“But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” — 1 Corinthians 2:14 (NKJV); Read also vv. 6-15

The Wisdom of God is made foolishness by the mind of man, because the mind of man without the Holy Spirit’s enabling power (natural man) is un-able to comprehend the Wisdom of God. The natural man, (psu-chi-kos‘ = belonging to the natural or physical, un-spiritual, relying on the five senses, concerned only with this life) one not recreated by the acceptance of Christ, simply can’t understand and accept the message of the Gospel. He therefore will violate Proverbs 3:5-7, and is the one portrayed in 1 Cor. 2:14.

The Spiritual man (one who is reborn and filled with the Holy Spirit) does not lean on his own understanding but rather leans on the Holy Spirit’s inspiration and revelation. The natural man lives foolishly and is satisfied, the Spiritual man wants to live wisely, and is disappointed when he fails. The natural man refuses to be changed because he likes who he is — the Spiritual man knows that he is changed, and wants to be changed even more. The foolishness of man heaps sin upon sin — the Spiritual man follows the lead of the Holy Spirit unto Holiness. 

To the natural man even the Word of God is foolishness [v. 14]. Without the “Promise of the Father” guiding us into all truth, we can never know the deep things of God because they are far beyond any ability to comprehend, except that of the Holy Spirit.

The Spiritual man receives Wisdom to understand from the Holy Spirit [v. 12].

Without the Holy Spirit’s conviction leading to repentance, there is no hope for the natural man, without this surrender there is no change, without change there is no salvation.

The knowledge of which humanity is capable, is not sufficient to enable us to comprehend the Spiritual truths of God’s word. As a natural man, we may acquire a certain amount of “head” knowledge, but we will never be able to grasp the Spiritual complexity of a relationship with our Holy God. 

We must allow the Holy Spirit to complete His work and guide us into all truth; as Christians, all we need to do is ask.

The Rev. Bobby Thornhill is a retired pastor.