2:121 Corinthians 2:12

Believers have received not the spirit of the world but the Spirit which is of God, that they might know the things freely given to them by God.AA 402.1+2 The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God, and reveals His hidden wisdom which no human wisdom can discover, teaching truth in words the Holy Spirit gives rather than in words of human wisdom.AA 402.1+2 The natural person does not receive these things and cannot know them because they are spiritually discerned, while the spiritual person judges all things and has the mind of Christ.Ms 46, 1886, par. 1+2 The things freely given center on Jesus Christ and Him crucified, the wisdom of God in a mystery prepared for those who love Him, made unto believers wisdom and righteousness and sanctification and redemption.Ms 111, 1909, par. 1–3+3 True ministry therefore preaches Christ crucified in demonstration of the Spirit and of power rather than excellency of speech or enticing words of human wisdom, so that faith stands in the power of God.Ms 111, 1909, par. 1–3+2

Believers have received the Spirit which is of God and not the spirit of the world, so that they might know the things that are freely given to them of God.AA 402.1+4 This receiving enables knowledge of God's gifts and truths, including His hidden wisdom and the deep things of God that human wisdom cannot discover or make the foundation of faith.AA 402.1+4 The Spirit reveals what God ordained before the world unto glory, centered on Jesus Christ and Him crucified, which eye has not seen nor ear heard nor entered the heart of man, and it is spoken not in excellency of speech or enticing words of man's wisdom but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, in words the Holy Spirit teaches by comparing spiritual things with spiritual.AA 402.1+3 That spiritual understanding requires study of the Word and stands in contrast to the worldly standard and the Bible standard for using human powers, for it comes from God's Spirit and not from the world, and it belongs to the spiritual discernment that the natural person lacks.STB 496.1–497.1+3 Its meaning turns on noticing carefully how Paul uses I, we, and us throughout the second chapter.Lt 170, 1906, par. 12

The spirit of the world is opposed to the Spirit of God and is revealed in character.Lt 178, 1901, par. 4–5+2 Overbearing ways and an assumed attitude of superiority show the spirit of the world, not the spirit of Christ, and such traits disqualify a person for responsible work and for the work of a Christian physician, which requires practicing the truth, living in conformity with the truth, being thoroughly converted, and having an influence fragrant with the spirit of truth.Lt 178, 1901, par. 4–5 Pursuing one's own plans and purposes aligns a person with Satan and puts him out of harmony with God, while knowing God and Christ brings into harmony with the divine will.Lt 212, 1903, par. 8 When excessive care and labor for the things of this life enter, they can weaken consecration to God's service.Lt 20, 1861, par. 7–8

Following worldly approval can bring the world's spirit into the work, which God's Word cannot sanction, while consecration to Christ with diligent study and faithful service enables a worker to grasp the mysteries of a sacred calling.Lt 61, 1910, par. 8 Seeking worldly favor and wisdom instead of depending on God brings loss, whereas true influence and spiritual knowledge come from God, who freely gives what His Spirit enables people to know.Ms 165, 1899, par. 38–39+1 Those whose minds are occupied with worldly things and who lack a vital relation to God do not value eternal things, because another leader controls their minds and keeps them in darkness so they cannot see the evidence of truth.Ms 114, 1898, par. 11–12 Every follower of Christ is given a knowledge the world cannot receive, for those who have received the Spirit of God instead of the spirit of the world can know the things freely given to them by God that belong to their salvation, while the nations of the earth do not know that they are lost nor those saving things, since the natural man counts the things of the Spirit foolishness and cannot know them because they are spiritually discerned.Ms 103, 1893, par. 27–28+1

Men who give their lives to worldly pursuits and cultivate sharp business traits remain worldly-wise in the whole tenor of life and texture of character after a worldly order, so the preaching of the cross is foolishness to them.Lt 56, 1893, par. 22–25 Not many wise after the flesh, mighty, or noble are called, for God chooses the foolish, weak, base, despised, and non-existent things of the world to confound the wise and mighty and to bring to nothing the things that are, that no flesh should glory in His presence.Lt 56, 1893, par. 22–25 Those who receive God's Spirit in place of the spirit of the world know Christ crucified as the power and wisdom of God, made unto them wisdom and righteousness and sanctification and redemption, and glory only in the Lord.Lt 56, 1893, par. 22–25

The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God, and by that searching reveals the hidden wisdom ordained before the world unto glory.AA 402.1+4 No one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God, just as no one knows the things of a man except the spirit of man within him.AA 402.1+2 That hidden wisdom is centered on Jesus Christ and Him crucified, the things prepared for those who love Him which eye has not seen nor ear heard nor entered the heart of man.Ms 111, 1909, par. 1–3+1 It is not made known by excellency of speech or enticing words of human wisdom, nor by the wisdom of the princes of this world, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power so that faith stands in the power of God.Ms 111, 1909, par. 1–3+2 This Spirit-given knowledge is true wisdom for the most earnest work to be done for this time, and keeping it before the people while shutting out contention brings victory, unity, and love.Lt 42, 1906, par. 8–11

The truth is spoken not in words taught by human wisdom but in words the Holy Spirit teaches, by comparing spiritual things with spiritual.Ms 111, 1909, par. 1–3+4 That manner of speech requires study of the Word, for it is through diligent searching that what the Spirit teaches is understood spiritually.AA 402.1+2 Every follower of Christ is thus given a knowledge belonging to salvation which the world cannot receive, while those without it do not know that they are lost nor the saving things that belong to them.Ms 103, 1893, par. 27–28 Workers and students must therefore learn instruction and method from Christ rather than magnifying ability or trusting advanced education to take the place of sound knowledge of God.Lt 47, 1895, par. 75–77+1

The natural person does not receive the things of the Spirit of God and cannot know them, because they are foolishness to him and are spiritually discerned.Ms 103, 1893, par. 27–28+4 By contrast the spiritual person judges all things and is judged by no one, having the mind of Christ.Lt 47, 1895, par. 75–77+1 This discernment places the knowledge within the Spirit's teaching, which the natural mind lacks and only the spiritual mind exercises.Ms 46, 1886, par. 1+2 It calls for vigilant work in prospect of the coming of the Lord, so that those who wait and watch and work speak sound words among others who wait and watch.Lt 119, 1899, par. 3

The writers of the Bible were directed and impressed by the Holy Spirit, and did not write words of human wisdom but words given by God.Ms 40, 1900, par. 12–13+1 Momentous truth is conveyed through reading the Scriptures, where every word is a valuable pearl that must lose none of its virtue and force, since one word changed would injure the thought and destroy the lesson, and incorrect punctuation may greatly alter the meaning.Ms 40, 1900, par. 12–13 Because Scripture was written under the Spirit's inspiration, that same Spirit is indispensable for discerning its teachings.ST Jun 7, 1883+1 The Spirit illuminates Scripture, impresses the vital truths of salvation on the mind, makes the way of life plain, and enlightens the mind so that truth is recognized as distinct from error and further light is received as the person cooperates with God.ST Jun 7, 1883+2 Like a lighted candle the Spirit also searches the hidden things of the heart that must be overcome, otherwise there is no seeing the kingdom of God.Ms 84, 1901, par. 16–17 He constantly unfolds truth, makes spiritual things enjoyed, causes the person to mind the things of the Spirit, works the fruits of righteousness in the life, and gives all glory to God for what is revealed.STA 47.1–48.1

The things freely given are the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom ordained before the world unto glory, and the things God has prepared for those who love Him, which eye has not seen nor ear heard nor entered the heart of man.Ms 111, 1909, par. 1–3+2 They are centered on Jesus Christ and Him crucified and are revealed by the Spirit who searches all things, even the deep things of God.Ms 111, 1909, par. 1–3+2 This wisdom does not come by excellency of speech or enticing words of man's wisdom but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that faith stands in the power of God and not in the wisdom of men or of the princes of this world.Ms 111, 1909, par. 1–3+1 It is spoken in words the Holy Ghost teaches by comparing spiritual things with spiritual, which requires study of the Word, and it is true wisdom for the most earnest work to be done for this time, bringing victory, unity, and love when kept before the people while subjects of contention are shut out.Ms 111, 1909, par. 1–3+2 Those who receive the Spirit know Christ crucified as the power and wisdom of God, made unto them wisdom and righteousness and sanctification and redemption, and they glory only in the Lord, while those who give their lives to worldly pursuits and cultivate sharp business traits remain worldly-wise in life and character so that the preaching of the cross is foolishness to them.Lt 56, 1893, par. 22–25 For God chooses the foolish, weak, base, despised, and non-existent things to confound the wise and mighty and to bring to nothing the things that are, so that no flesh should glory in His presence, and not many wise after the flesh, mighty, or noble are called.Lt 56, 1893, par. 22–25

The knowledge belongs to salvation, and every follower of Christ is given a knowledge the world cannot receive, while the nations do not know that they are lost nor those saving things.Ms 103, 1893, par. 27–28 Every heart that has received Christ is entrusted with the ability to discern Christ in His message.Ms 128, 1908, par. 15–19 It includes the things that bring peace and holiness.Lt 116, 1903, par. 19+1 Those who heed God's Word and receive it meekly have their minds impressed by the Lord and its truth becomes clearer to them, and when hearts are opened to the Holy Spirit the gifts God freely gives pertaining to peace and holiness can be known.Lt 116, 1903, par. 19+1 This knowledge is spoken not in words taught by human wisdom but in words taught by the Holy Ghost, comparing spiritual things with spiritual, because the natural man counts the things of the Spirit foolishness and cannot know them since they are spiritually discerned.Ms 103, 1893, par. 27–28 Light and knowledge are to be received from the highest authority, so no one is to place himself as judge of another's experience and conscience or define another's duties by human judgment, and all must move guardedly lest they interrupt the Lord's plans.Ms 128, 1908, par. 15–19

The Spirit is the promised helper given to those wrestling for victory, endowing the human agent with supernatural powers and instructing the ignorant in the mysteries of the kingdom so the things freely given may be known.2MR 14.1–15.2 The Spirit makes effectual in each person what was wrought by the Redeemer in dying the Just for the unjust, enabling firm standing against every form of idolatry and exalting the Lord alone.2MR 14.1–15.2 The same Spirit guided the pens of the sacred historians to present the record of the sayings and works of Christ, and constantly at work draws attention to the sacrifice upon the cross, unfolds God's love to man, and opens the precious things in Scripture to convicted souls and to darkened minds as bright beams whose truths make hearts burn with awakened intelligence of eternal things.2MR 14.1–15.2 The Spirit presents the moral standard of righteousness, convinces of sin, produces godly sorrow unto repentance, and inspires faith in Him who alone can save from all sin.2MR 14.1–15.2 The Spirit transforms character by withdrawing affections from temporal perishable things and imbuing the soul with earnest desire for the immortal imperishable inheritance, and recreates, refines, and sanctifies human agents that they may become members of the royal family, children of the heavenly King.2MR 14.1–15.2

The verse gives the spiritual knowledge and spiritual experience needed to face the future, meet opposition, and be transferred to immortal life, changed if alive and raised if in the grave.Ms 111, 1909, par. 1–3 The whole chapter is to be read at home by everyone preparing to be translated, so they will grow beyond babes into spiritual understanding, right relation to truth, and close connection with God.Ms 111, 1909, par. 6–9 There Christ can be recognized, His will concerning each one understood, and what is needed discerned and laid hold upon, by trimming the lamps and having the oil of grace in the heart rather than sleeping like the foolish virgins, and by being fed with heavenly manna from the Word and eating the bread of life here in order to have a right to the tree of life.Ms 111, 1909, par. 6–9 Many who think they are prepared for the Lord's coming are not, which calls for separating from all hindrances, knowing the will of God and traveling in that pathway, bearing testimony in the name of the Lord and confessing Christ and His experience, thereby becoming free, all light in the Lord, making their way out of darkness into marvelous light.Ms 111, 1909, par. 28–30 The verse calls believers to take hold of God's strength and make peace with Him to do the work He has made possible, to be sanctified through the truth by Christ giving His life, and to conform to the great light given in regard to God's law as the standard of character by which they will be judged in the last great day.Lt 2, 1901, par. 4–8 There guilt and punishment are measured by light received, talents bestowed, and opportunities improved, including accountability for influence exerted in encouraging others in sin or in drawing others into the kingdom, so that rejecting Christ and refusing His yoke of restraint and obedience places a person on the side of the great apostate.Lt 2, 1901, par. 4–8

True understanding of what God freely gives comes from God's Spirit and not from the wisdom of the world, and human wisdom cannot be the foundation of faith.STB 496.1–497.1+4 Spiritual truth cannot be fully understood through human wisdom or interpretation alone, but needs the power of the Holy Spirit to unfold it, for the natural person cannot receive or know the things of God's Spirit while the spiritual person discerns them and has the mind of Christ.FE 352.1+2 The chapters that contain this truth are to be read prayerfully so their truths may be understood and put into practice, with dependence on God as the source of true understanding rather than reliance on human learning.OEWP 19.2–23.1+2

The highest education is knowing God, and divine truth must not be crowded out by human learning.OEWP 19.2–23.1+1 Book learning becomes harmful when it displaces the knowledge of God, prayer, or spiritual life, and true education depends on heavenly wisdom and the Holy Spirit with the purpose of knowing God's truth, putting it into practice, and sharing it through good works.OEWP 19.2–23.1+1

Even advanced education like the wisdom of the Egyptians learned by Moses is wanting when weighed for God's work, and much of it must be unlearned and blotted out through humble, tendering experience.Lt 47, 1895, par. 75–77+2 After being learned in Egyptian wisdom Moses needed forty years of humble shepherd work to blot out its impression and become tender and faithful in caring for God's heritage.Lt 47, 1895, par. 75–77+1 Workers and students must therefore not magnify their own abilities nor trust advanced education to take the place of a sound knowledge of God, but must learn instruction and method from Christ as the only perfect Educator, speaking and teaching not in words of man's wisdom but as the Holy Spirit teaches by comparing spiritual things with spiritual.Lt 47, 1895, par. 75–77+2

A mind shaped or trained only by worldly learning and worldly science cannot discern God's deep things, but when converted, sanctified, and cleansed by the Spirit it can recognize divine power in the Word and discern heavenly things.MWISDAP 40.2+3 Only a mind and heart cleansed by the Spirit can discern them.DTCP 2.4+2 Without the Holy Spirit's power working within the mind, people cannot grasp elevating truth or recognize the lessons of godliness in nature.CT 376.1+1 Human reason alone cannot grasp the deep things of God or the spiritual lessons in the created world, so human ideas must not replace God's word, and when the mind is freed from influences that distort it, it can receive Christ's teaching.CT 376.1+1

People may use their powers to follow either the worldly standard or the Bible standard, but spiritual understanding comes from God's Spirit, not the world.3MR 107.3–108.1+2 Scripture was written under the Spirit's inspiration, and that same Spirit is indispensable for discerning its teachings and unfolding its truths to the mind.ST Jun 7, 1883+1 Its deep meaning is uncovered through thoughtful, earnest, humble, faithful, prayerful study with confidence in its authority and prayer for divine help, and such study brings knowledge of spiritual things and shapes the mind and character.ST Jun 7, 1883+1

The Holy Spirit is the greatest Teacher, and educators must allow the Spirit to work on human hearts.CT 417.3+1 Learning, however extensive, does not make a person complete if its knowledge is not communicated to those in spiritual darkness, especially the knowledge of God.CT 417.3+1 Knowledge and science serve their highest purpose when made alive by the Spirit and joined with true piety, which only a heart ennobled by grace can rightly value and rightly understand in God's works, and those who teach truth need an experienced knowledge of holiness so they can lead others to Christ.CT 417.3+1

Receiving the Spirit governs all true ministry, for the verse means that preaching must be Jesus Christ and Him crucified in demonstration of the Spirit and of power rather than with excellency of speech or enticing words of man's wisdom, so that faith stands in the power of God and not in the wisdom of men nor in Paul or Apollos or Cephas.Ms 111, 1909, par. 1–3+2 This receiving requires ministers and physicians and conference presidents to wake up, change decidedly, become humble and meek and lowly, have unity of the Spirit, and depend wholly on the striving and quickening influence of the Holy Spirit in human hearts, because human energy and human agencies alone are of no value and only puff up self and deceive souls.Ms 142, 1909, par. 9–12 Where the Spirit so received is present the work appears in distinct lines beyond question: seed planted in good ground takes root and brings abundant fruit, souls are converted and sanctified, contention ceases, good works are seen, unbelievers are convinced, idolaters turn from idols of every kind to serve the living God and turn their property into means for soul-saving, and the third angel's message goes as a lamp that burns.Ms 142, 1909, par. 9–12

Every true laborer needs to study the instruction in the first two chapters and have it imprinted on the soul, learning at the foot of the cross in weakness and fear, keeping self out of sight and lifting up Jesus, speaking plainly to preach Christ crucified rather than to please ears or to depend on excellency of speech and the wisdom of men.Ms 29, 1893, par. 6–7 God alone transforms character through the mighty power of the cross to bring back what was lost, and the Spirit gives power apart from human learning, reasons, oratory and philosophy, so that even a poor unlearned person repeating only the message without proof can carry the Spirit that brings a learned person to confess pomp and pride.Ms 29, 1893, par. 6–7+1 The Spirit of Christ dwelling in a person enables that person to grasp God's things and reveal them to others, and those who receive and obey Christ's word and partake of the divine nature are able to understand spiritual things that remain unknown without this teaching even with other advantages.STB 340.2+1

This Spirit-given knowledge is true wisdom for the most earnest work to be done for this time, and keeping these things before the people while shutting out subjects of contention brings victory, unity, and love.Lt 42, 1906, par. 8–11 It gives a message to bear to the world, calling for vigilant work in prospect of the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ, so that those who are waiting and watching and working speak sound words among others who are waiting and watching.Lt 119, 1899, par. 3 The verse is evidenced by genuine repentance in humble confession, restitution, and faith working through love to purify the soul.Ms 2, 1888, par. 36–38

When hearts are opened to the Holy Spirit, what is received is not the spirit of the world but the Spirit which is of God, so that the gifts God freely gives can be known, and that knowing belongs to peace and holiness.Lt 116, 1903, par. 19+2 The Spirit reveals truth, and with self-reliance and false objects of worship cast out, Christ's Spirit fills the life and the Word is received with meekness while God is given the glory for what is revealed.Ms 3, 1890, par. 2–4+3 With a purified soul the unfolding truth is received meekly, and the Spirit who directs the heart toward spiritual things works within to produce righteousness and the fruits of the Spirit.GW 287.1–2+2

When a person is fully emptied of self and united with Christ, the emptied place is filled by the Spirit of Christ instead of the spirit of the world, so that Christ is all in all and there is no confidence in self.STA 47.1–48.1 As Comforter the Spirit works constantly on the heart to unfold truth, to make spiritual things enjoyed, to cause the mind to mind the things of the Spirit, and to give all glory to God for what is revealed.STA 47.1–48.1 That same revealing Spirit makes Christ an inner well of water springing up into everlasting life and makes the person a fruitful branch of the True Vine in love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance.STA 47.1–48.1

The knowledge is to be studied and practiced, for the Spirit educates and disciplines self and arouses the moral powers.20MR 106.2–107.1 The intellect is kept clear and active to think soberly and critically, with total abstinence from alcohol and every stimulating indulgence that confuses reason and wars against the soul.20MR 106.2–107.1 The body is thus presented a living sacrifice holy and acceptable to God, and what is good and acceptable and perfect as the will of God is proved.20MR 106.2–107.1

Those who heed God's Word and receive it meekly have their minds impressed by the Lord, and its truth becomes clearer to them.Lt 116, 1903, par. 19 As the mind is enlightened by truth and cooperates with God, truth is recognized as distinct from error and further light is received.Lt 116, 1903, par. 19+1 Light and knowledge are to be received from the highest authority, so no one is to place himself as judge of another's experience and conscience or define another's duties by human judgment, and all must move guardedly lest the Lord's plans be interrupted.Ms 128, 1908, par. 15–19 Divine insight comes through the Holy Spirit's daily work in the heart rather than through natural inclinations, pride, or self-love, revealing the spiritual character of God's kingdom and awakening a sense of duty toward others.SPBC 188.1

The chapter gives a glimpse of a person's present condition to one whose discernment is not wholly perverted.Lt 51a, 1895, par. 27 It calls for falling on the Rock and being broken while mercy lingers, so that Christ may build the person into His own likeness.Lt 51a, 1895, par. 27 It calls also for ceasing to lead other souls in false paths.Lt 51a, 1895, par. 27