Introduction
Paul continues his contrast between the Gospel and the wisdom of men. Some Christians at Corinth believed that if they employed Greek and Roman philosophies and oratorical skills they perhaps would be better received by the populace of Corinth.
The Message Paul Preached, vv. 1-8
A. The Gospel
- Jesus Christ and Him crucified, v. 2
- Preached in power of the Spirit, v. 4
- Not by the manipulation of persuasive oratory, v. 4.
B. The Mystery
- A mystery is a truth that was hidden in the past, but now revealed.
- The mystery in Ephesians 2-3: Jew and Gentile are “one in Christ” through faith into one body the Church.
Two Spirits in the World, vv. 9-13
A. The spirit of this world, v. 12
- Satan, Ephesians 2:1-3
- Worldly wisdom inflates one’s ego and blinds one’s minds to the truth of God’s Word.
- These inflated, blind people are “ever learning, but unable to come to the knowledge of the truth,” 2 Timothy 3:7.
B. The Spirit of God
- The Holy Spirit reveals the truths and blessings God has prepared for us, v. 10 and John 14:26.
- Paul quotes Isaiah 64:4 in verse 9. This does not refer to heaven, but the truths and blessings we have today!!
- The Holy Spirit teaches us in words, v. 13. This is the verbal inspiration of the Bible!
- The Bible is the Word of God, given by the Spirit of God, to the children of God.
Two Kinds of People in the World, vv. 14-16
A. The natural man
- A lost man, happy in the world
- Cannot understand spiritual things; considers it foolishness.
B. The spiritual man
- A saved man with the indwelling Holy Spirit.
- The spiritual man can understand the wisdom of God and the Spirit because the Holy Spirit teaches him.
- The spiritual man has the mind of Christ, Philippians 2:1-30.