1 Corinthians 2:1-5 (Part 9) Unity Is Achieved by Considering the Nature of True Wisdom

I Corinthians 2:1-3:4 (Part 9), [November 7, 2018, Wednesday]

Unity is achieved by considering the nature of true wisdom—2:1-3:4

• A comparison of Chapters 1 and 2—the theme of both is the cross

• A contrast of Chapters 1 and 2

o Chapter 1--the cross as man views it

o Chapter 2—the cross as God gives us through His revelation

Powerful Preaching-Teaching—2:1-5

• Its content

o What his preaching was not—2:1-2, 4

 It was not oratorical—“excellency of speech”

 It was not encumbered—v. 2

 It was not (that) persuasive—v. 4

o What his preaching was

 It was declaration of fact

 The exclusive contents were Christ’s person and work

 It was proclaimed against a background of personal weakness—(two ideas involved with “weakness”)

 His message was dependent on the Holy Spirit

• Its method

*Paul is the presenter and the Holy Spirit is the persuader

The person and work of Jesus Christ

• Historical person—“Jesus”

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• Saving person—“crucified”

o The nature of His death—a cross death

o The completeness of His work—perfect tense (completed action)

o The effectiveness of His death (work)—perfect tense (includes abiding results)

o

• Prophesied person—“Christ” (goes back to the OT Messiah)

Next study—True Wisdom: Its content and source (2:6-16)