1 Corinthians 2:12-13 (ESV)
[12] Now we have received not the spirit of the
world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might
understand the things freely given us by God. [13] And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but
taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are
spiritual.
There
are three truths in these verses that we need to dwell on. First, “We have
received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God” (1 Cor
2:12a). We should see our world differently than the world. When the values of
believers is no different from the values of unbelievers it makes me wonder
which spirit they are listening to. When believers are driven more by fear than
by faith it makes me wonder which spirit they are influenced by. When believers
are leading the charge in promoting what the world holds as most valuable it
makes me wonder. Which spirit are we really listening to? We have the Spirit
who is from God.
Second,
“. . . that we might understand the
things freely given us by God” (1 Cor 2:12b). Understanding a biblical world
view is not complicated. Understanding the purpose of God is not hidden from
us. Understanding the Word of God is not reserved for the experts. It is the Spirit
of God who gives us understanding. He gives us insight into all that we possess
in God. He gives us insight into the power and direction that God freely
dispenses to those who believe. Following God is not simply for the experts or
for those with exceptional discernment skills. The Holy Spirit dwells within every
believer teaching, guiding, and giving understanding.
Third,
“We impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit”
(1 Cor 2:13). Teaching, preaching, evangelism, and any other means of
communicating God’s truths to people is absolutely dependent on the Spirit. God
spoke to Balaam through a donkey. He can speak through anyone. Communicating
God’s truth is not about being a phenomenal presenter. I have heard outstanding
communicators who were a pleasure to listen to, but who actually said nothing
of substance. I have also heard uneducated, untrained believers who know God
share a deep understanding of God’s word. It’s not about us. It is about God.
That’s why preparation is important, but more important is prayerperation. Sorry,
that’s a word I just made up, but it emphasizes our absolute dependence on God.
Being studied up is important, but being prayed up is more important. We are taught
not “by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit” (1 Cor 2:13).
Comments
Post a Comment