OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS CHAPTER
SUMMARY (Adapted from Dextor Sammons)
Continuing to demonstrate the folly of boasting in human wisdom, Paul reminds them of how he came to them. Instead of depending upon excellent speech or persuasive words of wisdom, he proclaimed Jesus Christ and Him crucified, confirming his testimony with a demonstration of the Spirit and power (1-4). This he did that their faith might rest in God's power, not in the wisdom of men (5).
He did proclaim a type of wisdom, however, that wisdom which comes from God (6-9). He describes the process by which God has revealed this wisdom through His Spirit (10-13). Paul then contrasts the difference between the "natural man" (one who depends upon his own human wisdom) who does not receive the things of the Spirit, and the "spiritual man" (one led by the Spirit of God, such as Paul) who has the mind of Christ (14-16).
- To appreciate Paul's method of proclaiming the gospel.
- To see the need for inspiration and understand the process by which it took place.
SUMMARY (Adapted from Dextor Sammons)
Continuing to demonstrate the folly of boasting in human wisdom, Paul reminds them of how he came to them. Instead of depending upon excellent speech or persuasive words of wisdom, he proclaimed Jesus Christ and Him crucified, confirming his testimony with a demonstration of the Spirit and power (1-4). This he did that their faith might rest in God's power, not in the wisdom of men (5).
He did proclaim a type of wisdom, however, that wisdom which comes from God (6-9). He describes the process by which God has revealed this wisdom through His Spirit (10-13). Paul then contrasts the difference between the "natural man" (one who depends upon his own human wisdom) who does not receive the things of the Spirit, and the "spiritual man" (one led by the Spirit of God, such as Paul) who has the mind of Christ (14-16).
1 Corinthians 2 (Audio) |
MAIN POINTS
I. PAUL'S MANNER OF PREACHING (1-5)
A. HE PREACHED "JESUS CHRIST AND HIM CRUCIFIED"(1-3)
B. WITH DEMONSTRATION OF THE SPIRIT AND O FPOWER(4-5)
I. PAUL'S MANNER OF PREACHING (1-5)
A. HE PREACHED "JESUS CHRIST AND HIM CRUCIFIED"(1-3)
- Declaring the testimony of God without excellence of speech or wisdom (1)
- Determined not to know anything among them but Jesus and Him crucified (2)
- Done in weakness, fear and much trembling (3)
B. WITH DEMONSTRATION OF THE SPIRIT AND O FPOWER(4-5)
- Not with persuasive words of human wisdom (4)
- That their faith would rest in the power of God, not the wisdom of men (5)
II. THE TRUE WISDOM OF GOD (6-16)
A. THE"HIDDEN "NATURE OF GOD'S WISDOM (6-9)
b. But it is not the wisdom of this age or its rulers, which is coming to nothing (6b)
b. Unknown by the rulers of this age, which is why they crucified the Lord (8)
c. Man had not discovered what God has prepared for those who love Him (9)
B. THE SPIRIT'S REVELATION OF GOD'S WISDOM (10-13)
b. Only the Spirit of God can know the things of God (11)
b. So they might know the things freely given by God (12b)
b. But in words taught by the Spirit, comparing spiritual things with spiritual (13b)
C. THE "NATURAL MAN" VERSUS THE" SPIRITUAL MAN" (14-16)
b. Because they are "spiritually" discerned (14c)
b. No one is able to properly judge him (15b)
c. For he has "the mind of Christ" (16)
A. THE"HIDDEN "NATURE OF GOD'S WISDOM (6-9)
- The apostles do speak a sort of wisdom (6)
b. But it is not the wisdom of this age or its rulers, which is coming to nothing (6b)
- The wisdom of God they speak has been a "mystery" (7-9)
b. Unknown by the rulers of this age, which is why they crucified the Lord (8)
c. Man had not discovered what God has prepared for those who love Him (9)
B. THE SPIRIT'S REVELATION OF GOD'S WISDOM (10-13)
- Revealed through His Spirit (10-11)
b. Only the Spirit of God can know the things of God (11)
- Made known to the apostles (12)
b. So they might know the things freely given by God (12b)
- Spoken now by the apostles (13)
b. But in words taught by the Spirit, comparing spiritual things with spiritual (13b)
C. THE "NATURAL MAN" VERSUS THE" SPIRITUAL MAN" (14-16)
- The "natural man" (e.g., philosopher) does not receive the things of the Spirit of God (14a)
b. Because they are "spiritually" discerned (14c)
- But with the "spiritual man" (e.g., an apostle), such is not the case (15-16)
b. No one is able to properly judge him (15b)
c. For he has "the mind of Christ" (16)
