2:14 the natural man. The “natural” man, still unsaved, cannot appreciate spiritual truths. He must first understand Christ’s atoning sacrifice for Him, but even that is “foolishness” to Him (I Corinthians 1:18) until the Holy Spirit Himself convicts him of its reality (John 16:7-11). The Spirit, of course, may use His Word and the witness of believers guided by Him to accomplish this.