Spiritual Wisdom<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pastor Don Carpenter<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A Beautiful Mess \/ 1 Corinthians 2:6\u201316<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A group of Christians gathered in a church auditorium for an evening Bible Study. Some were talking while waiting for the study to begin. One man began to share with the leader about a church breakfast he\u2019d attended. A well known Bible scholar had been invited to speak at the breakfast. During the course of his remarks the scholar stated that he had recently gained new insight into a verse of Scripture that had puzzled him for years. \u201cWhen I heard this,\u201d the man said to the Bible Study leader, \u201cI thought to myself, \u2018If this scholar who has written commentaries and books and who has studied the Bible for years is just now understanding a verse of Scripture, how can I, an ordinary church member, understand the truth?\u201d\u2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou know,\u201d replied the leader, \u201crather than being discouraged by the scholar\u2019s remarks, I\u2019m encouraged. It just goes to show that understanding God\u2019s truth doesn\u2019t depend on our intellectual ability or number of theological degrees earned. Rather, God\u2019s truth is revealed to us by the Holy Spirit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tonight we continue studying the letter Paul wrote to \u201cBeautiful Mess\u201d which was the church at Corinth. We have seen that Paul is amazed at the work of Grace in this assembly, but that there are some things that must be addressed. One thing that he spends several chapters on is the matter of unity and carnal division.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In our passage this evening Paul spends a little more time explaining what true spiritual wisdom and where it comes from.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Paul argues that the Spirit is necessary to understand God\u2019s wisdom, since it cannot be perceived through human nature. Paul wants the Corinthians to recognize their need for true wisdom from God\u2019s Spirit before he resumes his appeal for unity beginning in 3:1 (see 1:10).1<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1 Barry, J. D., Mangum, D., Brown, D. R., Heiser, M. S., Custis, M., Ritzema, E., Whitehead, M. M., Grigoni, M. R., & Bomar, D. (2012, 2016). Faithlife Study Bible (1 Co 2:6\u201316). Lexham Press.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We Speak Wisdom<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1 Corinthians 2:6 (KJV)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Paul hastens to explain that he does not oppose genuine wisdom; but this wisdom is beyond human understanding and can be accepted only by those who know God\u2019s heart through the Spirit.1<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1 Keener, C. S. (1993). The IVP Bible background commentary: New Testament (1 Co 2:6\u201316). InterVarsity Press.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Philosophers used the term for \u201cmature\u201d or \u201cperfect\u201d (KJV) here for those who had progressed to an advanced stage in wisdom. (Its use for full initiates to the mystery cults is less relevant here.) The contrast in 2:6\u20139 is between temporal wisdom of those great in this age and God\u2019s eternal wisdom.1<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1 Keener, C. S. (1993). The IVP Bible background commentary: New Testament (1 Co 2:6). InterVarsity Press.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We Do Not Speak Worldly Wisdom<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1 Corinthians 2:6 (KJV)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1 Corinthians 1:20 KJV
\nWhere is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Proverbs 28:5 KJV
\nEvil men understand not judgment: But they that seek the LORD understand all things.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
James 3:13\u201315 KJV
\nWho is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We Speak the Wisdom Of God<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What Was Once Hidden<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1 Corinthians 2:7\u20139 KJV
\nBut we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Salvation was purchased by the Son, but it was planned by the Father. Those who talk about \u201cthe simple Gospel\u201d are both right and wrong. Yes, the message of the Gospel is simple enough for an illiterate pagan to understand, believe, and be saved. But it is also so profound that the most brilliant theologian cannot fathom its depths.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There is a \u201cwisdom of God\u201d in the Gospel that challenges the keenest intellect. However, this wisdom is not for the masses of lost sinners, nor is it for the immature believers. It is for the mature believers who are growing in their understanding of the Word of God. (The word perfect in 1 Cor. 2:6 means \u201cmature.\u201d See 1 Cor. 3:1\u20134.) Perhaps here Paul was answering those in the church who were promoting Apollos, who was an eloquent and profound preacher (Acts 18:24\u201328).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1 Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 1, p. 574). Victor Books.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Planned For Our Glory<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This wisdom involves God\u2019s ordination (v. 7). This means that God made the plan, set it in motion, and will see to it that it will succeed. The great plan of redemption was not a hasty afterthought on the part of God after He saw what man had done. Though all of this boggles our minds, we must accept the Bible truth of divine election and predestination. Even the death of Jesus Christ was ordained of God (Acts 2:22\u201323; 1 Peter 1:18\u201320), though men were held responsible for the wicked deed. One of the secrets of an effective prayer life is to lay hold of God\u2019s purposes by faith (Acts 4:23\u201331).1<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1 Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 1, p. 574). Victor Books.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hidden From the Unsaved World<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This wisdom is hidden from the unsaved world (v. 8). Who are \u201cthe princes of this world [age]\u201d that Paul mentions? Certainly the men who were in charge of government when Jesus was on earth did not know who He was (Acts 3:17; 4:25\u201328). When Jesus on the cross prayed \u201cFather, forgive them: for they know not what they do\u201d (Luke 23:34), He was echoing this truth. Their ignorance did not excuse their sin, of course, because every evidence had been given by the Lord and they should have believed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But there is another possibility. Paul may have been referring to the spiritual and demonic rulers of this present age (Rom. 8:38; Col. 2:15; Eph. 6:12ff). This would make more sense in 1 Corinthians 2:6, for certainly Pilate, Herod, and the other rulers were not recognized for any special wisdom. The wisdom of this age has its origin in the rulers of this age, of which Satan is the prince (John 12:31; 14:30; 16:11). Of course, the spiritual rulers would have to work in and through the human rulers. So perhaps we must not press the distinction (John 13:2, 27).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But if this interpretation is true, then it opens up a challenging area of consideration. The satanic forces, including Satan himself, did not understand God\u2019s great eternal plan! They could understand from the Old Testament Scriptures that the Son of God would be born and die, but they could not grasp the full significance of the cross because these truths were hidden by God. In fact, it is now, through the church, that these truths are being revealed to the principalities and powers (Eph. 3:10).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Satan thought that Calvary was God\u2019s great defeat; but it turned out to be God\u2019s greatest victory and Satan\u2019s defeat! (Col. 2:15) From the time of our Lord\u2019s birth into this world, Satan had tried to kill Him, because Satan did not fully understand the vast results of Christ\u2019s death and resurrection. Had the demonic rulers known, they would not have \u201cengineered\u201d the death of Christ. (Of course, all of this was part of God\u2019s eternal plan. It was God who was in control, not Satan.)1<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1 Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 1, pp. 574\u2013575). Victor Books.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wisdom Applied to the Believer\u2019s Life Today<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Finally, this wisdom applies to the believer\u2019s life today (v. 9). This verse is often used at funerals and applied to heaven, but the basic application is to the Christian\u2019s life today. The next verse makes it clear that God is revealing these things to us here and now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Isaiah 64:4 KJV
\nFor since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, Neither hath the eye seen, O God, beside thee, What he hath prepared for him that waiteth for him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This verse is a quotation (with adaptation) from Isaiah 64:4. The immediate context relates it to Israel in captivity, awaiting God\u2019s deliverance. The nation had sinned and had been sent to Babylon for chastening. They cried out to God that He would come down to deliver them, and He did answer their prayer after seventy years of their exile. God had plans for His people and they did not have to be afraid (Jer. 29:11).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Paul applied this principle to the church. Our future is secure in Jesus Christ no matter what our circumstances may be. In fact, God\u2019s plans for His own are so wonderful that our minds cannot begin to conceive of them or comprehend them! God has ordained this for our glory (1 Cor. 2:7). It is glory all the way from earth to heaven!1<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1 Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 1, p. 575). Victor Books.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We Speak Wisdom Revealed By The Spirit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
2:10 to us God has revealed them God has shown the hidden wisdom of God to those who follow Christ (v. 7). Paul argues that people desiring to know more or have greater wisdom should seek to walk more closely with Christ, as God reveals His eternal work to people this way.1<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1 Barry, J. D., Mangum, D., Brown, D. R., Heiser, M. S., Custis, M., Ritzema, E., Whitehead, M. M., Grigoni, M. R., & Bomar, D. (2012, 2016). Faithlife Study Bible (1 Co 2:10). Lexham Press.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1 Corinthians 1:24 KJV
\nBut unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Only God\u2019s Spirit knows what is in his heart, but because believers have God\u2019s Spirit, they can know his heart too. This was a radical statement for most of ancient Judaism, because most Jewish teachers did not believe that the Spirit was active in their day. \u201cSpirit\u201d had a broad variety of meanings, including \u201cattitude,\u201d \u201cdisposition\u201d; hence \u201cspirit of the world\u201d need not refer to any particular spiritual being (unlike God\u2019s Spirit).1<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1 Keener, C. S. (1993). The IVP Bible background commentary: New Testament (1 Co 2:10\u201313). InterVarsity Press.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
2 Corinthians 4:4 KJV
\nIn whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The reason we are given the Spirit of God is that we might know the truth freely given to us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
2:10\u201313. Only God\u2019s Spirit knows what is in his heart, but because believers have God\u2019s Spirit, they can know his heart too. This was a radical statement for most of ancient Judaism, because most Jewish teachers did not believe that the Spirit was active in their day. \u201cSpirit\u201d had a broad variety of meanings, including \u201cattitude,\u201d \u201cdisposition\u201d; hence \u201cspirit of the world\u201d need not refer to any particular spiritual being (unlike God\u2019s Spirit).1<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1 Keener, C. S. (1993). The IVP Bible background commentary: New Testament (1 Co 2:10\u201313). InterVarsity Press.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Only Those With The Spirit Can Comprehend Things Taught By The Spirit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1 Corinthians 2:14\u201316 KJV
\nBut 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1 Corinthians 1:21 KJV
\nFor after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We Have The Mind of Christ<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Rabbi Slostowski, a professor at a seminary in Tel Aviv, hated the Lord Jesus Christ. So great was his resentment that he sharply criticized a young student who was reading a Hebrew New Testament. The young man replied by giving him the copy. That night, the rabbi, alone in his room, stayed up until three in the morning reading about the Nazarene who claimed to be the Messiah. The Holy Spirit guided him into all truth, and later he confessed, \u201cI have already found more than 200 passages of the New Testament that prove beyond a doubt that Jesus is truly the Messiah.\u201d Oh, the power of the Holy Spirit to bring light where there is only darkness. He is truly awesome.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Exported from Logos Bible Software, 7:34 PM February 4, 2022.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Spiritual Wisdom Pastor Don Carpenter A Beautiful Mess \/ 1 Corinthians 2:6\u201316 A group of Christians gathered in a church auditorium for an evening Bible Study. Some were talking while waiting for the study to begin. One man began to share with the leader about a church breakfast he\u2019d attended. A well known Bible scholar … Continue reading Spiritual Wisdom<\/span>