Deeper Life #132

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.

—1 Corinthians 2:12

THE BIBLE USES SEVERAL PHRASES to describe a person’s disposition of sin. First is “the natural man.” First Corinthians 2:14 tells us that “the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him.”

You can hammer away at someone about spiritual things as long as you like; but until you rely on the Holy Spirit, and realize that only He can convict your friend of sin, you might as well talk to a wooden seat. Jesus Christ can satisfy only those whom the Holy Spirit has convicted of sin.

The Bible also talks about “the rational man,” who is highly intelligent. Such a person reasons things out. Paul says that “Christ crucified” is foolishness to the rational person. Preach Jesus Christ to someone who is moral, upright, and well-educated, and he will say, “Why did Jesus want to die for me? I am all right.” The disposition of the rational man makes God’s truth seem like stupidity. But Paul says, “The foolishness of God is wiser than men” (1 Corinthians 1:25).

Prayer Thought: Open my eyes and enlighten my understanding, O Lord, to a clearer comprehension of spiritual truth.

SUGGESTED READING: 1 Corinthians 2:6–16