I Corinthians 2

“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” (v12).  Paul reminded the believers that he had not presented himself as a philosopher or persuasive, charismatic speaker. He preached only “Jesus Christ and him crucified,” so that the Corinthians’ faith would depend on the power of God (v5).  And when they put their trust in Christ, they received God’s Spirit, who leads us into greater understanding.

Just as our salvation depends on God’s power, so does our growth. When we submit and listen to “the mind of Christ” (v16), His Spirit transforms our character.