READ | SERMON NOTES
SUMMARY I Paul preached the message of Christ crucified to the Jews and Greeks. He did this in a simple, non-eloquent way. The message was rejected by the Jews who could not accept a Messiah who was crucified. Similarly, the Greeks could not accept a powerless and humiliated Saviour. But Paul continued to preach through the power of the Holy Spirit and not through his own wisdom so that God, and not man, would be glorified. The Holy Spirit reveals God’s wisdom and shapes the mind of Christ in believers.
1. The need for the Holy Spirit (vs. 1-5).
We must know and experience the Holy Spirit before we are able to share Christ with others and to do God’s will, for He illuminates the darkness in our minds. The Holy Spirit is the Third Person of the Holy Trinity who “breathed out” creation (Gen. 1:2) and who “breathed out” Scripture (2 Tim. 3:16). He is the Spirit of Jesus (Acts 16:7), life (Rom. 8:2), grace (Heb 10:29), prophecy (Rev. 19:10), truth (John 14:17), holiness (Rom 1:4) and wisdom and revelation (Eph.1:17). The Holy Spirit is our Advocate, Comforter, Counselor and Guide, Intercessor, Teacher, Witness and Helper. Which of these roles are you in most need of at this juncture of your life?
2. The Spirit reveals God’s wisdom (vs. 6-13).
God’s wisdom is hidden from man. We cannot discover God’s wisdom using our human intelligence or experience. Only the Holy Spirit can reveal God’s mystery to us, His children. We are blind and can only grope in the dark until God shines his light to show us His truth. How does the Holy Spirit reveal God’s wisdom?
- Searches the things of God (vs. 10b-11). Just as a dog cannot understand the mind of its master, so also human wisdom cannot fully comprehend the things of God. However, the Spirit who knows God’s thoughts, reveals His wisdom exclusively to believers to know and understand God.
- Indwells believers (vs. 12). The Spirit ministers to us and makes the heavenly Father real to us. We have a wealth of spiritual resources through the Spirit!
- Teaches the things of God (vs. 13) by illuminating our mind, convicting our hearts and bringing forth God’s Word. We experience clarity of His Word, discern His Will in our lives and receive timely recollection of Scriptures in each situation of our lives.
3. Believers have the mind of Christ (vs. 14-16).
Those without the Spirit cannot understand God’s mind. But “we have the mind of Christ” (vs. 16). With this mind, we see things from a new perspective, from the point of view of Christ. We think, act and live like Jesus. We are no longer shaped by worldly thoughts. We know right from wrong as the Holy Spirit enlightens us. We cannot be self-righteous. On the contrary, we are to serve others, which is God’s will for us.
Let us ask the Spirit for God’s wisdom in all situations. May the Holy Spirit guide us in the study of His Word. In all our relationships, rely on the Spirit. And with the mind of Christ, may we think like Him and live for God and others.
(Sermon notes by Angela Goh)
PONDER | REFLECTION QUESTIONS
- Study Scripture
a. Read 1 Corinthians 2:1-16. Summarise in one sentence Paul’s message to the Church. - Recall Sermon
a. Why would Paul preach a simple message which he knew his audience will not be interested to hear?
b. Who is the Holy Spirit? How can we relate to Him?
c. Why do we need the Holy Spirit to understand the depth of God?
d. How does the Holy Spirit reveal God’s wisdom?
e. Describe the three ways the Holy Spirit teaches and guides?
f. Who has the mind of Christ? How would we apply “the mind of Christ” in our daily decisions, attitudes, and relationships? - Relate Personally
a. Which part of the sermon challenged or encouraged you the most? How would you respond to it?
b. How does knowing that the Holy Spirit is a person and not a force, change the way you relate to Him?
c. The Holy Spirit is our Advocate, Comforter, Counsellor and Guide, Intercessor, Teacher, Witness, and Helper.
i. Which of the Spirit’s role have you experienced?
ii. Which one do you most need now?
d. Have you experience a moment when Scripture suddenly became clear or deeply meaningful? How did it happen?
e. People with the mind of Christ stand out as their chief purpose in life to do the will of God.
i. In what ways is this true for you? - Commit to Action
a. Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to illumine your heart and mind in your daily Bible reading.
b. Share with someone the spiritual truths that the Holy Spirit has revealed to you from the Bible passage.
