Big Idea: Only the Holy Spirit can translate the wisdom of the cross. 1 Corinthians 2:1-9I. He shouts its message through weakness. 1 Corinthians 2:1-5When I came to you, brothers and sisters, announcing the mystery of God to you, I did not come with brilliance of speech or wisdom. I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. I came to you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling. My speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of wisdom but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not be based on human wisdom but on God’s power. II. He hides its message from the wise. 1 Corinthians 2:6-7We do, however, speak a wisdom among the mature, but not a wisdom of this age, or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. On the contrary, we speak God’s hidden wisdom in a mystery, a wisdom God predestined before the ages for our glory.III. He reveals its mystery to those who love him. 1 Corinthians 2:8-9None of the rulers of this age knew this wisdom, because if they had known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. But as it is written, What no eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no human heart has conceived— God has prepared these things for those who love him.Next Steps: Believe: I realize my need for the cross today.Become: I will look only to the cross to fill my heart this week.Be Sent: I will explain God’s mystery to someone this week.Discussion Questions: In your own words, describe God’s reason for sending Jesus to the cross. When did you first realize your need for God’s forgiveness?  Who helped you understand your need for the cross?What part did you play in God’s predestination?Have you ever tried to explain to someone their need for salvation who doesn’t view themselves as a sinner? What was their response?What is the minimum level of maturity required for someone to understand the message of the cross?What measure do you use to determine if a sermon is powerful?Pray for the Holy Spirit to remind us of the cross daily this week.