Today’s text comes from 1 Corinthians Chapter 2.
This chapter is part of Paul’s first letter to the church in Corinth, a city in ancient Greece known for its wealth, diversity, and moral challenges. Paul wrote this letter around AD 55, likely from Ephesus. He wrote it to address issues within the Corinthian church—division, immorality, and confusion about Christian living. The church was a mix of Jews and Gentiles, many of whom were new converts who were navigating their faith in a culture steeped in pagan philosophy and idolatry.
1 Corinthians Chapter 2 centers on Paul’s approach to sharing the gospel and the nature of true wisdom. In the preceding chapter (1 Corinthians 1), Paul tackles the factionalism in the church. Some were aligning with him, others with Apollos or Cephas (Peter)—and he emphasizes that Christ, not human leaders, is the foundation of their faith. He critiques the Corinthians’ fascination with worldly wisdom, setting the stage for Chapter 2, where he contrasts human understanding with divine revelation.
In 1 Corinthians 2, Paul reflects on his initial ministry among them. He didn’t come with lofty rhetoric or philosophical flair, which were prized in Greek culture, but with a simple message: Jesus Christ crucified (verses 1-2). He admits his own weakness and fear (verse 3), underscoring that the power of his preaching came not from his eloquence but from the Holy Spirit (verses 4-5). This sets up a key theme: the gospel’s strength lies in God’s power, not human ingenuity.
The chapter then shifts to explore “the wisdom of God” (verses 6-16). Paul explains he speaks wisdom, a hidden, spiritual wisdom revealed by God, not the “wisdom of this world” that tempted the Corinthians. This divine wisdom centers on God’s plan of salvation through Christ—a plan the “princes of this world” (likely referring to earthly and spiritual powers) didn’t grasp, or they wouldn’t have crucified Jesus (verse 8). Verses like “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard” (verse 9) highlight the mysterious, transcendent nature of God’s purpose, which is unveiled to believers through the Spirit.
The latter part of 2 Corinthians Chapter 2 (verses 10-16) emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit in understanding God’s truth. Human reasoning alone can’t comprehend it; only those with the Spirit can discern spiritual realities. Paul ends by boldly claiming “we have the mind of Christ” (verse 16), meaning believers, guided by the Spirit, can access divine insight—something the natural, unspiritual person cannot.
In context, this chapter is both a defense of Paul’s ministry and a corrective message for the Corinthians’ misplaced priorities. Flashy displays of intellect attracted them, but Paul redirects them to the cross and the Spirit’s transformative work. It’s a call to humility, reliance on God, and unity in the face of division. The broader letter continues addressing practical issues—such as lawsuits, marriage, and spiritual gifts. Here in Chapter 2, however, Paul lays a theological foundation: true wisdom comes from God, not the world, and is accessible only through faith and the Spirit.
Now that I’ve given a broad overview of the context of 1 Corinthians Chapter 2,
Our text for today comes from 1 Corinthians Chapter 2, Verse 14, where the Bible says:
The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 1 Corinthians 2:14
Today I want to ask you,
What Are the “Things of the Spirit of God”?
Based on 1 Corinthians Chapter 2, these “things” include:
The Deep Things of God (1 Corinthians 2:9-10).
Let’s look at 1 Corinthians Chapter 2, Verse 9-10 where the Bible says…
As it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. 10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. 1 Corinthians 2:9-10
- These are the profound truths about God’s nature, will, and purposes. The Spirit searches “the deep things of God,” suggesting mysteries like His eternal plan, love, and sovereignty—beyond surface-level understanding.
Next, let’s talk about…
The Gospel and Christ’s Wisdom (1 Corinthians 2:2, 7).
We find this in 2 Corinthians 2:2 and 2:7…
Paul says in verse 2: “For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.”
And in verse 7: “But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory.”
- The message of the cross—God’s plan of salvation through Christ—is a core “thing of the Spirit.” To the “natural man,” it’s foolishness (1 Corinthians 1:18: “For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness”), but to believers, it’s divine wisdom.
More of the “things of the Spirit” we find in our text are…
Things Freely Given by God (1 Corinthians 2:12)
12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. 1 Corinthians 2:12
- These are spiritual blessings and truths granted to believers, such as forgiveness, adoption as God’s children, and eternal life.
This reminds us of Ephesians 1:3 where we read: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ.”
- The Spirit reveals these gifts, which human logic alone can’t comprehend.
Our list of “things of the Spirit” also includes:
Spiritual Discernment and Understanding (1 Corinthians 2:12-14).
1 Corinthians 2:12 through 14 says…
12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. 13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 1 Corinthians 2:12-14
- The ability to discern God’s truth itself is a “thing of the Spirit.” The natural man lacks this, as it requires the Holy Spirit to “teach” and align spiritual truths with one another (“comparing spiritual things with spiritual”). This includes interpreting Scripture and recognizing God’s voice.
The Mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16)…
is another “Thing of the Spirit.”
Check out 1 Corinthians 2:15 and 16:
15 He that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. 16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ. 1 Corinthians 2:15-16
- This suggests believers, through the Spirit, gain insight into Christ’s thoughts and purposes—another “thing” inaccessible to the unspiritual mind.
Why the Natural Man Can’t Receive Them
- The “natural man” relies on human intellect and senses, not faith or the Spirit. To him, spiritual truths (e.g., a crucified Savior as victory) seem absurd because they defy worldly logic.
- “Spiritually discerned” means these things require the Holy Spirit’s illumination. That illumination is a gift given to believers (John 16:13: “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth“).
Before closing, I’d like to show you a few examples from Scripture of things of the Spirit people cannot receive in their natural state:
- Salvation’s Mystery: Romans 11:33: “O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!“
- The Kingdom of God: John 3:3: “Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
- Peace Beyond Understanding: Philippians 4:7: “The peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
Conclusion
The “things of the Spirit of God” in 1 Corinthians 2:14 are the divine revelations, wisdom, and blessings—centered on Christ’s gospel, God’s plan, and spiritual insight. The Holy Spirit unveils these things only to believers.
These things are “foolishness” to the natural man because they transcend human wisdom, requiring spiritual rebirth and discernment to grasp.
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