Led Astray by Pride...

“Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God.” ~ 1 Corinthians 2:12, NKJV

Led astray by their pride, the Corinthian believers were wasting time pursuing the wisdom of the world rather than the wisdom and power of God. Paul reminds them, “‘Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.’ But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit.” Since we have been given the Spirit of God (who alone knows all the things of God), we have unparalleled access to Him and can know all the things that He has, in His infinite love, freely given us. These things include His wisdom; His grace; His salvation; His life; His power; His exceedingly great and precious promises; His (Christ's) inheritance; His hope; His joy; His peace; and so much more. How could the Corinthians neglect this gift in favor of the things of the world, which, apart from God, are passing, empty, and damaging? How can any believer follow the Corinthians' example? Unfortunately, of course, we find it all too easy; we "default" to the ways of the flesh, and it takes time for the truth to become rooted in our hearts and replace our old habits of thinking and feeling and doing. But oh, the joy that we have when it does! When the Spirit teaches you the things of God, and you know what He has freely given you, your cup becomes filled to overflowing.

by Rebecca...