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.
The natural man
The term "natural man" is translated from the Greek word "psychikos," which refers to the human being in their unregenerate state, governed by the soul rather than the Spirit. In the context of 1 Corinthians, Paul contrasts the "natural man" with the "spiritual man," emphasizing the limitations of human wisdom and understanding when it is not enlightened by the Holy Spirit. Historically, this reflects the Greco-Roman worldview that prized human wisdom and philosophy, which Paul argues is insufficient for comprehending divine truths.

does not accept
The Greek word "dechomai" is used here, meaning to receive or welcome. The natural man is unable to receive or welcome the truths of God because they are contrary to his nature. This highlights the spiritual blindness and resistance that exists in the unregenerate heart, which is a theme throughout Scripture, emphasizing the need for divine intervention for true understanding.

the things that come from the Spirit of God
This phrase underscores the origin of true wisdom and knowledge, which is divine rather than human. The "things" refer to the truths and revelations given by the Holy Spirit, which include the gospel message and the deeper mysteries of God. The Spirit of God is the source of all spiritual insight, and without His illumination, these truths remain hidden to the natural man.

For they are foolishness to him
The Greek word "moria" is used for "foolishness," indicating something that is absurd or nonsensical. To the natural man, spiritual truths appear irrational because they defy human logic and understanding. This reflects the broader biblical theme that God's ways and thoughts are higher than human ways (Isaiah 55:8-9), and what is wise to God often appears foolish to the world.

and he cannot understand them
The inability to understand is not merely intellectual but spiritual. The Greek word "dunamai" implies a lack of power or ability. This highlights the spiritual incapacity of the natural man to grasp divine truths without the aid of the Holy Spirit. It is a reminder of the necessity of spiritual rebirth and the transformative work of the Spirit in opening the eyes of the heart.

because they are spiritually discerned
The term "anakrino" is used for "discerned," meaning to examine or judge. Spiritual discernment is a gift of the Holy Spirit, enabling believers to understand and apply spiritual truths. This discernment is not available to the natural man, as it requires the indwelling presence of the Spirit. The verse concludes with a call to recognize the essential role of the Holy Spirit in guiding believers into all truth, as promised by Jesus in John 16:13.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Paul the Apostle
The author of 1 Corinthians, addressing the church in Corinth, a city known for its diverse culture and philosophical thought.

2. The Church in Corinth
A Christian community in a cosmopolitan city, struggling with issues of division, immorality, and misunderstanding of spiritual truths.

3. The Natural Man
Refers to individuals who rely solely on human wisdom and understanding, without the influence of the Holy Spirit.

4. The Spirit of God
The Holy Spirit, who reveals and imparts spiritual truths to believers.

5. Spiritual Discernment
The ability to understand and apply spiritual truths, which comes from the Holy Spirit.
Teaching Points
Understanding the Natural Man
The "natural man" operates solely on human wisdom and is limited in understanding spiritual truths.

Recognize the limitations of human reasoning when it comes to comprehending the things of God.

The Role of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is essential for understanding and accepting spiritual truths.

Seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit in prayer and study to gain deeper spiritual insight.

Spiritual Discernment
Spiritual discernment is a gift from God, enabling believers to understand and apply His truths.

Cultivate a relationship with God through prayer, worship, and study to enhance spiritual discernment.

Foolishness to the World
Spiritual truths may appear foolish to those who do not have the Spirit.

Stand firm in your faith, even when the world does not understand or accept it.

Living by the Spirit
Embrace a life led by the Spirit, which brings peace and understanding beyond human capability.

Encourage others to seek the Spirit's guidance in their daily lives.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the concept of the "natural man" help us understand the challenges of sharing the Gospel with non-believers?

2. In what ways can we actively seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit in our daily decision-making?

3. How can we cultivate spiritual discernment in our personal Bible study and prayer life?

4. What are some examples of spiritual truths that might seem foolish to the world, and how can we respond to such perceptions?

5. How do the teachings in Romans 8:7-9 and Ephesians 4:18 complement the message of 1 Corinthians 2:14 regarding the mindset of the flesh versus the Spirit?
Connections to Other Scriptures
John 14:17
Jesus speaks about the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot accept because it neither sees Him nor knows Him, highlighting the distinction between the natural and spiritual understanding.

Romans 8:7-9
Paul discusses the mindset of the flesh versus the mindset of the Spirit, emphasizing the inability of the flesh to submit to God's law.

Ephesians 4:18
Paul describes the futility of the mind and the darkened understanding of those alienated from the life of God.

1 John 2:27
John speaks about the anointing of the Holy Spirit, which teaches believers all things, reinforcing the concept of spiritual discernment.
True WisdomE. Hurndall 1 Corinthians 2:6-16
The Revelation of the Things of GodJ. Waite 1 Corinthians 2:9, 10, 14
The Holy Spirit as the RevealerH. Bremner 1 Corinthians 2:10-16
Speech in the Power of the SpiritR. Tuck 1 Corinthians 2:12-14
A Natural Man's Ignorance of Spiritual ThingsWm. Jones.1 Corinthians 2:13-14
Comparing Spiritual Things with SpiritualPrincipal Edwards.1 Corinthians 2:13-14
Man's Mortal Inability to Understand the Things of the SpiritEssex Congregational Remembrancer1 Corinthians 2:13-14
Natural or SpiritualC. H. Spurgeon.1 Corinthians 2:13-14
Spiritual DiscernmentNew York Sun1 Corinthians 2:13-14
Spiritual DiscernmentJ. Parker, D. D.1 Corinthians 2:13-14
Spiritual Discernment Impaired1 Corinthians 2:13-14
Spiritual Insight in Possible to Unspiritual MenE. B. Fairfield, D. D.1 Corinthians 2:13-14
St. Paul's TrichotomyCanon Evans.1 Corinthians 2:13-14
The Dispensation of Spiritual TruthJ. Lyth, D. D.1 Corinthians 2:13-14
The Ignorance of the Natural ManJ. Lyth, D. D.1 Corinthians 2:13-14
The Ignorance of the Natural Man1 Corinthians 2:13-14
The Illumination of the Holy SpiritL. O. Thompson.1 Corinthians 2:13-14
The Natural ManJ. Lyth, D. D.1 Corinthians 2:13-14
The Natural ManJ. Burton.1 Corinthians 2:13-14
The Natural ManJ. Lyth, D. D.1 Corinthians 2:13-14
The Natural Man Blind to the Things of the Spirit of GodJ. Burton.1 Corinthians 2:13-14
The Natural Man's ViewJ. W. Earnshaw.1 Corinthians 2:13-14
The Natural Versus the Spiritual ManJ. W. Earnshaw.1 Corinthians 2:13-14
The Spirit's WorkA. Whyte, D. D.1 Corinthians 2:13-14
The True Evangelical Preacher SpeaksJ. Lyth, D. D.1 Corinthians 2:13-14
Unsanctified Men Cannot Read the Bible to ProfitH. W. Beecher.1 Corinthians 2:13-14
The Natural and the Spiritual ManR. Tuck 1 Corinthians 2:14, 15
Natural Man and Spiritual ManC. Lipscomb 1 Corinthians 2:14-16
People
Corinthians, Paul
Places
Corinth
Topics
Able, Accept, Appraised, Attain, Can't, Discerned, Doesn't, Folly, Foolish, Foolishness, Gifts, God's, Judged, Natural, Receive, Receiveth, Rejects, Seem, Spirit, Spiritually, Understand, Unspiritual
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Corinthians 2:14

     1441   revelation, necessity
     1511   Trinity, relationships in
     3015   Holy Spirit, divinity
     3284   Holy Spirit, resisting
     5135   blindness, spiritual
     5195   veil
     5979   waste
     6604   acceptance, human
     8351   teachableness
     8355   understanding
     8835   unbelief, nature of

1 Corinthians 2:6-16

     1180   God, wisdom of

1 Corinthians 2:9-14

     8281   insight

1 Corinthians 2:9-16

     8164   spirituality

1 Corinthians 2:10-16

     5345   influence

1 Corinthians 2:11-14

     3050   Holy Spirit, wisdom
     8366   wisdom, source of

1 Corinthians 2:11-16

     5037   mind, of Christ

1 Corinthians 2:12-14

     1445   revelation, responses
     8244   ethics, and grace

1 Corinthians 2:12-16

     3236   Holy Spirit, and Scripture
     8227   discernment, nature of
     8330   receptiveness

1 Corinthians 2:13-14

     5815   confusion

1 Corinthians 2:14-16

     3248   Holy Spirit, conviction

Library
May the Thirtieth Finding the Deep Things
"The Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God." --1 CORINTHIANS ii. 7-12. The deep things of God cannot be discovered by unaided reason. "Eye hath not seen:" they are not to be apprehended by the artistic vision. "Ear hath not heard:" they are not unveiled amid the discussion of the philosophic schools. "Neither hath entered into the heart of man:" even poetic insight cannot discern them. All the common lights fail in this realm. We need another illumination, even that provided
John Henry Jowett—My Daily Meditation for the Circling Year

November the Eighth the Organ of Spiritual vision
1 CORINTHIANS ii. 9-16. Our finest human instruments fail to obtain for us "the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him." Art fails! "Eye hath not seen." The merely artistic vision is blind to the hidden glories of grace. Philosophy fails! "Neither hath ear heard." We may listen to the philosopher as he spins his subtle theories and weaves his systematic webs, but the meshes he has woven are not fine enough to catch "the deep things of God." Poetry fails! "Neither hath it entered
John Henry Jowett—My Daily Meditation for the Circling Year

The Apostle's Theme
'I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.'--1 COR. ii. 2. Many of you are aware that to-day I close forty years of ministry in this city--I cannot say to this congregation, for there are very, very few that can go back with me in memory to the beginning of these years. You will bear me witness that I seldom intrude personal references into the pulpit, but perhaps it would be affectation not to do so now. Looking back over these long years, many thoughts
Alexander Maclaren—Romans, Corinthians (To II Corinthians, Chap. V)

Heaven
I have hinted that this passage is most commonly applied to heaven, and I shall myself also so apply it in some measure, this morning. But any one who reads the connexion will discover that the apostle is not talking about heaven at all. He is only speaking of this--that the wisdom of this world is not able to discover the things of God--that the merely carnal mind is not able to know the deep spiritual things of our most holy religion. He says, "We speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 2: 1856

Natural or Spiritual?
This morning I propose--and O that God the Holy Spirit may bear witness in our hearts!--I propose, first of all, to dwell a little while upon the great truth that natural men do not receive the things of the Spirit of God, but count them foolishness; in the second place, I shall show, for a moment only, that the reason of the rejection of the things of God cannot be because they are really foolish, for they are not so; thirdly, we shall come to the inference that the reason why the natural man rejects
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 7: 1861

1 Corinthians ii. 12
We have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is of God. And, therefore, he goes on to say, our language is different from that of others, and not always understood by them; the natural man receiveth not the things of God, for they are foolishness unto him; neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. That is, they are discerned only by a faculty which he has not, namely, by the Spirit; and, therefore, as beings devoid of reason cannot understand the truths
Thomas Arnold—The Christian Life

My Life in Christ
MY LIFE IN CHRIST or Moments of Spiritual Serenity and Contemplation, of Reverent Feeling, of Earnest Self-Amendment, and of Peace in God: EXTRACTS FROM THE DIARY OF ST. JOHN OF KRONSTADT (ARCHPRIEST JOHN ILIYTCH SERGIEFF) Translated, with the Author's sanction, from the Fourth and Supplemented Edition BY E. E. GOULAEFF, ST. PETERSBURG NOTE. I do not precede my book by any introduction: let it speak for itself. Everything contained in it is but a gracious enlightenment which was bestowed upon my
John Calvin—My Life in Christ

The Personality of the Holy Spirit.
Before one can correctly understand the work of the Holy Spirit, he must first of all know the Spirit Himself. A frequent source of error and fanaticism about the work of the Holy Spirit is the attempt to study and understand His work without first of all coming to know Him as a Person. It is of the highest importance from the standpoint of worship that we decide whether the Holy Spirit is a Divine Person, worthy to receive our adoration, our faith, our love, and our entire surrender to Himself,
R. A. Torrey—The Person and Work of The Holy Spirit

No Minister Ought to Keep a Faithful Person from the Communion, that Does Desire and Ask It, Whilst He Doth not Know his Conscience Defiled with Mortal Sin.
The Council of Trent, treating of the Preparation which Priests and Layman ought to make for the worthy Receiving of the Holy Eucharist, hath these following words, (Sess. 13, Cap. 17.) The Custom of the Church makes it clear, that Examination and Proof is necessary in order to the Communion; that no man, knowing himself guilty of mortal Sin, though he may seem Contrite to himself, come to the Sacrament, unless he have before been at Sacramental Confession. Which comprehends all Christians, and even
Miguel de Molinos—The Spiritual Guide which Disentangles the Soul

And These Signs are Sufficient to Prove that the Faith of Christ Alone Is...
80. And these signs are sufficient to prove that the faith of Christ alone is the true religion. But see! you still do not believe and are seeking for arguments. We however make our proof "not in the persuasive words of Greek wisdom [1128] " as our teacher has it, but we persuade by the faith which manifestly precedes argumentative proof. Behold there are here some vexed with demons;'--now there were certain who had come to him very disquieted by demons, and bringing them into the midst he said,--Do
Athanasius—Select Works and Letters or Athanasius

Letter xv (Circa A. D. 1129) to Alvisus, Abbot of Anchin
To Alvisus, Abbot of Anchin He praises the fatherly gentleness of Alvisus towards Godwin. He excuses himself, and asks pardon for having admitted him. To Alvisus, Abbot of Anchin. [18] 1. May God render to you the same mercy which you have shown towards your holy son Godwin. I know that at the news of his death you showed yourself unmindful of old complaints, and remembering only your friendship for him, behaved with kindness, not resentment, and putting aside the character of judge, showed yourself
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

Of Certain Outward Temptations and Appearances of Satan. Of the Sufferings Thereby Occasioned. Counsels for those who Go On
Unto Perfection. 1. Now that I have described certain temptations and troubles, interior and secret, of which Satan was the cause, I will speak of others which he wrought almost in public, and in which his presence could not be ignored. [1] 2. I was once in an oratory, when Satan, in an abominable shape, appeared on my left hand. I looked at his mouth in particular, because he spoke, and it was horrible. A huge flame seemed to issue out of his body, perfectly bright, without any shadow. He spoke
Teresa of Avila—The Life of St. Teresa of Jesus

Letter Lix. To Marcella.
An answer to five questions put to Jerome by Marcella in a letter not preserved. The questions are as follows. (1) What are the things which eye hath not seen nor ear heard (1 Cor. ii. 9)? Jerome answers that they are spiritual things which as such can only be spiritually discerned. (2) Is it not a mistake to identify the sheep and the goats of Christ's parable (Matt. xxv. 31 sqq.) with Christians and heathens? Are they not rather the good and the bad? For an answer to this question Jerome refers
St. Jerome—The Principal Works of St. Jerome

On the Words of the Gospel, John v. 25,"Verily, Verily, I Say unto You, the Hour Cometh, and Now Is, when the Dead Shall Hear The
1. Our hope, Brethren, is not of this present time, nor of this world, nor in that happiness whereby men are blinded that forget God. This ought we above all things to know, and in a Christian heart hold fast, that we were not made Christians for the good things of the present time, but for something else which God at once promiseth, and man doth not yet comprehend. For of this good it is said, "That eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither hath it entered into the heart of man, what things God
Saint Augustine—sermons on selected lessons of the new testament

"Seek First the Kingdom of God," &C.
Matt. vi. 33.--"Seek first the kingdom of God," &c. It may seem strange, that when so great things are allowed, and so small things are denied, that we do not seek them. The kingdom of God and his righteousness are great things indeed, great not only in themselves, but greater in comparison of us. The things of this world, even great events, are but poor, petty, and inconsiderable matters, when compared with these. Yet he graciously allows a larger measure of these great things relating to his kingdom
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

"That which we have Seen and Heard, Declare we unto You, that Ye Also May have Fellowship with Us,"
1 John i. 3.--"That which we have seen and heard, declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us," &c. There are many things that you desire to hear, and it may be are usually spoken of in public, which the generality of men's hearts are more carried after. But truly, I should wrong myself and you both if I should take upon me to discourse in these things, which, it may be, some desire, for direction or information concerning the times, for I can neither speak of them with so much
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

"Because the Carnal Mind is Enmity against God, for it is not Subject to the Law of God, Neither Indeed Can Be. "
Rom. viii. 7.--"Because the carnal mind is enmity against God, for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be." Unbelief is that which condemns the world. It involves in more condemnation than many other sins, not only because more universal, but especially because it shuts up men in their misery, and secludes them from the remedy that is brought to light in the gospel. By unbelief I mean, not only that careless neglect of Jesus Christ offered for salvation, but that which is the
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Preface. And as to Christ Thy Lord
Preface. and as to Christ thy Lord, most comely "as the lily among thorns," being his "love among the daughters," Cant. ii. 2. so also, thou, in a special way, art the dearly beloved and longed for, the joy and crown, of every sincere servant of Christ in the gospel, Phil. iv. 1. Thou art, if not the only, yet the chief object of their labours, their work being either to confirm and strengthen thee in thy way, that thou mayest so stand fast in the Lord, or remove impediments, make crooked things
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

The Ministry of the New Covenant
"Ye are our epistle, written in our hearts, known and read of all men; being made manifest that ye are an epistle of Christ, ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God: not in tables of stone, but in tables that are hearts of flesh. And such confidence have we through Christ Godward: not that we are sufficient of ourselves, to account anything as from ourselves; but our sufficiency is from God: who also made us sufficient as ministers of a new covenant; not of the
Andrew Murray—The Two Covenants

The Book of the Covenant
"And Moses took the book of the covenant, and read in the audience of the people: and they said, All that the Lord hath said will we do and be obedient. And Moses took the blood, and sprinkled it on the people, and said, Behold the blood of the covenant, which the Lord hath made with you concerning all these words."-EX. xxiv. 7, 8; comp. HEB. ix. 18-20. HERE is a new aspect in which to regard God's blessed Book. Before Moses sprinkled the blood, he read the Book of the Covenant, and obtained the
Andrew Murray—The Two Covenants

The Death of the Righteous
'For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.' Phil 1:1I. Paul was a great admirer of Christ. He desired to know nothing but Christ, and him crucified. I Cor 2:2. No medicine like the blood of Christ; and in the text, For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.' I. For to me to live is Christ. We must understand Paul of a spiritual life. For to me to live is Christ, i.e.' Christ is my life; so Gregory of Nyssa; or thus, my life is made up of Christ. As a wicked man's life is made up of sin,
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

These Discussions, Therefore, Concerning the Different Deserts of Married Women...
19. These discussions, therefore, concerning the different deserts of married women, and of different widows, I would not in this work enter upon, if, what I am writing unto you, I were writing only for you. But, since there are in this kind of discourse certain very difficult questions, it was my wish to say something more than what properly relates to you, by reason of certain, who seem not to themselves learned, unless they essay, not by passing judgment to discuss, but by rending to cut in pieces
St. Augustine—On the Good of Widowhood.

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