Study Guide / Outline
Introduction to Paul’s Teaching Method (1 Corinthians 2:1)
- Description: Paul emphasizes his approach to teaching the Corinthians, focusing not on eloquent speech or wisdom but on the testimony of God.
- Main Points:
- Paul consciously chooses simplicity over eloquence in his teachings.
- He centers his teaching solely on Jesus Christ and His crucifixion.
- Scripture: 1 Corinthians 2:1
The Intention Behind Paul’s Approach
- Description: Paul explains his deliberate choice to appear in weakness and fear to the Corinthians.
- Main Points:
- His approach was to prevent faith from being based on human wisdom but on God’s power.
- Demonstrating weakness emphasized the power of the message over the messenger.
Contrasting Human Wisdom with Divine Power (1 Corinthians 2:4)
- Description: Paul distinguishes between persuasive words of human wisdom and the demonstration of the Spirit and power.
- Main Points:
- The focus is on God’s power rather than human abilities or eloquence.
- This approach counters the Corinthian church’s tendency toward carnality.
- Scripture: 1 Corinthians 2:4
The Role of Wisdom in Paul’s Teachings
- Description: Paul addresses the role of wisdom among mature believers.
- Main Points:
- Spiritual wisdom differs from the wisdom of the age or world rulers.
- God’s wisdom is a mystery ordained for our glory.
The Mystery of God’s Wisdom (1 Corinthians 2:7-8)
- Description: Discusses the nature of God’s wisdom as a hidden mystery.
- Main Points:
- God’s wisdom was hidden from world rulers, who unknowingly crucified the Lord.
- This wisdom was predestined for our glorification.
- Scripture: 1 Corinthians 2:7-8
Revealing Divine Mysteries (1 Corinthians 2:9-10)
- Description: Paul quotes Isaiah to emphasize the unveiling of divine mysteries.
- Main Points:
- God has prepared things beyond human perception for those who love Him.
- These mysteries are revealed through the Spirit.
- Scripture: 1 Corinthians 2:9-10
The Spirit’s Role in Understanding God (1 Corinthians 2:11-12)
- Description: The Spirit’s unique role in comprehending God’s thoughts.
- Main Points:
- Just as one’s spirit knows their thoughts, only God’s Spirit knows His thoughts.
- Believers receive God’s Spirit, not the world’s spirit, to understand God’s gifts.
- Scripture: 1 Corinthians 2:11-12
Spiritual Words for Spiritual Truths (1 Corinthians 2:13)
- Description: The process of teaching spiritual truths through the Holy Spirit.
- **Main Points:
- Paul emphasizes using spiritual words given by the Holy Spirit rather than human wisdom.
- This approach is about conveying spiritual truths in a manner that aligns with the Holy Spirit’s guidance.
- Scripture: 1 Corinthians 2:13
Limitations of the Natural Man (1 Corinthians 2:14)
- Description: Discusses the limitations of the natural, unspiritual person in understanding God’s wisdom.
- Main Points:
- The natural person cannot grasp the things of the Spirit, perceiving them as foolish.
- Spiritual truths require spiritual discernment, which the natural man lacks.
- Scripture: 1 Corinthians 2:14
Praying in the Spirit (Jude 20-21)
- Description: The importance and effects of praying in the Holy Spirit.
- Main Points:
- Praying in the Spirit builds up faith and keeps believers in God’s love.
- It enables believers to wait patiently for the mercy of Jesus Christ.
- Scripture: Jude 20-21
Lesson Content