Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Corinthians 2:14. It's a really important and slightly challenging passage that speaks to how we understand the spiritual truth of God. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Essentially, this verse says that humans – we – aren’t naturally equipped to grasp or understand things that go beyond the physical world. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “1 Corinthians 2:14” : This is a specific passage from a letter written to a church in Corinth, Greece. It's a bit of a philosophical statement about understanding God. “But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God…” - This means that our natural – our everyday, physical, and worldly – way of thinking isn’t built to understand or grasp things that are truly spiritual. Think of it like this: your mind is focused on the tangible, what you can see, touch, and experience right now. “For they are foolishness unto him…” - This is a key part. “Foolishness” doesn’t mean stupid; it means lacking understanding and wisdom. It's like trying to understand a complex puzzle with your eyes closed – you’ll just see random pieces. “neither can he know [them], because they are spiritually discerned.” - This is the crucial part. "Spiritually discerned" means that these things – the spiritual truths of God – are interpreted differently by someone who isn't truly open to them. Our natural minds, driven by our senses and desires, are easily distracted and can’t see beyond the surface level. They're like a lens that’s clouded over, preventing us from seeing the real truth. So, in short, this verse is saying that we need something more – something outside of ourselves – to truly understand God and His purpose. It's about needing spiritual insight and guidance. Why is this important? This concept is central to understanding Christian faith. It highlights the importance of: Prayer: We need to turn our hearts to God and seek his guidance. Study: Bible reading isn’t just about historical facts; it's about learning spiritual truths that transform us. Faith: True faith involves a willingness to surrender to God’s will, which is often beyond our comprehension. It’s a reminder that we aren’t meant to understand everything on our own. God wants to reveal His truth to us through him, and that requires a shift in perspective. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Give some examples of how it applies to everyday life? Explore the context of 1 Corinthians 2:14 further?