1 Corinthians 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

What is meant by “the natural man?” It is in reference to “the sensuous nature with its subjection to appetite and passion .” So, according to our text; our nature, apart from “Christ in you,” cannot possibly believe, receive, or perceive, “the things of the Spirit.” Except for one way.

Our text also says that the things of the Spirit are “spiritually discerned.” What does “spiritually discerned” mean?

This is a most crucial aspect of how to study the Word of God, and of how to know God’s will in your life.

What are the “things of the Spirit,” and what happens when these “things” are “spiritually discerned?”

[ March 10, 2002: Message edited by: DavidTBattler ]

"The Saviour saw that men were absorbed in getting gain, and were losing sight of eternal realities. He undertook to correct this evil. He sought to break the infatuating spell that was paralyzing the soul. Lifting up His voice he cried, 'What is a man profited, if he gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?" Matt.16:26. He presents before fallen humanity the nobler world they have lost sight of, that they may behold eternal realities......"COLp.106

We see this happening all around us. Our children are so busy they don't "have time" for morning and evening devotions. Our sons "sleep in" because they are so tired from a week at work they do not feel like going to church. We are often guilty that we may not guard the edges of the Sabbath Day, or we may watch a "questionable" TV program. And, no, this is not being on a "merit system", this is striving through Jesus to "guard our minds."

"And today men are eagerly seeking for earthly treasure. their minds are filled with selfish, ambitious thoughts. For the sake of gaining worldly riches, honor, or power, they place the maxims, traditions, and requirements of men above the requirements of god. From them the treasures of His word are hidden." COL 106

So Dora...seems like you are telling us that "eternal realitites" are "things of the Spirit."

How true.

I will be back when I have more time; but here is a very relevant quote:

5T.241.001
Paul writes to his Corinthian brethren: "Ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are yet not carnal, and walk as men?" It is impossible for minds distracted by envy and strife to comprehend the deep spiritual truths of God's word. "The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." We cannot rightly understand or appreciate divine revelation without the aid of that Spirit by whom the word was given.

What kinds of people in the church, are NOT able to "receive the things of the Spirit?"

David, I read on down the page,5T, 241, and it seems that the answer is "To Have The Mind of Christ." "We cannot rightly understand or appreciate divine revelation without the aid of that Spirit by whom the word was given." (so, before we open the Bible, we ask for understanding.)

These seem to be some of the hinderences to spiritual discernment: Envy, Jealousy, Suspicion,
animosity, unkinkness , bitterness, gossip, mischief making...

The remedy: " Diligent heed should be given to the instructions of God's word... when trouble arises between brethren, the Saviour's rule should be strictly followed. All possible effort should be made to effect a reconciliation,......"

"Upon the occurrence of trials in the church, let every member examine HIS OWN (emphasis mine) heart to see if the cause of trouble does not
exist within..."

Do you think this applies to your question? We must have that "heart" experience with Jesus, for the Holy Spirit to be able to work with us. we must be willing.....or willing to be made willing.

Dora:
Not only that but we must bring every thought into submission to God that we may think the thoughts of God for He abides in our hearts and minds.

OK. Fair enough. Let's take a brief look at this "heart affair with Jesus" phrase we adventists always use, along with the evangelicals.

When I used to go to rock & roll concerts or bars; the event would sooner or later reach a point where everyone was getting a little high, and the music would get louder and faster, then, all of a sudden, everyone would have both arms outstretched into the air, swaying, or waving wildly, to the rock & roll.

I have before me now, a christian newspaper, from last week. I am looking at a picture on the front page.

There are hundreds of young people, all holding their hands in the air, the exact, same way, as what I just described in the rock & roll world.

Arms swaying, eyes closed, smiling, crying, yelling out "Thankyou!" Or "Jesus!" It must leave the world at large totally turned off and confused, trying to figure out what this heart affair with Jesus thing is really all about.

I even saw someone driving down the street with a bumper sticker that said: "Jesus Is My ROCK
My Name Is On His ROLL

Here is another good example of what happens to church members who do not "spiritually discern" the truth:

DA.171.004
Surprised out of his self-possession, he answered Christ in words full of irony, "How can a man be born when he is old?" Like many others when cutting truth is brought home to the conscience, he revealed the fact that the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God. There is in him nothing that responds to spiritual things; for spiritual things are spiritually discerned.

Now, let us look closely at this story of Nicodemus, to see what it was that happened, to enable Nicodemus to "spiritually discern" what was happening, and what Jesus was trying to tell him?

What specifically happened to Nicodemus, to change him so suddenly from a "natural man," to a "spiritual man," who could suddenly understand the "things of the Spirit?"

How does this story of Nicodemus tel us what "the things of the Spirit are?

[ March 12, 2002: Message edited by: DavidTBattler ]

Brother Greg

You mentioned "submitting every thought to Christ."

It appears that you are saying that we need only submit thoughts to become perfect here?

2 Corinthians 10:5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

Notice the word "captivity." A merely judicial submission of your thoughts to Christ, is not the same as "bringing our thoughts INTO CAPTIVITY."

Into captivity to what?

How is obedience tied to "the things of the Spirit," if we are truly a "spiritual" person, who can "spiritually discern?"

Are we then saved by our works? Or, should obedience not be classed as part of the "things of the Spirit?