1 Corinthians 2 - 3.1.23

Scripture

1 Corinthians 2:2-5

And so it was with me, brothers and sisters. When I came to you, I did not come with eloquence or human wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. 2 For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. 3 I came to you in weakness with great fear and trembling. 4 My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, 5 so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power.

Observation-What does it say?

The Apostle Paul is preaching to the Corinthian church about His reliance on God’s wisdom and how that wisdom comes from the Holy Spirit, not from himself. 

Understanding-What does it mean?

Paul wanted the church to place their faith in the right Person. 

One of the many things that I love about the Apostle Paul is that he never forgot where he came from. His complete dependence on and gratitude for Jesus Christ for salvation and his reliance on the Holy Spirit for wisdom/guidance was what made his ministry very powerful.  He made sure the Corinthian church knew that his ability to proclaim Christ crucified and his persuasive preaching didn’t come from himself, but rested on God’s power.

Life Application

Feeling like you are in a funk in your relationship with Jesus? Call on the Holy Spirit for help!

One of the many functions of the Holy Spirit is to enable us to have faith in Jesus Christ and proclaim Jesus as Lord. I confess that there have been seasons in my walk with Christ where I have tried to sustain my faith with my own strength/abilities. That never lasts very long and always leaves me feeling very tired and discouraged. In His patience and grace, He reminds me that He left me with a Helper Who enables me to continue running the race. 

“All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

-John 14:25-27 NIV

Thank You Jesus for leaving us Your Holy Spirit. I pray that we would not neglect Him as our guide, teacher and counselor in our faith journey with You. Amen. 

-Michelle Gaddi