1 Corinthians 2:1-16

A Demonstration Of The Spirit’s Power And Wisdom
1 Corinthians 2:1-16 Lesson 2
Key verse 2:4,5 Shp Kevin Jesmer NIU UBF 9-20-09
“My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, 5so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power.”
Paul was a highly educated scholar, but when he preached or taught the Bible, he did not show off his knowledge. He resolved to talk only about Jesus who was crucified for our sins. When he did, the Holy Spirit moved the hearts of people, and they put their trust in Jesus. How can such a powerful work of God happen? It is by the wisdom of God and the Spirit of God. God gives his Spirit and wisdom to those who receive his love and forgiveness. Through this passage, may God give us repentant hearts so that we can receive his precious Holy Spirit. Through this passage may our faith rest on God’s power.
Part l: Paul Resolved To Preach Only Jesus Crucified (1-5).
Paul reminds them of how he and the believers in Corinth first met. Look at verse 1. “When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God.” When he came to them, he didn’t speak at all like may of his contemporaries. In those days, speaker’s words were expected to be eloquent, Like Mark Antony in William Shakespeare’s “Julius Caesar” who said, “Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears!” Eloquent speeches produce intellectual and emotional responses. They served to persuade their audiences. Jennifer is learning things like this through her high school forensics class. Teachers of the time would also speak from a position of one possessing superior wisdom. But Paul spoke differently. Unlike philosophers and orators of the age, his message was simple and straight forward. He was proclaiming to them the testimony about God, the gospel message. But he did not do so with eloquence or wisdom. He spoke to them as a humble shepherd. These are some things that Jenn will not learn in forensics.
If we know anything about Paul, we know he was well educated. He was the top student and a master of Jewish law under Gamaliel, which is like studying at Harvard in our day. He was a Roman citizen, born in Tarsus. Tarsus rivaled Athens and Alexandria as a center of Greek culture and knowledge, boasting a library of more than 200,000 books. (http://www.answers.com/topic/tarsus) After conversion, Paul returned to Tarsus (Acts 9:30). I am sure that he spent many hours studying the books of that great library. Maybe it was like the month long missionary training at the main center. Paul certainly had eloquence and superior wisdom. When we read his epistles, his wisdom shines. But why didn’t he rely on this when he was in Corinth?
Paul decided to appeal to the people on the basis of Christ alone. Look at verse 2. “For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ, and him crucified.” He could have appealed to them from their Greek culture and society, which he understood well. He could have used his oratory skills to persuade them with his human wisdom. Instead, Paul forced himself to know nothing but Jesus Christ, and him crucified. Paul relied on the simple message of the gospel. In that immoral and philosophically oriented society, such a simple message, as the gospel, seemed irrelevant and unrelated to their situation. Perhaps some felt ashamed of the gospel, compared to the “superior” knowledge of the day. But Paul did not. In Romans 1:16 he boldly stated, “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.” Paul believed that the gospel, simple as it was, far surpassed contemporary wisdom. All the philosophy, rhetoric and clever thoughts of men have no power to change anyone’s heart. Paul was convinced that in the gospel, in the message of the cross, we find the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes. In our complex, rational and relativistic society, we are sometimes ashamed of our simple Bible study. Sometimes we envy bigger churches with all their talent, technology and high tech productions and psychology. But Paul was not ashamed of the simple gospel. He decided to preach the gospel message exclusively.
Paul may have come to this conclusion through personal experience. For example, on his 2nd missionary journey, prior to this visit to Corinth, he had been in Athens. While there, he preached the gospel about Jesus and the resurrection. The Epicurean and Stoic philosophers rejected the gospel, saying, “What is he babbling about?” (Acts 17:18) But they invited him to speak before all the top intellectuals of the day, the Areopagus (Acts 17:16-21). What a human honor and once in a lifetime opportunity! It is like being invited to speak at the UIC Pavillion, before a packed house of Chicagoan intellectuals. Paul prepared an eloquent message, “Men of Athens!” He quoted Greek poets, introduced God the Creator, and expressed superior knowledge, stating that he was proclaiming to them the God they didn’t know (Acts 17:22-31). It was a stirring speech. But he didn’t mention Jesus. Only at the end did he mention the resurrection, almost as an aside (Acts 17:31). Greeks are already full of wisdom, philosophy, and thought provoking subjects. When the gospel was treated as just another theory among many, it had no power or impact. Some people liked his teaching, and became followers of Paul, but only a few (Acts 17:34). No church was established there. History tells us there was no permanent Christian presence in Athens until well into the 4th century. Paul’s efforts appeared to be a failure. After learning a great lesson, Paul entered Corinth.
Paul’s ministry in Corinth was not carried out in eloquence and human wisdom, but in weakness and fear. Paul says, “I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling.” (3) On the Sabbath he started by talking about Jesus among the Jews, but it only made the Jews opposed him (Acts 18:1-6). Paul was discouraged. But he did not give up on Corinth. He decided to go back to the gospel and stick to it. He entered the house of a Roman worshiper of God, and began to preach the gospel (Acts 18:7). The gist of his message was that we are sinners, who need the blood of Jesus. If he could not compete with the orators, philosophy and entertainment of the age, would they listen to him. Would his preaching be effective?
Yes, it was very effective! Verse 4 reads, “My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power.” The Spirit worked mightily through Paul’s message. Hearts and lives were changed. A Christian church was born starting from that humble house church. If it was not from Paul’s superior intellect and speaking abilities, where did this power come from? Jesus helped him when he was true to the gospel. Acts 18:9 tells us, “One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: ‘Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you…’” Paul was not alone; Jesus was with him. Paul’s preaching may not have been impressive or persuasive on a human level. It may not have been entertaining or thought-provoking. But on a spiritual level it had power that pierced the hearts of those who listened.
Many people today deliver messages trying to use beautiful and persuasive words, and large numbers gather around them. Some even talk about Jesus, teaching people who want to learn techniques to be happy from him. But so often there is no power to change lives. Paul’s message was different. Let’s read verses 4-5 together, “My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on men’s wisdom but on God’s power.” Despite of its poor draw, the gospel was, is and will always posses the power of God for the salvation of all who believe. I have been giving messages from this pulpit since 1998. I don’t have any eloquence or wisdom like Paul. I have been criticized for reading from the text. There is a temptation to preach something else instead of just the gospel to attract people to our lowly outpost. But through this message I resolve to always go back to the gospel. While we serve our campuses, may God help us to preach the gospel on campus, in meekness and humility, depending on the power of the Holy Spirit alone. Then lives will be changed and transformed. Already the power of our unsophisticated preaching is accompanied by the Spirit’s power. Augustine and Sarah are keeping the lamp of God burning in their middle school campus through their Bible reading and prayer club. Jenn is organizing a “See You At The Pole” at her high school and jumpstarting the Christian club. We are producing beautiful music together for the upcoming praise concert. All of this is possible because of the simple Gospel coupled with the Spirit of Christ.
Part II: Paul Teaches About The Spirit’s Wisdom (6-16).
The fact that Paul did not depend on men’s wisdom, did not mean that his messages were without wisdom. God gave us a brain and human intellect. God will help us to use it for the glory of God. And he provides an ocean of godly wisdom to sink our teeth into in the Bible. Verse 6-7 reads, “We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. No, we speak of God’s secret wisdom, a wisdom that was hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began.” The wisdom of this age has many good uses. We need it to pass math, science and music theory. But while the wisdom of this age may be crucial, the wisdom of this age is totally useless in helping us to come closer to God. True wisdom –ultimate truth regarding God, man’s destiny, and salvation—can only be found through God’s secret wisdom. (7) No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has ever conceived the wisdom of the gospel, yet to those who love God, it is our glory. God’s wisdom is that he gave his One and Only Son as a ransom sacrifice for the sins of the world. God’s wisdom is his love. God’s wisdom is the gospel.
God wants to be known by us. He wants to be with us. Likewise, we want to be known by God and know him. But the wisdom of this world, as advanced as it is, cannot breach the wall between us and God. Instead, the wisdom of this age and the rulers of this age lead us toward self-indulgence and self glorification. God’s wisdom is in stark opposition to this. James 3:17 says, “But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good frit, impartial and sincere.” (9). Those who hold onto the wisdom of God become more and more pure; peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. They come to know God and be known by God.
How did God share his wisdom with us? Verses 10-11 read, “But God has revealed it to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man’s spirit within him? In the same way, no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.” I can know a lot of things about you by spending time with you. I am learning a lot about people through reading news feeds and profiles on Facebook. But I can only know about people if they allow me to know them…if they accept my friend invitation or if they agree to interrupt their busy lives so we can talk and share God’s word together. But no matter how hard I try, there is always a limitation. Even after years of marriage, there are things people never know about each other. How much less are we able to know the thoughts of God Almighty! But God has opened a way for us to know his deepest thoughts. Verse 12 reveals that God gives the Holy Spirit so we may understand the deep grace he has freely given us in the gospel. This was his goal, to build a relationship with us. When the Spirit is with us, we can understand the Bible and apply it to our lives. We have access to the gifts of God (Eph 1:13-14) and the secrets of the kingdom of heaven. Praise God for his bridging the gap through his spirit.
In verses 13-16, Paul brings up two gifts we receive when we have the Spirit of God. Look at verses 13. “This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words.” The Spirit of God helps us to know spiritual truths nestled in spiritual words. We all long to know spiritual truths, like where did I come from? Where am I going? Who am I? What is life all about? Human wisdom gives no satisfying answers. So many of our young people think that there are no answers to these questions of life. But there are! Jesus told his disciples that the Holy Spirit would teach them all things (Jn 14:26). The Spirit teaches us the answers to these questions, through spiritual words in the Bible.
When I was studying at Red River Community College in Winnipeg, I had these same questions. But all I possessed was a little human wisdom, and decided, like most people that the best life is spent trying to maximize pleasure while avoiding pain. But this only led me to slavery to many sins. I lived as a hedonistic student. In the end, I had no meaning of life or direction. I was bored with everything. But I accepted the gospel message about Jesus, repenting all my sins and receiving his forgiveness. As I studied the Bible, I found the way of life. Jesus satisfied my thirsty heart with his living water (Jn 4:13-14). Living for Jesus, and following his way has not been easy, but it has never been boring and always satisfying to my soul. I thank God everyday for this grace, and His answers to the “big” questions of life. Not only so, I’m thankful to be able to share these truths with others, as a Bible teacher and messenger at the NIU campus. Indeed spiritual wisdom is a gift from heaven.
The second gift is the discernment granted by the Holy Spirit. Verse 14-15 reads, “The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned. The spiritual man makes judgments about all things, but he himself is not subject to any man’s judgment.” When we have the Holy Spirit we have discernment. This is a gift from God. God helps us to think differently, and to come to the truth of a matter. How can we know what is the right thing to do or where to go? Human advice helps, but is limited. When the Spirit of God is with us, we have a higher counsel, that of God. As we live in fellowship with his Spirit, spending time in his word, we have the very mind of Christ and his understanding regarding all matters (15). Without the Holy Spirit’s help, we are destined to make mistake after mistake, living by trial and error. But for those who are spiritually discerned, the Holy Spirit, as we listen, becomes like an entire university of teachers, helping us to understand, learn and find the right way (Isa 30:21).
People of the world will not be able to judge the spiritual person, meaning, they will not be able to understand the reasons why he does what he does, and this may lead them to oppose that person. But we are not subject to their judgment. Verse 16 reads, “‘For who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct him?’ But we have the mind of Christ.” In the end, it is not our wisdom they are coming against, but the very wisdom of God, and who can tell God he is right or wrong? But we must make sure that we are conducting ourselves with the mind of Christ.
Lately I have been thinking about the sacrifices made to keep the 1:1 discipleship ministry among university students. So much time and materials are used to keep this small beach head in the battle to raise disciples of Jesus in a culture overrun with secular humanism. We maintain a Bible house and spend lots of time preparing Bible material and music. We swim against the flow of culture in order to keep a Christian presence at school and work. And not only that, my family is 1,000 miles away in Manitoba Canada and Julie’s is 2,000 miles away in LA. A friend of mine asked me, “You are doing all of this for such a small amount of people? Why?” I asked my self the same question, “Why?” It makes no worldly sense. I could be doing so many other things. But then I look to Jesus, who gave his whole life to raise up 12 disciples and a ragtag, but sincere, group of followers. He loved and served others to the end. He preached the Kingdom of God, tirelessly. He laid down his life on the cross. His sacrificial life made no sense to many. But when I beheld Jesus, a still small voice whispered in my heart, “This is the way, walk in it.” Some cannot understand why we do this, and all I can answer is because we love Jesus. God is leading. Now, instead of depending on my own discernment and wisdom, I want to pray and struggle to know the mind of Christ, and go his way through my entire lifetime, persuading others to do likewise.
Part lll: Ask God For His Holy Spirit
We learn in this Bible study that in order to powerfully share the gospel, we must receive the Holy Spirit (Mk 13:11; Acts 1:8). We know that the Holy Spirit is full of power for our salvation and the salvation of souls everywhere. But can I ask you a question? Does your life pulse with power and wisdom from God? Do we experience the demonstration of the Spirit’s power as we put forth the word of God? God wants to renew his presence in us through the Holy Spirit.
The Bible is not mute on this subject of receiving the Holy Spirit. First, we must repent. Acts 2:38 tells us, “Repent and be baptized...And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” It is our sins that separate us from God. But God gave his one and only Son Jesus Christ as a ransom for our sins. When we accept him, he forgives our sin, and purifies us from all unrighteousness (1Jn 1:9) Then we can receive the Holy Spirit. Second, we must stop living according to the sinful nature. Galatians 5:17 reads, “For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want.” If we yield to the sinful nature, which is contrary to the Spirit, how can the holy God dwell in us? Instead, as Galatians 5:25 says, “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” Third, after repenting we must ask God for the Holy Spirit. We do not receive because we do not ask. Luke 11:13 tells us, “…how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” Always remember that God is our Father in heaven, who loves us and wants to bless us with every spiritual blessing in Christ (Eph 1:3). When we ask, he will answer. Try it. You will be pleasantly surprised.
In this passage we learned the Spirit’s power, which is at work among us as we preach the simple gospel message. Hearts will be changed. God’s wisdom will draw us closer to him. May we resolve to live in Christ and share the gospel of Jesus, and not be envious of, nor depend on worldly wisdom. May all of our evangelistic efforts be accompanied by a demonstration of the Spirit’s power. As we do so, may God work through us to make America a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.
Part l: How To Deliver The Message Of The Power Of The Cross (1-5)

1. What did Paul not use in proclaiming his message in Corinth? (1) What was his resolution? (2) What are the two essentials of his gospel message? How can we imitate Paul in preaching the gospel in our time?

2. When he came to the Corinthians, what was going through Paul’s mind and heart? (3) How do verses 4 and 5 shed light on why he was like this?

3. Based on verse 4, why was Paul’s message so powerful? What is the result of a message that demonstrates the Spirit’s power? (Ac2:37; 16:14; 18:7,8) What should our faith rest on, and why? (5)

Part ll: How To Understand The Message Of The Cross (6-16)

4. To whom did Paul speak a message of wisdom? (6) How is God’s wisdom different from the world’s? (7) Why do the rulers of this age not understand it? (8) To whom how does God reveal it? (9,10a)

5. What does the Spirit do? (10b,11) What are the things that God has freely given us, and how can we understand these things? (12)


6. Read verses 13,14. Who can discern and express spiritual things? What privileges does the spiritual man have? (15,16) Who is not qualified to judge a spiritual man?