1 Corinthians 2

I divided this chapter into 3 parts:

1. Wisdom of men vs. Christ crucified
2. Real wisdom
3. Revealed thru the Spirit

1. The church at Corinth had probably criticized Paul, because they were situated in a time and place that prided themselves on their reasoning skills and knowledge. Paul "...did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom..." Paul wanted to demonstrate the Spirit's power thru man's weakness. He even admits his timidity and fear, and yet God still used him to show his strength and to bring the message of the gospel to the church at Corinth. His goal is that the church not find its strength "in the wisdom of men but in the power of God."

As I wrote in the previous post about finding our identity only in Christ and not in our own wisdom, this idea continues that theme. Paul had already criticized the church for the divisions among themselves in chapter 1. We have to be careful not to find our strength and power in the wisdom and craftiness of men, rather in the Spirit. We can even feel free to embrace our weakness and fear and see the Spirit work. I guess that this is the definition to humility and it is necessary for the Spirit to work.

2. Real Wisdom: Paul continues with the theme of wisdom but clarifies it is not the wisdom of this world that has any merit. He does not dismiss wisdom and the pursuit of it, but shows us that real wisdom is knowledge of His son Jesus Christ our savior. The "rulers of this age" have one type of wisdom that is blinded to the work of God in Christ. Paul says if they had understood the "mystery" "...they would not have crucified the Lord of glory."

The next point that brings up is that God is the supplier of real wisdom. Apart from God, we would know nothing. "Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man. The things which God has prepared for those who love Him." So no man can seek out God and find Him completely. We can discover aspects of Him, but apart from his provision, we are blind. This brings us to the next issue.

3. Revealed thru the Spirit: God's chosen means for revealing His truth to His children is thru the Spirit. Paul uses the analogy of our own spirit. He points out that the spirit of man is the real essence of knowledge about ourselves. And Paul is showing us it is the same with God, the Spirit "searches the deep things of God." And now Paul says, "we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God." This is the climax: revel in the priveledge we have to posess the Spirit of God and to receive all the spiritual knowledge that accompanies Him. This isn't something to be taken lightly, we have "the mind of Christ". This sets us apart from unbelievers, who cannot discern spiritual things, it is foolishness to him. But to us it is the power and wisdom of God.