December 12, 2024
DAILY BIBLE READING – 1 Corinthians Chapter 2
1 And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God.
2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.
3 And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.
4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:
5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.
6 Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:
7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:
8 Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.
9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.
10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.
11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.
12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
15 But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.
16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? but we have the mind of Christ.
King James Version. Public Domain
Commentary
Introduction
The second section of the first letter to the Corinthians provides a deep insight into the message and method of the Apostle Paul. Here, Paul highlights the center of his ministry: the proclamation of the crucified Christ, not through the wisdom of the world, but through the power of the Spirit of God. He contrasts human wisdom with divine wisdom and emphasizes that true knowledge of God is revealed through the Spirit. This passage challenges us to question our own reliance on worldly wisdom and to entrust ourselves to the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Commentary
In this chapter, Paul demonstrates remarkable humility and a clear focus on the essential: Jesus Christ and His crucifixion. He rejects rhetorical brilliance and human wisdom to ensure that the faith of the Corinthians is based solely on God’s power (verses 1–5). This attitude presents a challenge, especially in a world that often glorifies human achievements and intellect.
In the second part of the chapter (verses 6–16), Paul deepens his theology of divine wisdom. He states that this wisdom remains hidden to those who rely solely on their worldly reason. Instead, it is a gift revealed through the Holy Spirit. The Spirit enables believers to understand the deep mysteries of God, while the “natural man” (verse 14) dismisses these things as foolishness. The statement that believers “have the mind of Christ” (verse 16) emphasizes the transformative power of the gospel: it leads to spiritual renewal and a new perspective.
This section shows us that genuine spiritual insight is not an intellectual achievement but a revelation from God. Paul’s words serve as a reminder to open ourselves to the work of the Spirit and to remain humble.
Summary
Paul makes it clear that he proclaimed the message of Jesus Christ, the Crucified One, not with human wisdom or persuasive power, but through the power of God’s Spirit. The faith of believers should not be based on worldly wisdom but on God’s power. He describes God’s wisdom as hidden and only revealed through the Spirit. This wisdom remains incomprehensible to those who rely solely on worldly standards. However, the Holy Spirit enables believers to have a deeper understanding of the mysteries of God, allowing them to recognize and judge spiritual matters. Paul concludes with the encouraging statement that believers “have the mind of Christ” and thereby can partake in God’s wisdom.
WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | The Desire of Ages
Chapter 79—“It is Finished”
Read online here
Commentary
Introduction
The chapter “It Is Finished!” describes the climax of Christ’s work of redemption, completed with His final breath on the cross. This victory over sin and death deeply impacted not only humanity but also heaven and the unfallen worlds. Jesus’ cry, “It is finished!” proclaimed the triumph over Satan and his rebellion. This chapter highlights how Christ perfectly revealed God’s love, justice, and mercy and how the cross established the foundation for the eternal security of the universe.
Commentary
The chapter emphasizes the universal significance of Jesus’ victory on the cross. His declaration, “It is finished!” signals that the work of redemption is complete and that God’s love and justice have triumphed.
Satan, once a highly exalted angel, was finally exposed at the cross. Through his betrayal and the execution of Christ, his true character was revealed to heaven and the unfallen worlds. God allowed Satan to fully develop his principles to make the nature of sin visible. This revelation was necessary to affirm the inviolability of God’s law and the inseparability of grace and justice.
Jesus’ sacrifice demonstrated that grace does not nullify justice but fulfills it completely. His life was the ultimate example of obedience, and through His death, Christ proved that God’s law is righteous and can be upheld. Satan claimed that justice and mercy were incompatible. However, the cross showed that both principles are harmoniously united in God.
The chapter also illustrates how Christ remained steadfast despite Satan’s relentless attacks from His birth to His crucifixion. His faithfulness and obedience to God surpassed all attempts by the enemy to overcome Him. In doing so, He refuted Satan’s claims and secured humanity’s redemption.
Summary
Chapter 79: “It Is Finished!” reveals the depth and completeness of Christ’s victory on the cross. His sacrifice fully displayed God’s love, justice, and mercy, refuting all of Satan’s accusations. The cross demonstrated that sin and rebellion inevitably lead to destruction, while God’s law and principles provide the foundation for eternal security. Through His obedience and triumph over death, Christ brought salvation to humanity and the assurance that sin and Satan will be defeated once and for all. This chapter reminds us that redemption in Christ is the central event in the history of creation and conveys an eternal message of hope and love.
Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/12-11-2024-1-corinthians-chapter-2-believe-his-prophets/
