1 Corinthians 2: The Wisdom of God
Introduction
In 1 Corinthians 2, the apostle Paul continues to address the church in Corinth, tackling the issue of divisions and factions within the church. In this chapter, Paul emphasizes the importance of spiritual wisdom and the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding the believers.
The Wisdom of God
1 Corinthians 2:6-8
"We do speak wisdom among themselves, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. No, we declare God's wisdom, a mystery that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began. None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory."
In these verses, Paul explains that the wisdom he brings is not the wisdom of the world, but the wisdom of God, which is a mystery that has been hidden for centuries. This wisdom is not understood by the rulers of this age, who are blinded by their own pride and ignorance.
The Spirit Searches All Things
1 Corinthians 2:10-11
"but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. 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."
Paul emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding and revealing the wisdom of God to believers. The Spirit searches the deep things of God, and only through the Spirit can believers understand the thoughts of God.
The Wisdom of the Cross
1 Corinthians 2:14
"The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit."
Paul explains that the cross of Christ is considered foolishness to those who do not have the Spirit, but to believers, it is the very power of God. The wisdom of the cross is understood only through the Spirit, who reveals the truth of God to believers.
Conclusion
In 1 Corinthians 2, Paul emphasizes the importance of spiritual wisdom, which is revealed to believers through the Holy Spirit. The wisdom of God is a mystery that has been hidden for centuries, and only through the Spirit can believers understand the thoughts of God. As believers, we must rely on the Spirit to guide us and reveal the truth of God to us.
