Wisdom
2: 1 - 16 / I Corinthians: The Church, Then and Now / Session 5

Christianity is not for the mindless or the dull. As we mature in our spiritual life, we become wiser in the ways of the Spirit.

Christ doesn’t destroy reason, He dethrones it.
Soren Kierkegaard, Danish Philosopher.

The Gospel is Founded on the Death of Christ (v 1-5)

Paul was not ashamed of the Gospel, he was not ashamed to be the servant of the crucified Christ.

  • Paul’s approach: simple words focussing on the Gospel: death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ
  • Paul’s attitude: humility, awareness of responsibility to preach the Word of God, relying on the Holy Ghost to persuade
  • Paul’s aim: that hearers would believe and be saved

The Gospel is the Center of God’s Eternal Plan (v6-9)

The cross of Jesus Christ is the center, pivot point of God’s relationship with man.

  • Wisdom comes from God, not from man. The power of the Gospel is beyond human understanding.
  • Wisdom was hidden. Before Jesus’ resurrection, men did not understand God’s plan for redemption.
  • Wisdom involves God’s ordination. Only God could devise a plan where a sinless man would die in place of all sinners, and then execute the plan by Himself.
  • Wisdom results in the glory of God’s people. As heirs and joint heirs with Jesus Christ, we will share in His glory.
  • Wisdom is hidden from the unsaved. God rewards those who seek Him, by the revelation of the Gospel.
  • Wisdom applies to the believer’s life. God’s plans for His children now, and in heaven are beyond compare.

The Gospel is Revealed by the Spirit Through the Word (v10-16)

  • The Spirit searches. God wants us to know right now, all the truths of His Word.
  • The Spirit indwells believers. As Holy Ghost filled believers, we have a wealth of spiritual wisdom resources.
  • The Spirit teaches. It is our joy to be taught of the Spirit as we read, and study, and meditate on God’s Word.
  • The Spirit matures believers. To have the mind of Christ, is to look at life from God’s point of view, to have His values and desires in mind.

More Bible References about Human Wisdom and God’s Wisdom

Psalms 111:10, Proverbs 9:10 – The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.

Proverbs 3:5-7 - Trust in God, not your own understanding. Don’t be wise in your own assessment. Fear the LORD.

Ecclesiastes 1:12-18 – Man’s wisdom brings sore travail, vexation of spirit, much grief and sorrow.

Ecclesiastes 2:16–The wise man and the fool both die, and are forgotten.

Jeremiah 9:23-24 – The wise man does not glory in his wisdom, but glories that he understands and knows God.

Ezekiel 28:2-7 – God promised destruction to Tyrus because he trusted in his own wisdom and wealth.

Matthew 11:25 – Jesus said God had hidden things from the wise and prudent, and revealed them to babes.

God is too wise to be mistaken.

God is too good to be unkind.

So when you don’t understand, when you can’t see His plan;

When you can’t trace His hand, trust His heart.

Babbie Mason & Eddie Carswell

Discussion Group: Read I Corinthians 2:1-16 and answer questions 1 to 5.

1Why didn’t Paul rely on his own great wisdom and obvious communication skills in declaring the Gospel?(v2,5)

2How does the wisdom of God differ from the wisdom of men?(v6-7)

3aWhat is the secret wisdom Paul writes about?(v8-9)

3bHow is this secret wisdom revealed?(v10)

4What does this mean? “But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.”(v15)

5aWhat does it mean for believers to have the mind of Christ?(v15-16)

5bHow does one know if they have the mind of Christ?(V13)

Discussion Group: As time permits answer questions 6 and 7.

6In practical terms, how does the Spirit teach the believer?

7If unbelievers cannot understand the things of the Spirit, how can we talk to them about Christ?

Take Home: Personal Reflection and ApplicationRead I Corinthians 2:10-13 and answer question 8.

8a When has God given you understanding or communication ability beyond your natural capacity?

8bHow can these experiences become more frequent in your life?

Take Home: Personal Preparation for Next Class: Attitudes Read I Corinthians 3: 1-23;and answer question 9.

9aWhy is it essential for the church to have diversity of ministries?

9bWhy is it essential for the church to have unity of purpose?