October 17, 2025 - 1 Corinthians 2

In chapter 1, Paul stated, “We preach Christ crucified” (1:23).  He continues his focus on Christ in these chapters:  “And I, when I came to you, brothers . . . I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified” (2:1-2).  Paul explains further, “Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God” (2:12).  And so it is, for those of us who know Christ and his salvation, this has been accomplished by no personal achievement but by the grace of God.  Freely he has given us an understanding of the gospel.  There was a time when we did not understand.  There was a time when we did not believe.  There was a time when we were enemies of God, but no longer; we are now children of God.  And again, this not by our own achievement but by the gracious work of God in our lives.  With what gratefulness we ought to live our lives and say, day by day, with Paul:  “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:57).

Guide me, O my great Redeemer,

pilgrim through this barren land;

I am weak, but you are mighty;

hold me with your powerful hand.

Bread of heaven, bread of heaven,

feed me now and evermore,

feed me now and evermore.   --William Williams (1745)