How does 1 Corinthians 2:15 guide us in discerning spiritual matters today? Verse in Focus “The spiritual man judges all things, but he himself is not subject to anyone’s judgment.” — 1 Corinthians 2:15 What “judges all things” Really Means • Paul uses “judge” as “discern, evaluate, sift.” • It is not a permission to condemn others; it is the Spirit-enabled ability to see reality as God sees it (John 7:24). • Because Scripture is true and reliable, the believer can weigh every idea, impulse, and teaching against its unchanging standard. Who Is the “Spiritual Man”? • One indwelt by the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:9). • Someone whose mind is renewed by the Word (Romans 12:2). • A Christian growing past spiritual infancy into maturity (Hebrews 5:14). Why He “is not subject to anyone’s judgment” • The unbelieving world lacks the Spirit and therefore cannot accurately appraise Spirit-led convictions (1 Corinthians 2:14). • Final evaluation of the believer rests with the Lord alone (1 Corinthians 4:3–4). • This protects the believer from being swayed by worldly ridicule or applause. How the Holy Spirit Guides Discernment Today 1. Illuminates Scripture—opening our understanding (John 16:13). 2. Convicts—spotlighting sin and error (John 16:8). 3. Produces inner witness—confirming truth in the conscience (Romans 8:16). 4. Grants wisdom generously when asked in faith (James 1:5). Practical Ways to Exercise Spiritual Discernment • Test every message, podcast, or sermon against Scripture (Acts 17:11). • Compare cultural trends with biblical commands; discard what contradicts God’s Word (Colossians 2:8). • Seek counsel from mature believers; collective discernment sharpens individual insight (Proverbs 11:14). • Watch for the fruit: truth produces righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23). Guardrails Against Pride • Remember that discernment is a gift, not personal superiority (1 Corinthians 4:7). • Stay teachable; the Spirit may correct previous conclusions (Psalm 139:23–24). • Exercise discernment with gentleness, aiming to restore rather than shame (Galatians 6:1). Supporting Scriptures • 1 Thessalonians 5:21—“but test all things. Hold fast to what is good.” • Philippians 1:9–10—“that your love may abound… so that you may approve the things that are excellent.” • Proverbs 2:6—“For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.” • Hebrews 5:14—“solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained their senses to distinguish good from evil.” By taking 1 Corinthians 2:15 at face value, believers can confidently navigate today’s complex spiritual landscape, relying on the Spirit and Scripture to judge all things while standing secure against the world’s misjudgments. |
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