1 Corinthians 2

V 1-4

See Acts 18.  1-2. 4.  5-6.  9-11. 12. 

Paul did debate and argue. See Acts 15. Acts 17:2-3, 18:19. 2 Timothy 4:2.

What do we understand excellence of speech or of wisdom to mean?

Excellence of Speech… emphasizes effective communication, ensuring clarity and meaningfulness in debates. It highlights the importance of conveying accurate information with precision and clarity for impactful discussions.

Can it be a way to avoid the subject?

Was Paul being single-minded? Or pig-headed? Or closed-minded?

What was his only topic?

How can you be determined yet in weakness, in fear, and in much tremblingI?

In taking this approach, Paul understood he didn’t cater to what his audience wanted. “Corinth put a premium on the veneer of false rhetoric and thin thinking” (Barclay). He already knew the Jews request a sign, and Greeks seek after wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:22), but he does not seem to care. He will preach Jesus Christ and Him crucified.

Like the little girl, who when a smaller man was guest speaking could finally see the stained glass window of Jesus behind the pulpit said, “Where’s the man who usually stands there so we can’t see Jesus?”

What might he have missed out in when he followed V2?

Was he lacking in confidence?

Was his weakness, in fear, and in much trembling because of illness, his thorn in the flesh, poor self-confidence, fear of persecution? Or the significance of his message?

V 6-8

What are the two kinds of wisdom Paul referred to — which did he share?

Who does he mean when he refers to the mature?  See Ephesians 4:13, 1 Corinthians 14:20, and Philippians 3:15.

Who was God’s wisdom hidden from? From whom is it hidden from? See Acts 2:23.

V 9-11

Where did the message of the Bible come from? Why is it superior to any other religion? See Isaiah 64:4.

So how did it happen that you have this wisdom? Why you? See John 14:26. Ephesians 3:5. Romans 11:33-36.

Who knows you best? Who knows God best? How does anyone come to know God?

How well can you know God?

How was the Spirit’s power demonstrated in Corinth — and in you?

Is this revelation of wisdom meant for this life or only for heaven?

V 12-13

What has God given you now you have the Spirit who is from God? 

What is special about the wisdom God has given you? Is this what Paul was preaching?

V14

Why is it hard to explain your faith to non-Christians? How do they respond to the gospel? See 1 Corinthians 1:18. 2 Corinthians 4:4-6.

What do they need in order to understand the gospel? How does this affect your prayers? See Colossians 1:9.

V15-16

Do these verses apply to you? How might they apply to you? Have you put them into practice? 

See John 16:13-16. John 15:15. Isaiah 40:13.

What’s it like to have the mind of Christ.?