoughts, so the Spirit of God knows the thoughts of God (I Corinthians 2:11). We are dependent on the Spirit to enable us to make a spiritual connection with God. The Spirit reveals these thoughts to us, enabling us to understand and embrace them.
I Corinthians 2:12-13 highlights the contrast between the spirit of the world and the Spirit of God: "Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God. And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual." Believers have received the Holy Spirit, allowing them to understand spiritual truths that are incomprehensible to those who rely solely on human wisdom.
Spiritual Discernment (I Corinthians 2:14-16)
The chapter concludes by emphasizing the difference between the "natural person" and the "spiritual person." The natural person, lacking the Holy Spirit, cannot understand spiritual truths. They seem foolish because they can only be evaluated spiritually (I Corinthians 2:14).
However, the spiritual person, guided by the Holy Spirit, can discern all things (I Corinthians 2:15). They have access to the "mind of Christ" (I Corinthians 2:16), enabling them to think and act in accordance with God's will. This doesn't mean believers are infallible, but it signifies that they have the capacity to understand and apply God's wisdom to their lives.
Paul poses a rhetorical question (quoting again from Isaiah): Who has known the Lord’s mind, that he may instruct him? The answer is obvious: no one! God doesn’t need an education; he certainly doesn’t need human counsel. On the other hand, we definitely need his instruction and perspective. That’s why he’s given believers the mind of Christ, the capacity to think Christ’s thoughts after him, so that we will live life as we ought.
I Corinthians 2 is a powerful reminder that true wisdom comes from God and is accessed through the Holy Spirit. It challenges us to rely on God's power rather than human intellect and to seek spiritual discernment in all areas of our lives. By embracing the mind of Christ, we can live lives that are pleasing to God and impactful for His kingdom.
And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God.
For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.
And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.
And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:
That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.
Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:
But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:
Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.
But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.
But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.
For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.
Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.
For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.
I Corinthians 2 delves into the heart of Paul's ministry and the essence of true wisdom. Picking up the thread from I Corinthians 1, Paul contrasts the gospel's power with the allure of human eloquence and intellectual prowess. This chapter emphasizes that genuine faith rests not on persuasive rhetoric but on the demonstrative power of God's Spirit. Understanding this chapter is crucial for grasping how God reveals truth and how believers can access divine wisdom.
Paul's Approach in Corinth (I Corinthians 2:1-5)
Paul begins by reminding the Corinthians of his humble approach when he first preached the gospel to them. He deliberately avoided relying on impressive speaking skills or intellectual displays, recognizing that such methods could detract from the gospel's core message. He states in I Corinthians 2:1, "And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom."
Instead, Paul focused on presenting "Jesus Christ and him crucified" (I Corinthians 2:2). He even admits to being "with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling" (I Corinthians 2:3). This vulnerability wasn't a sign of inadequacy but a strategic choice. Paul understood that reliance on personal charisma or intellectual argumentation could lead people to place their faith in human ability rather than in God's power. Paul's confidence wasn't in his own intellect, training, abilities, or background. Rather, Paul was confident in the Spirit’s power that accompanied his message so that the Corinthians’ faith would be in God’s power and not human wisdom (I Corinthians 2:4-5).
This is a crucial lesson for us today. When sharing our faith, we should rely on the Holy Spirit's power, not on our own eloquence or persuasive abilities. It's not wrong to be articulate or knowledgeable, but our confidence should be in God's ability to transform hearts.
Divine Wisdom vs. Human Wisdom (I Corinthians 2:6-10)
Paul clarifies that he is not against wisdom itself. He states in I Corinthians 2:6, "Yet among the mature we do impart wisdom, although it is not a wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are doomed to pass away." He distinguishes between the wisdom of the world and the wisdom of God. The wisdom of the world is limited to what can be observed through the senses and understood through human reason. In contrast, God's wisdom is a "secret and hidden wisdom" (I Corinthians 2:7), a plan of salvation established before the world began, centered on Christ's sacrifice.
This divine wisdom is not accessible through human intellect alone. As I Corinthians 2:9 states, quoting Isaiah, "What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him." This isn't necessarily a reference to heaven, but to God's work in the life of the believer. God can help believers understand things that they cannot learn through natural means. How does he do this? He reveals these things to us by the Spirit (I Corinthians 2:10). This is called illumination. Through the Holy Spirit, God reveals these truths to those who love Him. He illuminates our minds, enabling us to grasp spiritual realities that would otherwise remain hidden.
The Role of the Holy Spirit (I Corinthians 2:11-13)
Paul further explains the vital role of the Holy Spirit in understanding God's wisdom. Just as a person's spirit knows their own thoughts, so the Spirit of God knows the thoughts of God (I Corinthians 2:11). We are dependent on the Spirit to enable us to make a spiritual connection with God. The Spirit reveals these thoughts to us, enabling us to understand and embrace them.
I Corinthians 2:12-13 highlights the contrast between the spirit of the world and the Spirit of God: "Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God. And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual." Believers have received the Holy Spirit, allowing them to understand spiritual truths that are incomprehensible to those who rely solely on human wisdom.
Spiritual Discernment (I Corinthians 2:14-16)
The chapter concludes by emphasizing the difference between the "natural person" and the "spiritual person." The natural person, lacking the Holy Spirit, cannot understand spiritual truths. They seem foolish because they can only be evaluated spiritually (I Corinthians 2:14).
However, the spiritual person, guided by the Holy Spirit, can discern all things (I Corinthians 2:15). They have access to the "mind of Christ" (I Corinthians 2:16), enabling them to think and act in accordance with God's will. This doesn't mean believers are infallible, but it signifies that they have the capacity to understand and apply God's wisdom to their lives.
Paul poses a rhetorical question (quoting again from Isaiah): Who has known the Lord’s mind, that he may instruct him? The answer is obvious: no one! God doesn’t need an education; he certainly doesn’t need human counsel. On the other hand, we definitely need his instruction and perspective. That’s why he’s given believers the mind of Christ, the capacity to think Christ’s thoughts after him, so that we will live life as we ought.
I Corinthians 2 is a powerful reminder that true wisdom comes from God and is accessed through the Holy Spirit. It challenges us to rely on God's power rather than human intellect and to seek spiritual discernment in all areas of our lives. By embracing the mind of Christ, we can live lives that are pleasing to God and impactful for His kingdom.