“Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God. And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual,” (1 Cor. 2:12-13, ESV).

Several of St. Paul’s epistles unpack particular themes regarding the work of the Holy Spirit. Last week, the focus was on life in the Spirit, as found in Romans chapter 8. This week, we will examine 1 Corinthians 2 and the theme of wisdom coming from the Holy Spirit. The weeks after Pentecost help Christians to consider the spiritual growth that happens among the people of God as a result of the Holy Spirit’s work among us.

In 1 Corinthians 2, Paul distinguishes between the wisdom of the age with the wisdom that is revealed in the truth of God’s Word. The cross which we proclaim is truly God’s wisdom, because it is God’s answer for humanity’s need. True wisdom is found in the Savior of the world dying on the cross in our place. The Holy Spirit makes us wise unto salvation by bringing us to faith in Christ. As the creation of faith is followed by the ongoing teaching of God’s Word, we are taught by the Spirit and enabled to live wisely according to the Word and will of God.

Sanctification, then, is the work of the Holy Spirit within us. The wisdom of this age seeks to serve oneself only. The wisdom of God, revealed by the Spirit, enables us to serve God and our neighbor. We would not know or understand the will of God apart from the Holy Spirit’s revelation. However, through the Spirit’s ongoing work in our lives, we are taught spiritual truths for our sake and the sake of others. Therefore, we are able to live wisely in this world with wisdom from the Spirit.

Prayer – O God, who gave Your Holy Spirit to the apostles, grant us that same Spirit, that we may live in faith and abide in peace; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Fraternally in Christ,

President Lee Hagan