1 Corinthians 2:1-16

God’s people gather around preaching that rests in the power of God, not the wisdom of man.

True Christian preaching…

1. … Demonstrates the power of God (2:1-5).

2. … Imparts the wisdom of God (2:6-9).

3. … Comes from the Spirit of God (2:10-13).

4. … Is received by the people of God (2:14-16).

Discussion Questions

1. Read 1 Corinthians 2:1-16. What do you think is the main point of this passage?

2. Consider vv. 1-5. How can you tell when the ministry of a church is relying on the wisdom of natural man instead of the power of God (v. 5)? How can you encourage the ministry of Sellwood Church to be a ministry that relies on the power of God instead of the wisdom of natural man?

3. Consider vv. 6-9. In what ways are you tempted to admire the “wisdom of this age” over true and godly wisdom? Explain.

4. Consider vv. 10-13. What is the source of the true and godly wisdom of the apostolic message (see vv. 10, 13)? What does this tell us about the nature of the New Testament, which is the apostolic message?

5. Can we pursue true and godly wisdom without pursuing God himself? Why or why not? Have you ever sought to be biblically wise without really pursuing fellowship with God? Explain.

6. What do people (in the church and in the world) often consider to be the defining marks of true spirituality? Now consider 1 Corinthians 2:14-16; 1 John 2:23-24; 1 John 4:1-3, 15; and 1 John 5:1, 9-10. What does the Bible say the defining difference between the natural man and the spiritual person really is? What are the implications of this for your life and for the church?

7. How is God calling you to respond to this message on 1 Corinthians 2:1-16?