Compare 1 Corinthians 2:14 with John 14:17 on receiving the Spirit of truth. The Verses in Focus • 1 Corinthians 2:14: “The natural man does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God. For they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.” • John 14:17: “the Spirit of truth. The world cannot receive Him, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. But you do know Him, for He abides with you and will be in you.” Key Observations • Both verses identify a clear divide: those who cannot receive the Spirit (the “natural man,” “the world”) versus those who do (“you,” the disciples). • Ability to receive hinges on spiritual discernment granted only through the indwelling Spirit. • Jesus promises future indwelling (“will be in you”), while Paul describes its present effect (spiritual understanding). Who Is the “Natural Man”? • Greek: psychikos—governed by soul/instinct, not regenerated by the Spirit. • Lives according to fallen human reasoning (1 Corinthians 1:18). • Views God’s wisdom as “foolishness” because depraved nature lacks the capacity to grasp it (Romans 8:7). Who Is “the World”? • Kosmos in John refers to humanity organized in rebellion against God (John 15:18–19). • Blind to spiritual realities because of Satanic deception (2 Corinthians 4:4). • Cannot “see” (perceive) or “know” (experience) the Spirit. The Role of the Spirit of Truth • Reveals divine wisdom (1 Corinthians 2:10–12). • Guides into all truth (John 16:13). • Testifies about Christ (John 15:26). • Grants the new birth, enabling faith (John 3:5–8). How the Spirit Is Received • Through hearing and believing the gospel (Ephesians 1:13–14). • Repentance and faith bring regeneration (Titus 3:5). • The Father gives the Spirit to those who ask in Christ’s name (Luke 11:13; John 7:38–39). • Evidence of receipt: confession of Jesus as Lord (1 Corinthians 12:3) and inner witness of adoption (Romans 8:15–16). Evidence of the Spirit’s Presence • Spiritual discernment—Scripture becomes living and understandable (Psalm 119:18; 1 John 2:27). • Growing holiness and fruit (Galatians 5:22–23). • Desire for fellowship and obedience (Acts 2:42; 1 John 5:3). • Empowerment for witness (Acts 1:8). Practical Takeaways • Intellectual brilliance cannot bridge the gap; only the Spirit opens eyes. • Evangelism must rely on prayer and gospel proclamation, trusting the Spirit to quicken hearts (1 Corinthians 3:6). • Believers should cultivate sensitivity to the Spirit through Scripture, obedience, and confession of sin (Ephesians 4:30). • Confidence in Scripture’s clarity rests on the Spirit’s illuminating work, not on human ingenuity (2 Timothy 3:16–17). |
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