What role does the Holy Spirit play in judging "all things"? Seeing the Verse in Context 1 Corinthians 2:15 — “The spiritual man judges all things, but he himself is not subject to anyone’s judgment.” • Paul contrasts the “spiritual” with the “natural” (v. 14). • The Spirit-reliant believer is equipped to evaluate every matter through God’s wisdom, not human reasoning. Who Is the “Spiritual Man”? • A person indwelt by the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:12). • One whose mind is “the mind of Christ” (1 Corinthians 2:16). • Living in submission to Scripture’s authority (2 Timothy 3:16-17). How the Spirit Enables Judgment • Reveals truth: “When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth” (John 16:13). • Illuminates Scripture: “You have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth” (1 John 2:20). • Convicts of error: “He will convict the world regarding sin and righteousness and judgment” (John 16:8). • Trains discernment: “Solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained their senses to distinguish good from evil” (Hebrews 5:14). What “All Things” Includes • Doctrine — separating truth from false teaching (Galatians 1:8-9). • Moral choices — assessing motives, actions, and lifestyles (Ephesians 5:8-11). • Cultural issues — evaluating philosophies, media, and trends (Colossians 2:8). • Personal decisions — seeking God’s will in daily life (Proverbs 3:5-6). • Church matters — weighing prophecies, practices, and leadership (1 Thessalonians 5:19-21; Acts 17:11). Freedom from Human Judgment • “He himself is not subject to anyone’s judgment” (1 Corinthians 2:15). – The believer answers to God’s verdict, not shifting human standards (Romans 14:4). – This is not license for arrogance; accountability remains to Scripture and fellow believers (Galatians 6:1-2). • Ultimate Judge: “The Lord will both bring to light what is hidden and disclose the motives of hearts” (1 Corinthians 4:5). Putting It into Practice • Stay saturated in God’s Word; the Spirit uses inspired truth as His primary tool (Psalm 119:105). • Pray for ongoing filling of the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18). • Test every idea, emotion, and opportunity against Scripture’s clear teaching (1 John 4:1). • Cultivate humility, recognizing discernment is received, not achieved (James 1:5). • Walk in obedience; sensitivity to the Spirit grows as we respond to His promptings (Galatians 5:25). |
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