The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. For who knows a person’s thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us. I Corinthians 2:12 NIV
God…
Searches. Isn’t it fascinating that God is all-knowing and yet the Spirit searches all things. It is fascinating to me that the Spirit is somehow curious while yet knowing all things. It is, after all, the Spirit that leads us into all truth (John 16:13).
Knows. “No one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.” No one knows my thoughts and motives, except myself and the Spirit of God. I am deeply known, for which I am deeply grateful. I am also grateful that I am only known in such a way to God. Everyone else will only know what I reveal to them through my words and actions.
Reveals. Isn’t it cool that we have been given the Spirit of God, so that we can understand what God has freely given us? It is impossible to understand God’s wisdom without the Holy Spirit. It takes God’s explanation and Spirit facilitating our thoughts in order for us to understand how death might end through death. Crucifixion, whether Christ’s or our own, is hardly obviously life-giving. We are much better at avoiding pain than embracing it as possibly life-giving. And yet, it is Jesus’ crucifixion that gives us that abundant life that He promised His disciples (John 10:10).
Therefore I am…
Known. God knows me. For the sake of God, I do not have to try to hide what is inside of me from who is outside of me. God knows me in my secret places. Nothing within me scares Holy Spirit. And why should it? Holy Spirit is most of what is within me!
Knowing. I love that Paul goes straight to the thought of Holy Spirit being within us in order that we might know what God has freely given us. It seems to me that a life lived in the Spirit would be a life lived celebrating as we continually receive revelation of how good what God has given to us really is. I love that this statement isn’t just about knowing who or what God is. Rather it is about knowing what God has given to us. Every truly thankful person celebrates what has been given to them! There is such a difference between being disappointed about a gift and being excited about it. I want to know what I have and be excited about it!
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