As we continue our study on 1 Corinthians 2, we are reminded again that Jesus is the only answer. Today there are all kinds of preachers and preaching, but the preaching that we need, and that God honors, is the preaching of Jesus and Him crucified (v. 2). Paul was not a rock star or impressive. Even he felt weak, inadequate, and insecure with fear and trembling (v. 3).But, when Jesus is preached, and Him crucified, it is more than information, it is transformation! People are changed, marriages are changed, families are changed. There is power in the name of Jesus! Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.
The Natural Life
Those who don’t believe in Jesus for salvation do not understand spiritual things. Verse 14 says spiritual things are “foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” It is normal and natural for unbelieving family members, friends, classmates, co-workers, and neighbors to not understand why you go to church, read your Bible, pray, give, and believe like you believe. They don’t understand our commitment, convictions, or our compassion. Believers however have the wisdom of God, which the world does not know (v. 6-8). The natural person listens to the wisdom of this world– the counselors, politicians, pundits, celebrities, professionals, experts. They think the Bible is foolishness because it’s counter-cultural. Getting upset when an unbeliever doesn’t understand the things of God would be like going up to a dead corpse in a casketand saying, “Hey, you want to go have lunch?” Then getting offended when they don’t respond. You can’t argue someone into the kingdom of God. Be patient, loving, and pray for them that God would open blinded eyes.
The Spiritual Life
What does it mean to be spiritual? If you go to the Spirituality section of any book store you will see all kinds of answers. Yoga, meditation, eat a certain diet, etc. Paul cleared it up by saying it is simply being filled with, guided by and empowered with the Holy Spirit of God. In verse 12 Paul reminds the church that they have received the Holy Spirit and because of that, they can know the things freely given by God. You can know God! Beyond that, Paul quotes Isaiah 64 in verse 9. “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” This is one of most misquoted passages in the Bible. It does not refer to heaven (although we certainly can’t comprehend what God has in store for us there!), but to the here and now! For the spiritual person, there is no much more to this life than this life! We have supernatural wisdom and power that comes from God.
The Carnal Life
The third person we read about in this passage is saved, they are a believer, but they are living in sin. They are carnal, fleshly, and have unconfessed sin in their life. They are double-minded, trying to hold on to God in one hand and hold on to the world with the other hand. They are not hot or cold, but lukewarm. They have been born again but remain a spiritual babe (1 Cor. 3:1-4). God has more in store for you! Babies are self-centered. The get upset easily. They fuss and fight, chose sides, saying you can’t be on my team or in our club. Like we read in chapter 1, some were saying they were “of Paul” and others “of Apollos.” It is not about your favorite preacher or Bible teacher. It is not about personalities, programs, or preferences. It is all about Jesus.
What kind of life are you living? If it’s a natural life or carnal life, move to a spiritual life! Go all in and let the Holy Spirit have control of your life. Recently the Notre Dame cathedral was destroyed by fire. When the dust settled, the cross was still standing. When all is said and done, and the dust settles on your life, it is still the cross that matters – Jesus and Him crucified.
