1 Corinthians 2:11-16

Only the Spirit Knows

No one can know the inner secrets of a man without the spirit (inner man) of that man revealing them. In a similar manner, only the Spirit of God can reveal God's mysteries. That is why those with worldly wisdom did not know God. An inspired spokesman could not speak about God simply through worldly wisdom. Rather, they spoke through the Holy Spirit's inspiration (1 Corinthians 2:11-12; John 16:13-14; John 14:26.)

Paul went on to explain the workings of inspiration. Those who were inspired taught spiritual truths using spiritual words. All Christians would do well to follow this pattern and use only the Bible to show what God desires of man. A man who has lived a sensuous, worldly life is unable to understand those spiritual thoughts Spirit guided men deliver. Due to lack of use, his ability to discern spiritual ideas is dead, or at least weak. A carnal mind can cause a man to be lost eternally (1 Corinthians 2:13-14; Romans 8:6-7; 2 Corinthians 4:3-6).

A spiritual man is able to examine and understand God's revelation. He is able to judge both the higher things of God and lower things of this earth. In contrast, no earthly man can know whether one claiming to be God's spokesman speaks the truth. Certainly, no one could so know God's mind that he could teach him. Therefore, no man could know the inspired man's mind enough to teach him. Lipscomb and Shepherd suggest that "instruct" should be translated "joined together with him." Carnal cannot be joined, but the spiritual man thinks like his Lord (1 Corinthians 2:15-16).