Scripture

We have received God’s Spirit (not the world’s spirit), so we can know the wonderful things God has freely given.

Observation

Paul speaks words of the wisdom of God. This wisdom is the mystery of God. The rulers of this world do not understand this, or they would not have crucified our glorious Lord.

The Spirit of God searches all things and reveals God’s secrets to us. We have received God’s Spirit, and He can reveal to us the wonderful secrets of grace.

Application

The Holy Spirit is the least understood of God’s gifts. The Spirit is God Himself alive and active in our hearts.

When you committed your life to Jesus, you received the Holy Spirit.

We don’t have to figure things out on our own. The Holy Spirit teaches us.

We don’t have to struggle to understand the Bible. The Holy Spirit interprets it for us.

We don’t have to worry about the threats of tomorrow. The Holy Spirit has that covered.

We don’t have to know how to pray in every situation. The Holy Spirit intercedes for us.

I don’t have to worry about how to relate to my heavenly Father. The Holy Spirit is my counsellor and advocate.

The christian life can only be lived in the daily guidance and empowerment of the Holy Spirit. Yet many try to do it all themselves.

Prayer

Holy Spirit come and fill me. Teach me about the wonderful things the Father has given. Be my guide and counsellor. Amen.

Scripture

My message and my preaching were very plain. Rather than using clever and persuasive speeches, I relied only on the power of the Holy Spirit.

Observation

When Paul came to the Corinthians, he did not convince them with clever speeches. He had resolved to speak only of Christ and the cross.

Paul came in weakness an trembling. He relied only on the power of the Holy Spirit, so that they would also trust in the power of God.

Application

It is so easy to put our reliance on human wisdom, human technology, and so on. As followers of Jesus, we should only put our trust in God.

I have no objection to using technology. It is easier to have my voice amplified than to project it across the room. Likewise, I make use of graphics, videos and presentations to help people focus on my message.

I don’t pin my ministry to multi-sensory productions because that puts the focus on the production not on Jesus.

For me, it’s all about Jesus. This is what Paul is saying also. Sure, we can use rhetorical methods and marketing techniques, but in the end it is the Holy Spirit who convicts people about sin and brings them to salvation.

Whatever part of life we are thinking about, our trust and our attention must be on Jesus.

Prayer

Lord, may I never get caught up in my own cleverness and abilities when I seek to serve you. Please help me to put you front and centre in all I do. Amen.