In 1 Corinthians 2, the Apostle Paul opens to us a glorious treasury—the things of God. These are not the surface matters that the world debates and dismisses. No, these are the deep things, the hidden wisdom, the spiritual riches that only the Spirit of God can unveil. Let us draw near with reverence and consider them.

Revealed and Received

First, Paul speaks of “the testimony of God” (1 Corinthians 2:1, BSB). When Paul came to Corinth, he did not come with lofty speech or human wisdom. His message was not about himself but about God. True testimony carries weight only when it is God’s Word that is being declared. Our stories and insights mean little unless they are grounded in what the Lord Himself has spoken. How necessary it is that we make God’s testimony the center of all our speaking!

Next, he points us to the “demonstration of the Spirit” (verse 4). Paul’s ministry was not marked by persuasive words but by the Spirit’s power. This is always the effective worker in the church—the Holy Spirit. When our hearts and lives are surrendered, the Spirit uses us, not because of our eloquence, but because of His might. It is not by human effort, but by divine enablement, that the things of God are accomplished.

Then Paul speaks of the “power of God” (verse 5). “So that your faith would not rest on men’s wisdom, but on God’s power.” True faith is anchored in divine strength, not in the shifting sands of human reasoning. When God’s power is at work, hearts are gripped, minds are renewed, and lives are governed by His truth. This power does not merely impress—it transforms.

Fourth, Paul unveils the “wisdom of God” (verse 7). “No, we speak of the mysterious and hidden wisdom of God, which He destined for our glory before time began.” God’s wisdom is not measured by earthly standards. It shines forth in creation, it glows from His heart of love, and it radiates most brightly in the grace of salvation. How the world scoffs at this wisdom! Yet to those who believe, it is more precious than gold.

The Spirit of God is then revealed as the great source, revealer, and communicator of truth (verses 11, 12, 14). Just as no one knows the thoughts of a man except the spirit of that man, so only the Spirit of God knows the deep things of God. And marvel of marvels—this Spirit is given to us! By Him, we come to understand what has been freely given by God. Without the Spirit’s illumination, the Word remains a closed book; with Him, it becomes life and light to our souls.

Paul then speaks of “the mind of the Lord” (verse 16). Who has known His mind? In ourselves, none of us. Yet in Christ, the mystery is opened. To know the Lord is to begin to know His thoughts, His purposes, His heart. This is no cold knowledge, but the warm, living fellowship of being brought into His counsel.

Finally, Paul declares that we have “the mind of Christ” (verse 16). Christ not only thinks of us in love; He thinks in us by His Spirit and through us as we yield to Him. The thoughts of Christ are to become the thoughts that govern our living—thoughts of humility, of sacrifice, of obedience, of love for the Father and for others.

How precious are the things of God revealed in this chapter! They are not distant or unattainable. They are near to the one who seeks Christ with a humble heart. How is the Spirit of God drawing your heart today to know and cherish these deep things? Are you willing to lay aside human wisdom to receive the wisdom that is from above?

For further reflection, consider:

John 16:13 – “But when the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth.”

James 3:17 – “But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peace-loving, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial, and sincere.”