Read 1 Corinthians 2:11–16
This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom
but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in
spiritual words.
1 Corinthians 2:13
Each of our four children has a different vocation. We have a pastor,
a nurse, an electronics designer, and a secretary in a commercial realestate
firm. Each of the children had to learn a specialized vocabulary
in order to succeed.
Successful Christians learn the vocabulary of the Spirit and make
use of it. They know the meaning of justification, sanctification, adoption,
propitiation, election, inspiration, and so forth. In understanding
God’s vocabulary, they come to understand God’s Word and God’s
will for their lives.
Yet I’ve heard church members say, “Don’t preach doctrine. Just
give us heartwarming sermons that will encourage us!” Sermons based
on what? If they are not based on doctrine, they will accomplish nothing!
“But doctrine is so dull!” people complain. Not if it is presented
the way the Bible presents it. Doctrine is exciting! What a thrill to be
able to study the Bible and let the Spirit teach us “the deep things of
God” (1 Cor. 2:10).
Something to Ponder
Choose one of these words, explain what it means, and tell how it is
exciting in your life: justification, sanctification, adoption, propitiation,
election, inspiration.