1 Corinthians 2:6-16

Introduction:

1. Words have power, so we must understand them deeply and use them carefully.

2. God’s words are supremely powerful which demands we understand them more deeply and use them more carefully.

3. This is the goal of this series as we examine key words in God’s word.

Discussion:

I. The Need for God’s Revealed Mind

A. Paul was addressing divisions in Corinth (1 Corinthians 1:10-13; 3:3-4).

B. Though likely fueled by many factors, the core issue was simple:

1. They were enamored by worldly wisdom (1:18-25).

2. This caused them to be worldly-minded (2:14-3:4).

3. They/we must embrace God’s wisdom (1:26-31; 2:6-8; 3:18-23).

C. God had to reveal His mind to facilitate this transition (2:9-12).

II. God’s Vehicle for Revealing His Mind

A. The vehicle for all knowledge/wisdom/understanding is words.

B. This is equally true of God’s revelation of His mind to humanity.

C. Note the process by which we now have the mind of Christ:

1. The Spirit of God revealed His mind to certain inspired men (2:10-12; Ephesians 3:3-5; 2 Peter 1:19-21; cf. John 16:12-15).

2. These inspired men imparted His mind in words taught by the Holy Spirit, not this world’s wisdom (2:6-7, 13; Ephesians 3:4).

III. The Need for Proper Reception of God’s Word

A. Communication demands that words be both given and received.

B. This is where the breakdown occurred in Corinth as their minds were carnal/worldly rather than spiritual (2:14-15; 3:1-4).

C. This worldly-mindedness caused the rulers of the age to kill the Christ (2:8-9), and it was the cause of all the problems in Corinth.

D. The shame of it all is they had the mind of Christ (1:4-7; 2:16).

Conclusion:

1. Like the Corinthians, we too have the mind of Christ.

2. Like the Corinthians, we have problems of division and other sins.

3. Like the Corinthians, the root of the problem is the failure to receive the mind of Christ imparted in His words; worldly-mindedness still wreaks havoc.

4. The aim of this series is to come to know God’s mind as revealed by His words in His word in order that we may be spiritually-minded and mature.