Knowing the Things of God
“[9] But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. [10] But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. [11] For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. [12] Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. [13] Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.” – 1 Corinthians 2:9-13
In 1 Corinthians 2:9-13 we learn a lot about how man knows things. We learn that our own human spirit helps us to perceive, have knowledge, and understand things around us (Pro 20:27).
However, this understanding is limited. While our spirit aids in earthly comprehension, it cannot discern divine truths on its own. Just as only the spirit within a man truly knows his thoughts, so also only the Spirit of God knows the deep things of God.
Due to our sinful nature, man's spirit is dead in trespasses and sin: condemned. All that the natural man’s spirit knows is seeking to fulfill the lusts of the flesh and of the mind (Eph 2:2-3).
Thankfully, there’s a way out of this predicament: faith in the gospel (Rom 3:20-26, 5:8-11).
When you trust in the gospel of grace, Christ’s atoning death, burial, and resurrection, not only are you given eternal life, but your spirit is regenerated and quickened by the Holy Spirit, who also then resides in you! (1Co 2:12, Eph 1:13, 2:1, Titus 3:4-6). This work of the Holy Spirit brings the capacity to comprehend spiritual truths given by God in His Word.
It's essential to note that these deep things of God aren't hidden treasures available only to a select few: we can know what has been freely given to us by God. This previously hidden wisdom, the mystery of Christ, has been revealed to us through the Bible concerning the formation, salvation, sanctification, message, edification, spiritual blessings, purpose, and destiny of the Body of Christ (1Co 2:6-8, Eph 3:1-11, Col 1:24-27). When you read these passages, you are reading the divine revelation the Holy Spirit moved Paul to write. It is what the Holy Ghost teaches (2Pe 1:21, Co 2:13)
In verse 13, the verse concludes by emphasizing the methodology for spiritual growth and how we can actually grow in the knowledge of God: "comparing spiritual things with spiritual." This phrase underscores the importance of "rightly dividing the word of truth" (2Ti 2:15). Growth in understanding comes from consistently studying the Bible and comparing passages, allowing the progressively revealed Scriptures to interpret themselves.
When believers immerse themselves in God's word and allow the Holy Spirit to guide their understanding, they can discern deeper spiritual truths and fix erroneous beliefs. This practice facilitates spiritual growth, helping believers align more with the things of the Spirit and walk the worthy Christian walk. Transformation starts with a renewed mind, and your mind won’t be renewed unless it is consistently steeped in God’s precious words (Rom 8:5, 12:1-2, Col 1:9-14).
Understanding the things of God is a divine privilege given to those who believe in the gospel, receive the Holy Spirit, and diligently study the word of God. In a world rife with myriad voices and so-called wisdom, may we firmly ground ourselves in the Spirit-led truth of God's word so that we are equipped to see more souls saved and saints edified (Eph 4:15, 1Ti 2:4).
