But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. — 1 Corinthians 2:14 NKJV
The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit. — 1 Corinthians 2:14 NIV
Reflection on Verse for Today
Paul makes the point that God’s foolishness is wiser than sinful man’s wisdom and God’s weakness is stronger than unsaved man’s strength because a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God because they are foolishness to him. Because God’s ways are superior to those of man and are evaluated and recognized spiritually by the power of God’s Holy Spirit, the unsaved man cannot comprehend God’s wisdom.
No matter how intelligent, knowledgeable, qualified, or extraordinary they are, an unregenerate man will never be able to receive the things of God. Since the things of the Spirit are spiritually discerned through the promptings and power of the indwelling Holy Spirit, the Spirit’s goal is to convict the sinner of sin, righteousness, and judgement so that he will turn from his unbelief to faith in Christ and be born again. However, until that happens, the person who is dead in their trespasses and sins is unable to receive spiritual truth, spiritual knowledge, spiritual wisdom, and spiritual understanding.
Until a sinner is convinced of their sin and guilt before a holy God and turns from the lie to the truth – by faith – they will remain blind and deaf to spiritual things. The natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God because they are foolishness to him. He cannot understand them because they are spiritually subtle. Satan is the one who influences and energizes the unsaved man. He has blinded their minds to trusting in the glorious gospel of God.
My Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for convicting me of my sin, of Christ’s righteousness, and of the judgment that awaits anyone who refuses to accept Christ as their personal Savior through the means of grace and faith. Help me live a spiritual life so that I don’t relapse into worldly activities and ways, but rather, may I walk in spirit and truth through the power of Your Holy Spirit, and may I daily advance in spiritual discernment and understanding to Your praise and glory. Amen.