1 Corinthians 2:11-12 For what man knows the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knows no man… The Spirit of God is — I. A Spirit of TRUTH. By witnessing to the truth He condemns — 1. The errors of the world. 2. The hypocrisies of the world. 3. The false judgments of the world. II. A Spirit of LOVE. He inspires — 1. Love to God. Gratitude takes the place of cold thoughtlessness, sympathy with the redeeming work of Jesus takes the place of selfish isolation. 2. Love to our neighbour. One great form in which the world's selfishness finds expression is covetousness. The Spirit of God destroys it, and fills the heart with its opposite, benevolence. III. A Spirit of ZEAL. His descent was accompanied with mighty rushing winds and cloven tongues of fire. These manifested — 1. The mystery of His nature. 2. The efficacy of His grace. 3. The majesty of His presence. 4. The facility and promptitude of His operations. 5. The impression which He would make upon the apostles.He came to change the whole aspect of society. The world was absorbed in love of the visible, occupied in things present, was indifferent to the future. The darkness of superstition and infidelity had again covered the face of the deep. The disciples, timid, feeble, and unlettered men, when inspired of God, became courageous, powerful and victorious. The Spirit of God inspires us with zeal — (1) To confess our religion. (2) To practise it. (Bp. Adam Flechier.) Parallel Verses KJV: For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. |
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