The Berean Post Podcast

These words from the apostle Paul are as relevant today as when he wrote them to the Corinthians. In a world filled with competing ideas, ideologies, and wisdom, it is crucial to discern the truth and not be swayed by deception. In a world divided by various allegiances and ideologies, remember that we are Christ. This affirmation calls us to recognize our unity with Him and to obey His teachings.

Paul was indeed a master builder; however, while Paul played a significant role in shaping early Christianity, the faith itself is founded upon Jesus Christ and the teachings of the original apostles. The influence of other early Christian leaders, such as Peter, James, and John, would still have played a vital role in the growth and development of the Church in the absence of Paul. Returning to the text, we can see that regardless of whom God appoints to plant or water, God brings forth the increase and causes the Gospel to prosper wherever it goes!

No matter how profound the knowledge of Scripture, how extensive the spiritual insights, how precise the theological accuracies are, or even how remarkable the display of spiritual gifts may be, it holds little significance if, within the church, there exists jealousy, competition, and a lack of unity. In such an environment, we find a church that is both carnal and spiritually immature, despite the uplifting nature of worship services or the outward manifestations of spirituality.

While this may come as a shock to the reader (or listener) and those one may even be offended at the following statement, nevertheless, it is true. Ready for it? We are not the best judge of our own spirituality. Consider the following text:1 Corinthians 4:3-4: "But with me, it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. For I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me." Paul acknowledges that even he does not have full knowledge or understanding of his own spiritual condition. He says, “My conscience is clean, but that does not mean I am not guilty or that I am not doing anything wrong; God will be the ultimate judge.” So, Paul recognizes that ultimate judgment belongs to the Lord, not human beings. We would all walk a little lighter; if we truly understood the point made here by Paul.

Our passage today emphasizes the distinction between man’s and God’s wisdom. When Paul speaks, he does not rely on worldly wisdom but on the teachings of the Holy Spirit. Without spiritual discernment, the natural man cannot fully grasp or receive the things of God. The message of the Gospel, including concepts like the crucifixion and the spiritual significance of Jesus' words, may appear foolish or incomprehensible to those who rely solely on human understanding. We are reminded today that we all need spiritual discernment and reliance on the Holy Spirit to truly understand and embrace God's wisdom as demonstrated in Christ.

From our passage this morning we can recognize that just as the spirit of man provides insight into our own thoughts and experiences, we need the Spirit of God to understand the deep things of God. May we foster a personal relationship with the Holy Spirit through prayer, meditation, and studying God's Word, and today, may we invite the Holy Spirit to guide and reveal God's truth.

We can see from the text of scripture that the Spirit is described as helping, interceding, and having a mind, indicating personal attributes. These passages, among others in the New Testament, provide evidence for the personhood of the Holy Spirit, including personal actions, characteristics, and interactions with believers.There is much more to be discussed regarding this passage, but we must postpone it for another day. However, we understand today that the Holy Spirit is undeniably a person. Jesus Himself promised to send the Holy Spirit to be among us and dwell within us. This is wonderful news for those who have undergone conversion, meaning they have humbled themselves and, as the old hymn asks, have been cleansed by the blood of the Lamb. Have you truly been freed from your passions and pride? Have you experienced that transformative cleansing at Calvary's cross? If so, your spirit has testified and united with God's Spirit, and as a result, the Holy Spirit resides in you. Today, have you listened to the promptings of the Holy Spirit? Have you communicated with the Holy Spirit? Lastly, when was the last time you can recall being actively guided by the Spirit?

According to Paul, there is no greater mystery coming! We are not saying there are no other mysteries, for even later in this same letter, Paul speaks of a mystery stating that “we shall not all sleep,” in which the word sleep is a euphemism for death. However, the greatest mystery in history has happened.God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself. That is to say, God entered the world as a man and became one of us, but he was not honored – He was humiliated, not Loved - He was Laughed at, not crowned as king, - He was killed as a criminal. Jesus, the Father of creation, experienced hatred, brutality, disrespect, final mutiny, and rejection. He was brutally executed, buried, and on the third day, He rose from the dead.