Explore The New TestamentSample

SAY WHAT? (What is the passage saying?)

• In the opening of this chapter, Paul explains that he isn't a master communicator. In fact, he was originally intimidated and fearful of the Corinthians. He talked about Jesus only and left the rest in God's hands. He understood that it wasn't about his words, but rather, God's power to change people's lives. 
• Paul then explains that God's wisdom is different than man's. Man's wisdom doesn't want to accept faith because it cannot see it. But, faith is about God's power, not about knowledge.  He contrasts the world's wisdom with the Spirit of God.
  • The idea is that there is a certain way the world thinks and does things. The way God teaches us to think and live is far different. He goes on to point out that the "world" will think God's wisdom and way of life is foolish, but someone who has aligned themselves with God will understand that it is right.

SO WHAT? (What are the underlying principles?)

• The wisdom that comes from the Holy Spirit is understood only if someone has the Holy Spirit. This happens when we choose to put our lives in Jesus’ hands. God gives us the Holy Spirit to guide, remind, teach and convict us. With the Holy Spirit, we always have God with us and active in our lives.
• Every day we are presented with 2 ways to live our lives- the world's way or God's way. We need to choose God's way. It is better, and our lives will be better for it.

NOW WHAT? (How will you personally apply this passage?)

• Where in your life are you currently living by man's wisdom instead of God's?
  • Maybe you do relationships the way "everyone else does."
  • Or perhaps you handle your finances the way most of the world deals with money. 
  • It could be your thoughts about sex are guided by other people's norms.
• Choose today instead to learn God's wisdom and to live by it. That's what it means to have God truly be the God of your life: it will honor Him, and your life will be better.
  • So where do you need to do that today?