Today’s Reading, 1 Corinthians 1-4
Focal Scripture: 1 Corinthians 2:14 “But the person without the Spirit does not receive what comes from God’s Spirit, because it is foolishness to him; he is not able to understand it since it is evaluated spiritually.”
Knowing the roles of yourself and others helps everyone to understand how a system works. I have been places where role were clearly explained and defined. Everyone knew what was expected and it made a major impact on the culture. I have also been places where nobody wanted to define clear roles and it caused chaos. For instance, I had a conversation with a boss who wanted me to do something a certain way. I asked for an explanation and example of what they were looking for so I could make sure I understood. There response “I am not telling you, if I have to tell you that is a problem, just do what I say.” Needless to say I never understood my role or their role. This led to confusion and ultimately many misunderstandings. So having a clear understanding on roles helps us personally but also spiritually.
In today’s reading Paul is speaking to the church at Corinth. This church is having drama on many fronts. Factions are forming and people are openly ok with blatant sin in the church. Paul then begins to speak about having spiritual wisdom. He makes it clear that a person who does not have the spirit can’t understand spiritual things. They will think the spiritual is foolish. They will miss the expectations. They will never be able to understand things spiritually because they don’t have the spirit. Paul is making it clear that one of the Holy Spirits roles is to interpret and explain to us spiritual truth.
So how does this apply to believers today? It means we must see if we are still spiritual babies or if we are spiritually lost. If you are struggling to understand spiritual truth you must as yourself why. To do this you need to examine how you came to faith in Christ and determine if you followed the biblical example. Did you confess Jesus? Did you acknowledge his forgiveness of sins? Did you really follow him? Too often people are convinced they are believers but never really committed to follow Christ. So if you can’t understand spiritual truths make sure you are saved and have the Holy Spirit.
Or maybe you are saved and you are a baby in Christ. You have been saved for a while but have no understanding of God or his word. The spirit inside of you wants more but because of sin or not being discipled you are still a spiritual toddler. The only way to combat this is to give all you have to the Lord. You need to read the word, pray, and follow him. It sounds simple but it is a commitment and difficult at times. When you begin to grow spiritually the spirit will help you discern the truth of God.
I challenge you today to ask yourself if you really are a regenerate believer. If not get saved today and watch how the spirit works in you. If you are a believer and are struggling it’s time to grow up spiritually. The spirit is more than willing to reveal truth to you daily.
Be encouraged that the key to understanding deep truths doesn’t rely on you but the Holy Spirit. After all that is one of his roles in the lives of believers.
Tomorrow I plan on reading 1 Corinthians 5-8
