The Holy Spirit in 1 Corinthians 2:10-11

Dr. Andrew Jackson
www.DrAndrewJackson.com

To me, this is one of the most enlightening passages in the New Testament.

(1 Corinthians 2:10-11) God has revealed his wisdom to us by the Holy Spirit. For the Holy Spirit searches (investigates) all things, even the depths of God. For who knows a person’s thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way, no one knows the deep thoughts of God except the Holy Spirit.

And yet, in many–if not most–evangelical churches today the emphasis, experience, and ministry of the Holy Spirit is an addendum, an add on if that.

How can this be in light of this passage?

I think there is one main answer to this question: Since the Reformation, the authority of the Bible took center stage. This is good in my view.

However, the problem is with the emphasis on the Bible came the modern sermon style. You know it now as the pulpit. In this light, the sermon came to dominate church gatherings. With time restraints in church services, the sermon took over and the Holy Spirit was simply regulated to personal regeneration at conversion. Pastors hope the Holy Spirit will use their sermon, but that is about it.

I must say that average Christians over their lifetime hears hundreds of sermons. And what we have learned is that the impact toward true discipleship and growth of these weekly sermons is actually quite small.

But one direct encounter with the presence, power, and gifts of the Holy Spirit can change a life forever.

Why is that? Well read 1 Corinthians 2:10-11 once again.