Feb 29

Paul prepared his readers for the one way in which God can be known by first alerting them to the most common way through which he can't be known, the way the world tries and which is doomed to failure: human reasoning. Then he showed them the only way it can be done, through the Holy Spirit.

After all this preparation, Paul finally is ready to go on with the real heart of his message, given through the Holy Spirit and received by those who also have the Holy Spirit within themselves, thus enabling them not only to receive it but to understand it. Finally, Paul can say that all of his words and messages are given with this as a background.

"This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words." (1 Cor. 2:13).

"This is what we speak . . . " This -- the mature words of God, from the depths of God himself; words that only those with the very Spirit of God can understand and receive. This is what we speak -- not eloquent words of human wisdom, but eternal words of life from the only Eternal One.

Scripture for today: 1 Cor. 2:13
Thought for today: I should expect that deep spiritual truths require a spiritual language.
Prayer for today: Holy God, thank you for giving me your Spirit, so that I can understand you when you speak to me.

FEB 29