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"The natural man..."

Text: 1 Corinthians 2:14

DIFFERENT ASPECTS OF MAN

Paul’s perception of man is sharp. He is of the opinion that many aspects may be found in man.

“But the natural man does not receive the things
of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him;
nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.”
1 Corinthians 2:14

1. “The natural man”

a) This word is used in contrast to the word “spiritual”.

b) The KJV text renders this word “sensual” (of the natural senses of man).

c) This describes the person in his natural state.

i) He has not received the new nature through being born again.

ii) He understands things only from the natural human perspective.

2. “The things of the Spirit of God”

a) He does not receive the things of the Spirit of God.

i) He does not receive them well.

ii) He does not receive them at all.

b) “They are foolishness to him”

i) He cannot comprehend the Person of the Spirit of God.

ii) He does not appreciate the spiritual lessons the Holy Spirit teaches.

iii) These lessons are not considered wise; in fact, they are deemed foolish to the natural man.

c) “Nor can he know them”

i) The things of God would sound like parables (stories) to them.

ii) He cannot understand the spiritual significance of the lessons the Spirit of God teaches.

3. “Because they are spiritually discerned”

a) The Spirit of God has to open the heart and mind.

b) He has to convict the heart.

c) He has to give the needed enlightenment.

d) He has to reveal the hidden things of God.

e) These lessons would require the involvement of the Spirit of God as Teacher; the natural man does not possess spiritual discernment.