Romans 15:1 – 1 Corinthians 14:40
Overview
The Apostle Paul was actually a persecutor of the Church before he was confronted by our Lord Jesus Christ on the Damascus road. Paul was a Pharisee who was an expert in the scriptures. When Paul began his ministry, his attention was give to the Jews first. He would make a point of going to the synagogue first and share the good news of the Messiah. Many Jews were saved. Many were angered and tried to kill Paul too. On his 2nd Missionary journey, he went to Corinth. Paul made many friends and a church was established right next door to a synagogue where he could reach Jews and tell them about the promised Messiah Jesus. When the Jews finally hardened their hearts to the Gospel, Paul then began to preach to the gentiles (non-Jews). After a period of time he left Corinth and continued on his journey. Later he heard reports of sexual immorality within the Corinth church. Paul’s letter to the Corinthians addresses this issue as well as marriage, eating meats used in pagan worship, head covering for women, and spiritual gifts.
Scripture 1 Corinthians 2:10-12
10 for God has revealed them to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. 11 For who knows a person’s thoughts except that person’s own spirit within? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. 12 We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us.
Observation
Corinth
Paul is explaining to the Corinthians that he came to them and shared the Gospel without using worldly wisdom because that is not what helped him understand the message from God. It was the Holy Spirit that taught Paul the mystery of the Gospel. Earlier he cited some old testament scripture that revealed that many will not understand the Salvation message because these are things not meant for human wisdom, but only for those who love Him. The wisdom of truth and understanding God’s word has been uncovered by the Holy Spirit. Only the Holy Spirit can know the thoughts of God and when we become Christians, we receive God’s Holy Spirit that allows us to understand what God has given to us.
Application
Many people struggle through life trying to find meaning and purpose. They use works, philosophy, science and other means to try and determine their path in life or for that matter the meaning of life. Using worldly wisdom brings worldly results. God makes the meaning of life and our purpose clear when we seek Him and place our trust in Him for Salvation. At that time, God’s Spirit dwells in the believer and their understanding of the things of God are revealed. The believer won’t instantly know all of the answers of God. It is a process. Prayer, fellowship with God and reading His scriptures will help us get to know our Lord in a more intimate way. We will begin to understand His nature and in turn we will begin to understand our purpose. All he wants us to do is love Him and trust in Him for Salvation.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for the Spirit of wisdom you give when you are Lord in our lives. Thank you that you help us understand your thoughts as we read your Holy Word.
