1 Corinthians 2

Paul begins chapter 2 with a continuing thought from the end of the previous chapter, discussing the method of his proclamation of the Gospel in an ordinary manner.  In verse 5 he explains his reasoning for a simplistic approach by saying, "So that your faith might not be based on men's wisdom but on God's power."  I have often said when sharing the Gospel with a pre-Christian convert that I will not attempt to manipulate or persuaded unduly a person to be a Christian, for that is the work of the Holy Spirit.  Instead, my duty is to share the Good News faithfully.  If I can persuade someone to become a Christian in my own merit, then someone else can persuade them otherwise.  God's Spirit should always bring the conviction. 

There is one phrase in this chapter which might be overlooked if we are not cautious.  At the end of verse 16 Paul makes a statement which is, "But we have the mind of Christ."  This phrase is a part of an argument/defense that the natural man cannot know the ways of the Lord.  I often find myself frustrated with the actions of people, in particular those who have never accepted Christ.  Years ago God revealed to me a thought along the lines of this passage.  How can we expect a person who does not know Christ to act in godly manners when he or she does not know God?  This is in essence what the passage is revealing to us.  We cannot expect that a person who does not know God can understand Him, know His plans, or act accordingly.  However, we, as children of God who have received His Holy Spirit, can understand Him, know His plans, and should act accordingly because "we have the mind of Christ." 

Several years ago, T. W. Hunt wrote a book titled, The Mind of Christ.  In this book Hunt sought to remind people that God is not satisfied with external actions, but with the internal transformation which will dictate the external actions.  In the opening chapter Hunt says, "Most of us, most of the time, are satisfied if we satisfy the expectations of society and the requirements of God by our outer, visible actions."  Unfortunately, we fail to understand that God would rather see us transformed inwardly in order to see a renewing of the mind and a transformation of the heart.  God does not want external robotic activity.  He desires that we have the Mind, Heart, and Soul of Christ.

Takeaways
1.  In sharing the Gospel, remember that our job is to share and the Holy Spirit is to bring conviction.
2.  God desires internal transformation resulting in external godly actions.
3.  If we are a child of God, we should have "The Mind of Christ."