1 Corinthians 2: Group Study Handout

How to use: read 1 Corinthians 2 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Paul did not come to the Corinthians with ‘excellence of speech or of wisdom,’ focusing solely on ‘Jesus Christ, and him crucified’ (vv. 1-2). He experienced weakness and trembling while among them (vv.

Key verse

“My speech and my preaching were not in persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power,”
1 Corinthians 2:4 (WEB)

Outline

1 Corinthians 2:1–2 Paul's Approach to Proclaiming
1 Corinthians 2:3–5 Experience of Weakness
1 Corinthians 2:6–8 God's Hidden Wisdom
1 Corinthians 2:9–10 Revelation through the Spirit
1 Corinthians 2:11–13 Understanding Spiritual Truths
1 Corinthians 2:14–15 Natural vs. Spiritual Man
1 Corinthians 2:16 Mind of Christ

Discussion questions

In v2, what is the only thing Paul determined to know among the Corinthians?
In v8, why does Paul suggest the rulers of this world would have acted differently?
The phrasing 'spiritually discerned' in v14: what does this imply about understanding God's truths?
In v12, what distinction does Paul make between the spirit of the world and the Spirit from God?
When have you felt 'weakness' and 'much trembling' in your own faith journey?

Go deeper

Passages that echo 1 Corinthians 2: Romans 8, Psalm 31, Isaiah 64.

Before next time: read 1 Corinthians 3.