When Paul came to Corinth, he did not bring a system of philosophy to tickle their ears. He brought the highest wisdom ever known, revealed to him by revelation from God. Paul was going to determine that the gospel, and not philosophy, be preached. Had he given an excellent speech, leaving Christ and His finished work unmentioned, do you think they would be saved? No, they needed to hear about the Lord Jesus and what He did for them on the cross to put their sins away. Otherwise, their faith would only stand in the wisdom of men and in how well Paul spoke. As we read the account of our Lord’s trial and crucifixion, aren’t we saddened by the blindness of the people, especially the rulers and princes of the people? Didn’t they realize that Jesus was the Son of God, as proved by all that He did and said? However, there were a few that believed, and for them, God has great reward. We must wait for this, but God has told us all about future reward and blessing, revealed to us in the Bible by the Spirit. People who are unconverted (natural man) can read the Bible and not really enjoy the great promises of God because they have no faith to receive the things of God. We must have the indwelling Spirit of God to make them good to us and to make us happy.
1. What did the Apostle Paul determine to know while among the Corinthians? __________ 1 Corinthians 2:___
2. Paul did not want their faith to stand or be based on the wisdom of man, but on what? __________ 1 Corinthians 2:___
3. Who crucified the Lord of glory? __________ 1 Corinthians 2:___
4. The things that God has prepared for them that love Him are revealed to us by whom? __________ 1 Corinthians 2:___
5. Why is it that the natural man cannot know the things of the Spirit of God? __________ 1 Corinthians 2:___