The
natural man doesn’t receive the things of God’s Spirit, for they are foolishness to him, and he can’t know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
1 Corinthians 2:14
1 Corinthians 2 [10.] But to us, God revealed them through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. For who among men knows the things of a man, except the spirit of the man, which is in him? Even so, no one knows the things of God, except God’s Spirit. But we received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is from God, that we might know the things that were freely given to us by God. Which things also we speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches, but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual things. Now the natural man doesn’t receive the things of God’s Spirit, for they are foolishness to him, and he can’t know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
1 Corinthians 2 [15.] But he who is spiritual discerns all things, and he himself is judged by no one. “For who has known the mind of the Lord, that he should instruct him?” But we have Christ’s mind.
Meaning:
At its core, 1 Corinthians 2:14 highlights the spiritual blindness of those who do not have a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Paul refers to such individuals as the "natural man" or the "unspiritual person." This refers to someone who is guided solely by their human nature and senses, lacking spiritual insight and understanding.
The significance of this verse lies in its recognition of the fundamental difference between the mindset of those who are spiritually attuned and those who are not. To the natural man, the things of God's Spirit are perceived as foolishness and are incomprehensible. This is because spiritual truths can only be discerned and understood through the work of the Holy Spirit.
Paul's statement underscores the importance of spiritual discernment in the Christian life. Spiritual discernment is the ability to perceive and understand God's will, His truths, and His ways through the illumination of the Holy Spirit. It involves a deepening relationship with God and a sensitivity to His leading and guidance.
Cross-referencing with other passages in Scripture, we find similar teachings on the necessity of spiritual discernment. In John 14:26, Jesus promises the Holy Spirit as the Counselor who will teach and remind believers of everything He has said. In 1 John 2:27, John writes about the anointing believers have received from the Holy One, which teaches them about all things.
Furthermore, in Romans 8:5-8, Paul contrasts the mindset of the flesh with the mindset of the Spirit, emphasizing the importance of setting our minds on the things of the Spirit. This passage reinforces the idea that spiritual discernment is only possible through the transformation of the mind by the Holy Spirit.
As we reflect on 1 Corinthians 2:14, we are reminded of the crucial role of the Holy Spirit in our spiritual understanding and discernment. It challenges us to cultivate a deeper relationship with God and to seek His wisdom and guidance in all aspects of our lives. It also prompts us to pray for spiritual discernment and to rely on the Holy Spirit to lead us into all truth.
In our personal lives, 1 Corinthians 2:14 encourages us to be mindful of our spiritual condition and to prioritize the cultivation of a spiritual mindset. It calls us to surrender our natural inclinations and to submit ourselves to the leading of the Holy Spirit. Ultimately, may we seek to grow in spiritual discernment, that we may walk in alignment with God's will and purposes for our lives.
See also: vs 12-13
PIB Scriptures are derived from the World English Bible