the mystery of the
universe and you, 1 Cor 2:6-16
Main Idea: The Wisdom of God,
Understood by the Power of the Spirit, Produces Maturity.
1. The Wisdom of God
1.1. To the mature
1 Cor. 14:20 , Eph.
4:13 , Col. 1:28 , Col. 4:12
1.2. Not of this age
1.2.1. The rulers of this age.
1.2.2. Doomed to pass away
Ø Making yourself at home on the Titanic?
1.3. Of the Cross
Ø Einstein and the mystery of the universe.
Col. 1:15-20 , Hebrews 1:3
Christ, as he is God, is infinitely great and high above all….His majesty is infinitely awful. ….And yet he is one of infinite condescension.
The Excellency of Christ , a Sermon by Jonathan Edwards
1.4. Prepared for His people.
Ø Story of Jean Valjean – giving the candlesticks.
2. By the Spirit
2.1. The Spirit as Revealor of God’s heart/giver of understanding.
Ø A CG Experience of revelation.
The Spirit should identify God’s people in such a way that their values and world view are radically different from the wisdom of this age. They do know what God is about in Christ; they do live out the life of the future in the present age that is passing way; they are marked by the cross forever. As such they are the people of the Spirit , who stand in bold contrast to those who are merely human and do not understand the scandal of the cross. Being spiritual does not lead to elitism; it lead to a deeper understanding of God’s profound mystery- the redemption through a crucified messiah.
Gordon Fee, NICNT Commentary on 1 Corinthians, p. 121.
2.2. The place of teaching/fellowship.
Ø Gospel centered receiving of criticism.
2.3. The result: maturity
Eph. 4:11-16
Application Questions:
My Main Application:
Resources:
NIV Study Bible
New
NAS Study Bible
ESV Bible
1
Corinthians: Godly Solutions for Church Problems, John MacArthur
The Cross and
Showing the Spirit, DA Carson
1 Corinthians, David Prior, Bible Speaks Today Series
daily Devotional
|
Day |
Passage |
Thoughts |
|
Sunday, December 26, 2004 |
1 Cor 2:6 |
Who are the
"mature"? How do you know if
you are "mature? Are there areas
of your life where the reality of Christ and His gospel are not bringing
change – your passion for God, dealing with loneliness, consideration of your
spouse, patience with children, humility when criticized? |
|
Monday, December 27, 2004 |
1 Cor 2:7 |
What does it mean that
God "decreed before the ages for our glory" his wisdom? What is a decree? Is there any doubt to the result if God
decrees it? Why is it for our glory?
Thank God ! |
|
Tuesday, December 28, 2004 |
1 Cor 2:8 |
Why did the rulers of
this age crcufiy the "Lord of Glory"? What was their mindset? Have you ever had that sort of mindset? How do you keep seeing Jesus as the
"Lord of Glory" versus irrevelevant of even a nuiscance? |
|
Wednesday, December 29, 2004 |
1 Cor 2:10 |
How does this verse
influence our relationship with the Holy Spirit? What aspect of God's wisdom in Christ has
the Holy Spirit been illuminating to you lately? |
|
Thursday, December 30, 2004 |
1 Cor 2:11-12 |
What does "the
things freely given us" mean?
What are these things? Are they
truly free to us? Are they free to
God? How much did they cost? What does that tell you about the love,
grace and glory of God? What does it
tell about his regard for you in Christ?
|
|
Friday, December 31, 2004 |
1 Cor 2:13 |
What sort of words does
the Holy Spirit use to impart spiritual truths? Does he use men? What scriptures are you currently
meditating on? What teachings from
God's word are you praying over? How
is God affecting you? |
|
Saturday, January 01, 2005 |
1 Cor 2:14-16 |
What is the "mind
of Christ"? What in us and around
us battles against the mind of Christ?
What are three means God gives us to nurture the mind of Christ in
us? Rate your use of them on a scale
of 1-10. |