Sunday School June 11th, 2006 1st Corinthians 2(1), (6-16)
1st Corinthians 2:1 And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God.
Preaching in power
Paul knew the Gospel preached in the demonstration and power of the Spirit of God is the power of God unto salvation. He was determined not to rely on human trickery and rhetorical devices to convince folks to follow Christ. He knew the Gospel will convict the heart of an unbeliever causing Godly sorrow which leads to repentance. Repentance, which means to go in a different direction or to change one’s mind, will cause a person to cry out to God for help. The Scripture tells us those who call to God are heard and saved. There is nothing wrong with preachers using clever techniques to get the attention of the crowd, but they must remember that it is the pure, unadulterated, and Spirit directed preaching of the Bible which saves men’s souls.
2:6 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:
Wisdom
Paul understands the importance of preaching among mature Christians. Even though the Christian possesses the Spirit of God to guide him through life, and the commandment to study the Word, it is still very beneficial to hear good preaching. The Scripture teaches us that “faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.” If you are weak in faith, one way to have that faith increased is to hear the Word of God preached. Communal worship and preaching among the believers are vital in the maturing process and the strengthening of a Christian warrior.
2:7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: 2:8 Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.
Mystery
What is the mystery of the wisdom of God? It is that God would send His son to redeem those who had turned from God through disobedience. Colossians 1:26-27 “Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: 1:27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” The Jewish people who were entrusted with the Holy Scriptures which reveal this glorious plan of salvation missed it. Most of the scribes who were employed in studying and copying those Scriptures missed the subject of those Scriptures. The priests who were entrusted with implementing the sacrificial system which were a type of Jesus Christ as the Lamb of God missed it. Some lowly shepherds got it. A few wise men got it. Some fishermen got it. Some ladies got it. Some publicans and sinners got it. John the Baptist got it. Some sick folk got it. As a matter of fact all who got it received the power to become the sons of God. Have you got it? The mystery is “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life!”
2:9 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. 2:10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.
Gradual revelation
This verse is a reference to Isaiah 64:4 “For since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God, beside thee, what he hath prepared for him that waiteth for him.” I think these two verses get shortchanged by the Church in the fact that most folks they speak only of Heaven. I think they can be applied to heaven and to the fact that our human minds, stained by original sin, can never completely understand the glories awaiting the believer at the end of this life, but this verse is referring to much more than this. These verses are also speaking of what is called gradual revelation. An example of people not understanding what the Spirit is doing is revealed in Acts 4:27-28: “For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together, 4:28 For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done.” Those who had a part in the crucifixion of Jesus had no idea they were fulfilling Scripture and allowing the plan of God to be worked out perfectly. The Old Testament prophets could only see the things which the Holy Spirit allowed them to see. As time passed and the Spirit revealed more of the plan of salvation, a more complete revelation came into view. Let me demonstrate this concept with Scripture. Hebrews 1:1-2 “God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, 1:2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;” This verse shows us that God spoke through prophets at different times and about different concerns, but in “the fullness of time” He spoke to us by His only Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus also revealed that there would be more revelation given by the Holy Spirit after Jesus would return to the Father. John 16:7-13 “Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. 16:8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: 16:9 Of sin, because they believe not on me; 16:10 Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; 16:11 Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged. 16:12 I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come.” Notice Jesus reveals that the Spirit would come and show them things that “ye cannot bear them now.” These things are revealed by Apostles and make up the rest of the New Testament cannon which were not revealed when Jesus ascended to heaven. They were written down by men, but they are just as much Scripture as the 4 Gospels. The Holy Spirit directed their writing and confirms their content. They are to be shown the same respect as any other section of Scripture.
2:11 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. 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.
Understanding God
The New Living Translation helps us understand these 2 verses. In our words they mean that no man can completely understand everything about another man. His inner most thoughts are his possession alone. We may think we understand everything about others, but there are always hidden parts which are not revealed. It is only the spirit of that man who completely understands his feelings. It is the same with God, but God has chosen to reveal things about Himself by allowing us to possess the in-dwelling of the Holy Spirit of God. Consider this; God has placed a piece of Himself into the life of the believer. He allows us to possess part of His own Spirit. That Spirit reveals things to us which lead us into paths of righteousness and guide us through life. We will never completely know God until we get to heaven, but God allows us to see selected things which are beneficial to our Spiritual life. It is truly wonderful that God loves His people enough to place His essence within their hearts.
2:13 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. 2:14 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.
Why can’t the world understand us
Paul is not trying to explain Spiritual things using carnal language, but he is using Spiritual words to explain Spiritual things. The world did not then, nor does it now, understand the things concerning the Spirit. They do not believe we possess anything they do not possess, but according to the Bible we do. All men have placed within them by God a spirit which modern folks call their conscience. The Christian possesses this spirit and also God’s Spirit. I mentioned this earlier, but remember one thing. My spirit is capable of error. The old saying is “let your conscience be your guide,” but I think a better saying is let the Holy Spirit be your guide. My spirit is weakened and compromised by sin. I can excuse anything if I want to bad enough. Here is some Scriptural proof of what I am saying: “1st Timothy 4:1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; 4:2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;” This section of Scripture shows us that some will override their conscience to the point that is beyond the ability to know right from wrong. Their conscience is “seared” or made unfeeling as by a hot iron. The Holy Spirit will always lead me right. I will condemn sin and certify righteousness every time. It will never lead me contrary to the Word of God, but will certify the Word in my life. Modern man considers this foolish, but they cannot understand things they cannot see nor that they have not experienced.
2:15 But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.
2:16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.
Understanding Christians
The word translated “judgment” means to understand. In other words, we can understand these things because we have experienced them. The Christian knows about the Spirit of God because the Spirit dwells in their heart. Although we understand these things, the world does not understand us. Why? Because we have the “mind of Christ.” How can a human being possess the mind of Christ? The answer is by the direction of the Holy Spirit. We can understand deep, Spiritual things because the Spirit reveals them to us. The world cannot understand the Word of God because it is Spiritually discerned nor can they understand believers because they are led by the Spirit of God. 1st Corinthians 2:14: “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.” They cannot understand God because they are trying to figure Him out by using human understanding. The created can never understand the creator. It is impossible! God designed mankind and He knows our limits. The most intelligent among us only knows what God allows them to know. They may possess knowledge, but if they have not given their heart to God they do not know wisdom and are living the life of a fool!
New Living Translation (recommended as a commentary only)
1 Dear brothers and sisters, when I first came to you I didn’t use lofty words and brilliant ideas to tell you God’s message.
6 Yet when I am among mature Christians, I do speak with words of wisdom, but not the kind of wisdom that belongs to this world, and not the kind that appeals to the rulers of this world, who are being brought to nothing. 7 No, the wisdom we speak of is the secret wisdom of God, which was hidden in former times, though he made it for our benefit before the world began. 8 But the rulers of this world have not understood it; if they had, they would never have crucified our glorious Lord. 9 That is what the Scriptures mean when they say, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.” 10 But we know these things because God has revealed them to us by his Spirit, and his Spirit searches out everything and shows us even God’s deep secrets. 11 No one can know what anyone else is really thinking except that person alone, and no one can know God’s thoughts except God’s own Spirit. 12 And God has actually given us his Spirit (not the world’s spirit) so we can know the wonderful things God has freely given us. 13 When we tell you this, we do not use words of human wisdom. We speak words given to us by the Spirit, using the Spirit’s words to explain spiritual truths. 14 But people who aren’t Christians can’t understand these truths from God’s Spirit. It all sounds foolish to them because only those who have the Spirit can understand what the Spirit means. 15 We who have the Spirit understand these things, but others can’t understand us at all. 16 How could they? For, “Who can know what the Lord is thinking? Who can give him counsel?” But we can understand these things, for we have the mind of Christ.
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PASTOR RICK BARCUS
