1 Corinthians 2:9-14 ESV Scripture

9 But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him”— 10 these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. Scripture

11 For who knows a person's thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.  Scripture

12 Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God. 13 And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual. Scripture

14 The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. Scripture

Compartmentalized vs. Integrated Christian Life

Ray Stedman said, “Some learn to maintain an outward façade of spiritual commitment, moral impeccability and orthodox behavior. They may be moral, even generous and certainly religious but they are anything but Christians.”

“Actually it is the same life they lived before receiving Christ, but now it is covered by a thin Christian veneer which quickly disappears when events become irritating or difficult.”

“The Great Imitation is so widely accepted as genuine Christianity that the real thing is often regarded as a threat or a heresy whenever it appears.”

The real Christians have the assurance that they are saved. They are convinced that Christ is the only way to salvation. They accept the responsibility to proclaim the gospel. They accept suffering as the price for sharing the gospel.

They know that Christ will always be with them. They accept the calling to be holy – to live apart from the world. They are not afraid of death because they have the hope of immortality.

8. Real Christians follow God. 1 Cor 1:12-13, What I mean is that each one of you says, “I follow Paul,” or “I follow Apollos,” or “I follow Cephas,” or “I follow Christ.” 13 Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?

9. Real Christians seek wisdom from God through the Spirit.

1 Cor 2:9-10, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him” V10, these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God.

V11, for who knows a person's thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God. 

V13, and we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual.14 The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.

Some have compartmentalized life. 10. Real Christians have integrated Christ centered life. Some have compartmentalized life. They separate their church life from their home life, work, school or political life.

Real Christians live their life in Christ; Christ is in everything that they do. They study and play sport for Christ and they work for God. Col 3:23, whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,

Ecc 2:24, There is nothing better for a person than that he should eat and drink and find enjoyment in his toil. 1 Cor 10:31, so, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. And they eat to the glory of God.

Recap: The real Christians have the assurance that they are saved. They are convinced that Christ is the only way to salvation. They accept the responsibility to proclaim the gospel.

They accept suffering as the price for sharing the gospel. They knew that Christ will always be with them. They accept the calling to be holy – to live apart from the world. They have the hope of immortality.

They follow God; they don’t follow human leaders. They seek wisdom from God through the Spirit. They live an integrated Christ centered life.

Missions Prayer:

Wayne & Kelly along with their son Joshua, are living & serving in East Asia. Wayne is involved in the mobilization and placement of new field workers for OMF in the region that includes ministry amongst Han Chinese, Mongolians, Muslims, Mekong area Minorities and the Urban Centers.

Wayne & Kelly serve in the leadership for the ministry teams focused on the Urban centers. Kelly is also serving to coordinate the TCK Advisors for the Urban based missionary families. 

Pray for the mobilization & placement of needed field workers for their region. Pray for discernment as they place workers in strategic locations, in light of their calling, training and ministry experiences. Pray for wisdom as they raise Josh in a multi-cultural setting and adjusting to constant changes in his upbringing. Josh is attending high school in a Christian international school.

Pray for their continued spiritual growth and dependency on Him for their daily needs.