JAN 9

1 Corinthians 2:1-14
Memorise 1 Corinthians 2:14
“Because the carnal mind is enmity against God…”

Recently while tracting, I met a young man who had attended a church before and been exposed to the doctrines of Christianity, yet had not received the gift of salvation. Although he had read the Bible, he simply could not see how salvation could be so simple; rather, he believed that, in order to find salvation, one has to rely on his own effort and hard work.

Such experiences should not surprise us too much, for the Bible has already foretold that “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” (I Corinthians 2:14). To the unregenerate sinner, he simply cannot understand nor accept spiritual things, because he lacks the key ingredient that will help him to understand spiritual things: the Holy Spirit. It is the Holy Spirit that enlightens the mind and works in the hearts of men, in order that we are able in the first place to receive the gift of salvation. Then, after we are saved, the Holy Spirit continues to work in us to help us to understand and accept the spiritual truths that are taught in the Bible.

Does this mean that there is therefore no point sharing spiritual matters with our unsaved friends? Of course not! Our responsibility is still to do all that we can to share the gospel with those around us. In order for them to believe in and accept the gospel, they need to first hear it! At the same time, we should pray that God will soften their hearts and send the Holy Spirit, such that their eyes will be opened to the marvellous truths of God’s Word.

Dear teen, may you thus seek to do your part in helping your friends to know more about the gospel, and then commit the rest into God’s hands, trusting that He is able to give illumination into every sinful heart through the Holy Spirit. Do not be discouraged when you do not see any immediate response to your efforts at evangelism. We must always remember that salvation is of the Lord. We are but His mouthpieces to spread the good news of salvation to all who will hear it.

Thought: It is the Holy Spirit that brings understanding and illumination.
Prayer: Lord, thank You that You have opened my eyes.