5. I Corinthians 2
12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
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.
Today when reading this, I felt that this “natural man” might be the person who finds certain skills—such as drawing or playing a sport—come really easily. Someone who others might call a “natural.”
I have had skills that came easily, and I didn’t understand “the things that are freely given to us of God”—and I definitely didn’t know how to spiritually discern anything—so after a while I thought it was all me. What a mistake! Such things mean nothing when the fire behind them goes out. If I had understood how these gifts were spiritual—how they were from God—I would have been grateful, and been able to progress.
What a blessing it is to be learning so many important lessons here. I thank God for Christian Science and this church. Thank you to the lesson writer, as well. Excellent lesson.
MaryBeth
795 posts
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Location: n.a.
Editor
02/07/2015 07:09
Re: the natural man
The "natural man" refers to the human mind. It is lacking spiritual sense which is why it cannot receive the things of Spirit. It is dull and uncomprehending. This is why Christian Science can get so misconstrued. The human mind cannot understand it much less explain it!!
Edited by MaryBeth - 02/07/2015 07:09
jacob45
370 posts
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Location: puerto limon Costa Rica
02/07/2015 20:06
Re: the natural man
The human mind is unreal, self-deception, opposed to God, Truth.
It is the illusion where all discords seem to be real.
