I Corinthians 2:1-8
Misconceptions about Preaching the Gospel (1)

Today, 04/20/2023, let us, together in the grace of God, rejoice and reflect on the Word of God in I Corinthians 2:1-8.

1 And when I came to you, brothers, I did not come with excellency of word or wisdom, declaring to you the Testimony of God.

2 For I decided not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ, and Him having been crucified.

3 And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.

4 And my word and my preaching was not in enticing words of human wisdom, but in proof of the Spirit and of power,

5 that your faith might not be in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.

6 But we speak wisdom among the perfect, but not the wisdom of this age, nor of the rulers of this age, those being brought to nothing.

7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, having been hidden, which God predetermined before the ages for our glory,

8 which none of the rulers of this age has known. For if they had known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory;

[Literal Translation of the Holy Bible]

Suggested Questions:

1. What did Paul mean when he wrote, “For I decided not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ, and Him having been crucified”?

2. What did Paul mean when he wrote, “And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling”?

3. How is preaching the Gospel and teaching the Word of God done “in proof of the spirit [1] (b) and of power”?

4. What was the wisdom that Paul preached?

5. What is “the wisdom of God in a mystery, having been hidden, which God predetermined before the ages”?

Suggested Applications:

1. Do you have a clear and accurate understanding of the Gospel?

2. Do you preach the Gospel and share the Word of God “in proof of the spirit [1] (b) and of power”?

3. Have you ever been tempted to show off your understanding of the Word of God in order to receive praise from others?

Note:

[1] (a) Please note that when the term “spirit” is used without a definite article in Greek to refer to God, Christ, the Holy Spirit, it refers to their mindset and should not be capitalized. (b) If it is used to refer to humans, it refers to the human mindset aligning with God’s. (c) When used with a definite article, it refers to the spiritual essence of either God or humans.