This week our devotions are based on 1 Corinthians 2:6-16.
‘This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual realities with Spirit-taught words. The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit.’ (1 Corinthians 2:13-14)
AVOID SPEAKING ACCORDING TO ‘HUMAN WISDOM’
How we speak is the product of our culture; the family that we grew up in, our schooling, our friendships, the country we live in… all affect how we speak and what we speak about. Paul warns us of ‘words taught us by human wisdom’. This is speaking in ways not derived from God. ‘Human wisdom’ is any teaching that does not have the cross of Christ and the glory of God at its centre.
SPEAK IN WORDS TAUGHT BY THE SPIRIT
The alternative to ‘words taught by human wisdom’ is ‘words taught by the Spirit’ or ’Spirit-taught words’. This is about learning a new way of speaking from God. The Spirit, As we devote ourselves to scripture, wants to give us new vocabulary and wisdom so as to use our words for the good of others.
Spirit-taught words are, firstly, the message of the gospel. This is about looking for any opportunity to speak about Jesus to anyone who will listen. At the beginning of this chapter we read, ‘I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.’ These are the most important Spirit-taught words that we need to listen to and to speak to each other. Of course, we speak about many things to our friends in and outside the church, but let’s each of us aim to also speak to one another of God’s wisdom as we read in Colossians 3,
‘Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.’ (Colossians 3:16)
OVER TO YOU - PRAY AND WORSHIP OUT OF THE BIBLE
I’ve made a few comments. However, it’s more important that you engage with the text yourself. Take a moment to pray and listen to God’s voice out of today’s text.
‘This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual realities with Spirit-taught words. The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit.’ (1 Corinthians 2:13-14)
Use the following questions which are based upon The Lord’s Prayer (Matt. 6:9-13).
1. Praise - What does this text teach me about God? What can I praise Him for?
2. Petitions - What does this teach me about His will for me and others? What could I pray for from this text? This is a good time to pray for our non-believing. friends. It’s good to ask, Is the Holy Spirit leading me in any specific response?
3. Peace-making - Is the Holy Spirit convicting me of sin for which I need forgiveness? Do I need to forgive others?
4. Protection - Ask for God’s protection generally and for any specific areas of vulnerability. Am I believing lies regarding the truths in this text?
COMMUNITY GROUP NOTES AND STUDY
1. Notices
It might be good to begin with notices. Please share from this week’s Church News.
Let's be praying and actively preparing to invite friends to our carol service on 5th December. Please make sure this is in your diary.
Don't forget to come along and invite your friends to our Christmas Pudding making event on 20th November. Go to the website to book tickets.
We have our next gift days on the 14th, 21st November. Let's be praying for How the Father wants us to get involved.
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