1Cor2

1 Cor 2:1-2 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.

Paul begins in the first two verses of this chapter reminding the Corinthians that when he came to them before he did not come using flowery speech and words that could not be understood. Paul wanted all that heard him to understand what he had to say. He states also that he did not fall into philosophical discussions instead spoke of the testimony of God pertaining to salvation brought through Jesus Christ. Paul reminds them that the only thing he was truly concerned with was Jesus Christ and Him crucified. He did not concern himself with the knowledge of others as many do now and did before. Paul's main message was Christ and Him crucified.

1 Cor 2:3-5 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.

Paul goes on to say in verses three to five, I, the apostle, the preacher came with "weakness," referring to a speech impediment possibly or lack of education and with "fear and trembling" referring to a desire to serve Christ to the best of his ability. Paul is not just speaking to please man--he is speaking to please God and lead others to Him.

Paul was not afraid to admit that his speech both public and private was not full of educated wisdom coming from man. He was not able to speak with the knowledge of wise men of the world. The only manner in which he was able to speak came from the Spirit and power of Christ. It flows only from the Holy Spirit, which works in the inner man, the conscience and convicts the heart to what is right and wrong. Paul did not desire to gain praise from the crowds. He only desired to demonstrate the Power and Spirit of God. Paul wanted the Corinthians and all that heard his words to realize that faith did not come from anything man could offer. Faith did not come from man's great philosophical renderings or flowery eloquent speech, but instead came simply from the Power of God!

Father, keep me always alert to the wiles and smooth talk of man. For I know that even those that claim Christianity can come with words that are not from you. Keep me ever watchful so as to not be taken in by the trickery and evil doings of Satan and his imps. Keep me ever mindful that true faith comes only from the power of the Holy Spirit!

1 Cor 2:6-11 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.

The next section of chapter two, verses 6 to 11 begins speaking of them, which are truly wise being those that are like the Lord. True wisdom comes from God! Those that are perfect have a mature understanding of the Gospel. They have a sensitivity and discernment that allows them to communicate deeper with Christ. Their wisdom is not of this world! They do not rally in schemes and fancies that cause destruction. When we speak of the wisdom of God we speak of a mystery. The mystery is beyond our human ability to discover. It is only through God's revealing that we will find the interpretation of the mystery of the written Word. No matter who we are or what stature we hold in life if we are not taught by the Holy Spirit we will not know anything about the truths of God's Word. When we allow the Holy Spirit to flow through us the mysteries of God's Word are revealed plainly. Darkness becomes light! If the truth had been known Christ would not have been crucified! But darkness blinded the truth and evil flourished. Verse nine refers to Isaiah 64:4. The kingdom of Christ the Messiah is unknown to natural man. No one in the natural world has seen, heard, or known the things that God has for His children. But, those that wait upon Him, that search Him out, diligently seeking the truth will find Him. Verse 10 goes on to say that the apostles and their fellow-disciples, and this includes you and me, taught of the Holy Spirit will fully understand as they search for the truth. By the understanding given from the Holy Spirit those of us receiving the Word in truth can then pass it on to others for their understanding. With the Spirit of God in you all things of God will be revealed to you as you search Him for understanding. No one knows a persons hidden thought other than the person and God. The thoughts are hidden yet can be revealed by the spirit of the person and the same is with God. The Holy Spirit reveals his thoughts. And the Holy Spirit revealed those thoughts to the apostles and the apostles revealed them to others through their teaching and preaching. And it is the same today for everyone having the Spirit of God within.

1 Cor 2:12 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.

Paul continues in verse 12 to say that when we receive Christ we receive His Spirit, which is the Spirit of God. We receive this Spirit so that we may know the things that are of God. And also so that we may know what it is that God desires for us and of us. In verse 13 we see that God's thoughts and words can become ours if we allow Him to dwell in us and teach us by the Holy Spirit. As we grow in Him we begin to adapt His thoughts to our words so when we speak we speak the things of God. We also adapt His thoughts to our actions so what we do begins to reflect Him. In all things we do God should be first and foremost flowing from us reflecting Christ! Paul continues to inform us that anyone that does not have the Spirit of God also has no way to gain knowledge from His Word. The only wisdom they will have comes from their natural senses and understanding. Some one in the world using worldly wisdom or knowledge cannot conceive the things of the Spirit. To those in the world the things of God are mere foolishness.

1 Cor 2:13-16 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.

Paul concludes this chapter saying that those of Christ use the Spirit to discern all things--worldly or spiritual! Men and women of the world though cannot understand the ways of true believers. I say true believers because there are many that claim or profess to be Christian believers but still act carnal and worldly in most everything they do. Looking at them outside of church and in some instances even in church you could not tell them apart from the non-believer! Without the mind of Christ no one can understand the ways of God. For all believers truly taking Christ as Lord and desiring to grow in the Lord will find the Holy Spirit waiting and ready to fill them to overflowing!

Father God, lead guide and direct me keeping always fully in Your path and Your Word flowing through me so that others can see Christ in me in all things that I do!

Where Jesus is Lord!
Living Vine Ministries
Pastor Thomas Miles

For instructions on being Born Again click on banner at top of page.
Thank you for reading.

To Top
Home Page