1st Corinthians 2
In this study we are going to be looking at all of 1st Corinthians Chapter 2, so unless you are a bit of a Bible machine and know it off by heart you might find it helpful to have a quick read over it first so you are familiar with what it is about.
Reading through chapter 2 it can’t fail to leap out at you that in Paul’s opinion, true wisdom comes only through the Holy Spirit. Not from attending classes, reading books or listening to lectures, but only from the Holy Spirit, who God has made freely available to us. That doesn’t mean we become wise the moment we accept the Holy Spirit – over time it works within us, giving us greater understanding, words to say to others, and helping us know God better. And it doesn’t happen without effort, persistence and prayer (see Ephesians 1:15-23).
Wisdom is something we need to ask God for. And when we ask we need to ask fully expecting Him to grants us that wisdom (James 1:6 says “But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.”(NIV)
Solomon asked God for wisdom with such sincere desire, selfishness (he wanted it for the sake of the people he was governing) and humility (he acknowledged he couldn’t rule Israel by his own strength). And God granted his request with huge results. Much of the book of Proverbs is attributed to him and he is known as one of the wisest people to have lived (check it all out in 1 Kings 3)
So the question for us is – where are we looking for wisdom?
To ponder
. Are we seeking earthly wisdom or do we sincerely desire spiritual wisdom?
. Are you open to the Holy Spirit giving you words to say today?
. Are you relying only on the power of the Spirit, or are you clinging to ‘clever and persuasive speeches’?