1 Corinthians 2:12

But we received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is from God; that we might know the things that were freely given to us of God.

'not the spirit of the world' -'spirit that belongs to this world' (Wms).

Fee believe's that all Paul is saying is that the Holy Spirit is "not of this world". It seems to me that Paul is saying more than that and the expression 'spirit of the world', refers to the mental mind set that moves the philosophers and "wise men" of this world. The type of attitude and perspective about reality that moved men to crucify Jesus (1 Corinthians 2:8). Paul says, 'We received. Spirit alright, but the Spirit we received was nothing like moves the philosophers that you are enthralled with.'

'that we might know' -the purpose that the Spirit was given to the Apostles and New Testament Prophets. (Ephesians 3:5) 'It is not. senseless rhapsody or secret mystery, but God expects us to understand "the things freely given.."' (Robertson p. 87) (John 8:32; Ephesians 5:17; 2 Peter 3:18)

'the things' -the "things" once hidden (1 Corinthians 2:9), "things" like "What must. do to be saved".

'freely given to us of God' -no merit involved.