Chapter Summary

Christian revelation not indebted to human wisdom. Spiritual verities not discoverable to human wisdom.

Discussion Questions for 1 Corinthians, Chapter 2

1. Why do you think that Paul approached the Corinthians with simple speech? What would have happened if he had approached them with non-reproducible rhetorical skills? How might this passage give you hope if you don't feel like you are a good public speaker?
2. What differences can you find in this passage between the wisdom of the world, and the wisdom of God? What is the ultimate end of the world's wisdom and philosophies? Does this mean that you should not study and understand other perspectives and philosophies? Why or why not?
3. What role does spiritual wisdom play in your decision-making process? How does that differ from the wisdom of the world?
4. What is Paul specifically referring to in verse 9? Is he talking about the future (heaven), or is he talking about the unseen mystery of God's wisdom? Which one do you believe is correct, and why?
5. What role does the Holy Spirit play in understanding the things of God? Is it possible to understand God's will without the Holy Spirit? How does the Spirit reveal things to you personally?
6. How does the Spirit know God's thoughts? If this is true, then what does this reveal about the nature and identity of the Holy Spirit?
7. How do we discern if something is coming from the Holy Spirit, or from the spirit of this world? What is your process for discerning right from wrong when trying to understand something?
8. Why can the unbeliever not understand spiritual principles? What then does this tell us about the role of the Holy Spirit in the lives of lost people?
9. What does it mean to have "the mind of Christ" (HCSB)? How does having the mind of Christ impact the way you make decisions and the way that you relate to both believers and the lost?
10. What is an example of a "powerful demonstration of the Spirit" (HCSB)? How does a supernatural or miraculous act validate and confirm the presence and work of the Holy Spirit in our lives and in the church?

Key Words/Phrase

Spiritual wisdom, v. 10.

Characters

God, Christ, Holy Spirit, Paul.

Strong Verse(s)

2, 9, 10, 11, 14.