1 Corinthians 2:14 Commentary - Dr Peter Masters

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1 Corinthians 2:14

Comments

The natural man – it is a fascinating term. It describes man born only with natural powers: moral consciousness, a sense of right and wrong, far above the animals, having the gift of reason, able to will and to choose, having unique feelings, loves and hates; having language, creativity, appreciation of beauty. But for all this, there is no life in the soul. He may be very clever but he has no hold on God, no communion with God, no understanding of God. He may have a glimmer, a sense that there is a God but he does not grasp his plans and purposes. He has no affection towards God in fact he is hostile to God. This is what Paul means.The natural man ‘receiveth not ‘– does not pick up, and if he does, does not approve the things of the spirit of God. They are silly to him: the way of salvation, coming to know God. ‘I don't believe these things; I'd have to repent, and grovel before God. That God should come and die? – I don't believe that; it's foolishness.’ He doesn't grasp it. ‘Neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned’, by the power of the Holy Spirit alone is conversion brought about. Before conversion, it is too profound for us, so unexpected: that God should have mercy on his enemies. In the world, if you want anything you must buy it, and yet here in the gospel God is giving us salvation freely. Nor does the natural man agree with the Bible – What? We are all sinners? And I will be banished eternally from God’s presence? He does not agree with this analysis of his predicament, or with the idea that he cannot do anything to secure salvation. The natural man is proud and does not understand that he needs the mercy of God, that he needs the Saviour of the world to come and die for him. ‘Neither can he know them.’ Why not? Why can’t he one day say, ‘I am going to become spiritual‘? Because his nature, his prejudices, will not allow it. ‘Because they are spiritually discerned.‘

Application

Is it possible that you are a natural man or woman, and you have none of the most precious things of all? What is the matter? If you were spiritual, there would be an enormous difference: almost as much difference is between living and dead. We think of the differences between the sexes, between rich and poor, between clever or simple, between young and old. Yes, but this difference is far greater. The natural man does not accept, understand. He regards the gospel as foolishness. It is like someone operating a searchlight when it is foggy. You do not know the way to God’s mercy, or why things are the way they are. But if you could be made a spiritual person, what a difference there would be!

Before conversion we look at things from our point of view: I want to be happy. But if we are to be saved we must look at things from God’s point of view: we have rebelled against him and he is the injured party; he has made provision to save us; without his salvation we will continue hurtling towards hell. Don’t think that you can make yourself fit for God. We depend on the gift of God. This is a great journey than any other recognisable distinction between human beings.

Here are some differences between the natural man and the spiritual man:

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1. The natural man is just as he was born; the spiritual man has had another birth.

2. The natural man relates only to people; the spiritual man relates to God also.

3. The natural man can only be helped by others; the spiritual man can only be helped by God. He guides and helps in answer to prayer.

4. The natural man is at the mercy of chance – which is outside his control. The spiritual man has God directing his life.

5. The natural man understands things on earth. He can understand how things work but he does not know the whys. The spiritual man has an eternal perspective.

6. The natural man cannot change his own character – only a little, a few bad habits; but the spiritual man is being sanctified, prepared for heaven.

7. The natural man is always aspiring, stretching out; the spiritual man is much more content.

8. The natural man has all his life in the here and now; the spiritual man is concerned to do good but has life with God, higher horizons.

9. The natural man does not know God; the spiritual man does.

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Introduction

1 Corinthians 2:14 Commentary and Bible Study