I Corinthians 2:1-16

 I Corinthians 2:1-16

Paul arrived in Corinth from Athens, the heart and center of Greek culture and philosophy. There at the Areopagus, Paul addressed the philosopher-rulers in terms that were philosophical in nature. Their response was lukewarm. The problem with really smart people is that they are able, if they want, to rationalize and justify anything they want. But when he came to Corinth, Paul used, rather than philosophy, two things: the story of the crucifixion and the power that demonstrated the Spirit. The gospel makes sense as a worldview or philosophy, but the testimony of changed lives is more powerful and, for most people, more eloquent. Paul makes a point we might miss if we don’t pay close attention. Paul asked, “Who knows the thoughts of a man except the spirit of a man? And who can know the thoughts of God except the Holy Spirit?” Having received the Holy Spirit, we can understand things of God. In chapter 1, Paul mentions that not many were wise by the world standards, but now we see that doesn’t really matter because we are capable of knowing the things of God because we have His Spirit. As we are making disciples, we need to remember that it is not just a matter of communication of the story, which is our part, but also the Spirit that calls, prompts, and leads a person to know God. We are not responsible for results but for faithfully teaching. That is both an obligation and a relief.

As great as an education and a high IQ may be, the gospel is not discovered that way. Paul quotes from Isaiah and makes this point. No one has seen, heard, or even conceptualized all that God has prepared for those who love him. Note what Paul is doing here. He will, in the chapters ahead, tackle some pretty tough issues, specifically the divisiveness of the church. He has called the church to unity in the first chapter because only united can they address their other problems. Right in the middle of this call for unity, he is telling them that God has something wonderful for those who love him. You won’t figure that out by philosophy or worldly wisdom or contemplation or hearing it in a talk or seeing it with your eyes. The wonderful reality is worth the effort of unity; it is worth the pursuit of holiness; it is possible because of the cross; it will come to us by the Spirit.

“Lord, Help me to pursue the things of Your Spirit. AMEN”