Big Idea: True wisdom isn’t found by looking within; it’s received by walking with the Holy Spirit. True Wisdom Is: Depending on God's Power, Not Your Own 1 When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. 2 For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. 3 I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling. 4 My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, 5 so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power. 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 (NIV) “‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty.” Zechariah 4:6 (NIV) “But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.” 2 Corinthians 4:7 (NIV) ⇨ God's work is accomplished by God's power. 2. Pursuing God's Wisdom Through His Spirit 6 We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. 1 Corinthians 2:6 (NIV) Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter. 21 Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight. Isaiah 5:20-21 (NIV) 7 No, we speak of God's secret wisdom, a wisdom that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began. 8 None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. 9 However, as it is written: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him”– 10 but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. 11 For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man's spirit within him? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. 12 We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us. 13 This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words. 1 Corinthians 2:7-13 (NIV) “But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth.” John 16:13 “I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.” Ephesians 1:17 (NIV) ⇨ The Spirit opens our eyes so God's truth can change our lives. 3. Growing Into the Mind of Christ 14 The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned. 15 The spiritual man makes judgments about all things, but he himself is not subject to any man's judgment: 16 “For who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ. 1 Corinthians 2:14-16 (NIV) “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Romans 12:2 (NIV) “In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.” Philippians 2:5 (NIV) ⇨ Spiritual maturity is learning to see life through the eyes of Christ. Next Right Steps Pray first. Read Scripture Prayerfully Reflect Christ Intentionally Child Dedication September 6th or 13th Believer’s Baptism TALK IT OVER Big Idea: God's wisdom isn't discovered through human effort—it is revealed by the Holy Spirit to people who humbly depend on Him. Opening Prayer: Invite someone to thank God for giving us His Holy Spirit and ask Him to open our hearts and minds to understand His Word and live more like Jesus. Icebreaker Think about a time when someone gave you advice that made a big difference. What made their advice so valuable? Read Together 1 Corinthians 2 As you read, notice the repeated references to: o God's wisdom, The Holy Spirit, Human Wisdom, and The Mind Of Christ. What stands out to you? Reflection Questions For Families with Young Children (5–10 Minutes) Where does true wisdom come from? How does God help us know what is right? What is one way our family can ask the Holy Spirit for help this week? For Teens and Adults Paul said he relied on God's power rather than impressive words. Why do you think that's so important? How does our culture tend to measure success differently? According to verses 6–13, what role does the Holy Spirit play in helping us understand God's truth? How have you experienced this in your own life? Read verses 14–16. What do you think it means to have “the mind of Christ”? How would that change the way we approach relationships, decisions, or conflicts? Which of this week's sermon points challenged you the most? o Depend on God's power. o Pursue God's wisdom. o Grow into the mind of Christ. Why? Where are you most tempted to rely on your own understanding instead of God's wisdom? How can you intentionally depend on the Holy Spirit in that area this week? How can our small group encourage one another to reflect Christ in the way we think, speak, and live? Living It Out Choose one Next Right Step this week. □ Begin each morning by asking God for His wisdom before starting your day. □ Pray before reading Scripture & ask the Holy Spirit to help you understand and obey. □ Before making an important decision or responding to a difficult situation, pause and ask: "What response would best reflect Christ?" Share your choice with someone in your group for encouragement and accountability. Memory Verse: “But we have the mind of Christ.” 1 Corinthians 2:16b Pray for one another: o Ask God for wisdom in areas where decisions need to be made. o Pray for greater dependence on the Holy Spirit. o Pray that God would help us think, speak, and respond like Jesus. o Thank God for revealing His truth through His Spirit. Close by praying: "Holy Spirit, help us reflect Christ this week."