1 Corinthians 2:6-16

Introduction

I: THE DEFINITION OF GOD’S WISDOM (vv. 6-9)

The negative: not worldly wisdom (v. 6)

It is the wisdom of God (v. 7)

• A secret and hidden wisdom.

• An eternal wisdom

• A wisdom for our glory.

The Graphic illustration (v. 8)

An unimaginable wisdom (v. 9) cf. 1:24, 30

II: THE REVELATION OF GOD’S WISDOM (vv. 10-11)

God’s wisdom is revealed by the Spirit (v. 10, 11)

… as no one knows the thoughts of a man but the man himself, so no one knows the thoughts of God but God Himself. Therefore, no one but a divine person is competent to make a revelation of the thoughts and purposes of God. A. A. Hodge

III: THE UNDERSTANDING OF GOD’S WISDOM (vv. 12-13)

The Holy Spirit gives understanding of the things of God

This understanding comes from illumination (cf. Psalm 119)

“The testimony of the Spirit is superior to reason. For … these words will not obtain full credit in the hearts of men until they are sealed by the inward testimony of the Spirit.” John Calvin

Conclusion

For next time - IV: THE REJECTION OF GOD’S WISDOM (v. 14), V: THE APPLICATION OF GOD’S WISDOM (vv. 15, 16)