The Wisdom of God

SEPTEMBER 14, 2022 STUDY NOTES 1 CORINTHIANS 2:6-8 BIBLE TEACHER: CLIFTON JONES THE WISDOM OF GOD INTRODUCTION Paul speaks of the “wisdom of this world” and the “wisdom of God” How much difference is there between the two? Paul will show us Paul speaks of those he calls “perfect,” who are they? Paul speaks of those he calls the “princes of this world,” who are they? What does Paul mean when he says he speaks the wisdom of God in a “mystery?” What is a NT mystery? Scripture explains it, scripture answers all questions concerning life 1Co 2:6 Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: “Howbeit” states that there is something else to be said, there is more to the story of life All that has been said previously is true but there is much more truth to be understood Paul wants us to understand the difference between God’s wisdom and worldly wisdom The “wisdom” that Paul speaks is not of this world and not from world authorities It is the wisdom that the world has searched for since the Fall of Man The wisdom of God answers the questions that man’s wisdom searches for: Who am I? Why am I here? What is life today? Is there life after death? If so, where? Only through the wisdom of God can the questions related to life be answered God answered those questions through His provision of salvation for the spiritually lost Man cannot come to know God through worldly wisdom, 1Co 1:21 For 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. (The preaching of God’s Wisdom is the truth of salvation and life) Only those who are saved have experienced what God’s wisdom has provided for us So, when Paul says that he speaks “wisdom among them that are perfect,” who are they? In this passage of scripture who does Paul identify as those who are “perfect?” Some say that Paul is referring to all that are saved, if a person is saved, he is “perfect” It is true that only those who are saved can be one of those identified as “perfect” But the context of chapter 2 & 3, identify the “perfect,” as a person from among the saved Not all who are saved are being identified as those who are “perfect” (they are not sinless) Paul speaks of the “natural man” who is lost and without Christ in his life, 1Co 2:14 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. The “natural man” is one who is spiritually lost, unsaved, has never been born again Without the spiritual new birth, the “natural man” cannot receive the things of the Spirit Paul speaks of the “carnal,” 1Co 3:1 And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. Carnal “brethren” are saved but living as though Christ was not in their life Paul speaks of those who are “spiritual,” those who are living a daily life for Christ We will find that the “perfect” of chapter 2 are the “spiritual” of chapter 3 Paul wanted to speak God’s “wisdom” among all who are saved but there was a problem The problem was that among those who were saved, some were “carnal” (1 Cor 3:1) Paul could not speak to the carnal the things he wanted to share with the spiritual Page 1 of 6 “He that is spiritual” refers to those who are “perfect,” 1Co 2:15 But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. The “perfect” are Christians who have grown spiritually and are spiritually mature They are of “full age” spiritually and living like spiritual adults, Heb 5:14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. “To them that are of full age” is the same translated “them that are perfect” in 1 Cor 2:6 They have been trained through the Word of God to use their senses in a spiritual way Our senses must be in tune with God, we must exercise our spiritual senses: A “taste” for the Word of God; “Hear” what God has to say; “See” what God has for us; “Smell” the sweet-smelling aroma of answered prayer; “Feel” the touch of God upon your life The “perfect” are Spirit-filled believers following the leadership of the Spirit, 1Co 14:20 Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men. “Understanding” refers to spiritual intellect, thinking, attitude, leading to spiritual actions The lost cannot understand spiritual knowledge, the carnal are not accepting spiritual knowledge The word “men” is the same original word translated “them that are perfect” in 1 Cor 2:6 The same word is found in, Php 3:15 Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. And in, Eph 4:13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: (All are not) Paul says there is a “wisdom” that he can speak among those who are “perfect” (1 Cor 2:6) Which is because of their spiritual growth, their spiritual maturity, and spiritual insight Through the leadership of the Holy Spirit, they have learned and experienced spiritual truths “Wisdom” refers to the truths of God’s Word that Christian are to learn and live by “God’s Wisdom” comes from learning the Word of God and from living the Word of God The “perfect” or “spiritual” have learned to live as a Christian should through Bible study They have not only learned to live as a Christian they learn more about life as they live it The “perfect” are those Christians who experience living according to God’s Word The wisdom of the world cannot teach you how to live the spiritual life of a Christian The “wisdom of this world” refers to man’s opinion of life and how you should live it (T.V.) The “wisdom of this world” stands to be tested by the wisdom which is from above The words of man do not put God to the test, the Word of God puts man to the test (Read it) Worldly wisdom is not that which can stamp approval upon the ways of life The wisdom of God makes known that which is the truth of life upon this earth The word “world” refers to the “age” in which we are now living Worldly people are spiritually blind, 2Co 4:4 In 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. (To the lost Satan is the god of their world) The wisdom of God cannot be learned from the ways of a Satan influenced world Through God’s wisdom we are delivered from this present age, Gal 1:4 Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father: (The wisdom of God’s will, is found in God’s Word, read it) The Spirit of God works in those who have been delivered and given spiritual life, Eph 2:1 And you hath he quickened, (made alive) who were dead in trespasses and sins; Eph 2:2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Christians must be spiritually mature because of the enemy we face, Eph 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the Page 2 of 6 darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. (Satan’s demonic forces) Spiritual maturity can never be attained from the way the world lives in this age God’s wisdom taught by the Spirit can teach us, Tit 2:12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Christians must learn to live according to the wisdom of God through study of God’s Word The wisdom of the world does not know or understand the “wisdom of God” Who are the “princes of this world?” (1 Cor 2:6) In the NT the word “princes” refers to rulers, leaders, and those of authority The word is used for rulers over nations and the rulers over the synagogues It is often used in reference to the Jewish leaders and city authorities Its use is not limited to human leaders, it is also used of those in the demonic realm Satan is the “prince” of this world, Joh 12:31 Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out. Satan is also known as “Beelzebub” the “prince” of the devils, Mat 12:24 But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, This fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils. When Paul speaks of “princes” he has in mind earthly leaders who are men of great authority They are the great men of the world in the hands of Satan, especially political leaders And they are without spiritual knowledge or insight which can be seen by their decisions Decisions “that come to nought,” meaning that worldly decisions will cease, come to an end All that Satan has to offer through this world is doomed to destruction Worldly wisdom does not make sense today and will ultimately be made ineffective All that worldly wisdom has to offer will end in nothing and adds up to zero The ways and the works of this world will be destroyed The time of the destruction of worldly wisdom and worldly ways will be the Day of the Lord, 2Pe 3:10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. The princes of this world are on their way out, they will all pass away, 1Co 15:24 Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. Those who live according to the wisdom of God live according to the will of God, 1Jn 2:17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. James tells us of the worldly wise and compares them with the wise Christian, Jas 3:13 Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. (Wisdom from God) Jas 3:14 But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. Jas 3:15 This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. There is a present difference between worldly wisdom and God’s wisdom, it can be seen today There is an eternal difference between worldly wisdom and God’s wisdom which all will know Paul now explains “God’s Wisdom” 1Co 2:7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: The “wisdom of God” is in direct contrast to the wisdom of the world Only through the “wisdom of God” do we learn of God and learn how to live for God The world was astonished at the wisdom of Jesus, Mat 13:54 And when he was come into his own country, he taught them in their synagogue, insomuch that they were astonished, and said, Whence hath this man this wisdom, and these mighty works? Page 3 of 6 Even “Google” cannot search out and explain to you the “wisdom of God,” Rom 11:33 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! Paul spoke of the wisdom of God “in a mystery” which is not an unknown secret A NT “mystery” is not something unknown or puzzling to the imagination A NT “mystery” is something that can only be known through the revelation of God It is that which was previously unknown until God made it known, in God’s timing That which Christians can now learn but remains unknowable to the unsaved Jesus explained it, Mat 13:11 He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. Only God can reveal the truths of God and only Christians can understand God’s truths But Christians cannot understand the truths of God apart from the ministry of the Spirit Paul explained that to us, Eph 3:3 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, Eph 3:4 Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) (Pay attention, “when you read”) The mystery now revealed by the Spirit, Eph 3:5 Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; A NT “mystery” is not a suspense, or something strange or secret, it is “spiritual” truth Paul identifies this “wisdom of God” as a “hidden wisdom” The “hidden wisdom” of God now revealed is the salvation of Jews and Gentiles And the uniting of saved Jews and Gentiles into one spiritual body known as the church The church was unknown in the OT and was kept hidden for ages and generations, Col 1:26 Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: God has now made the “hidden wisdom” known, Col 1:27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: There is perfection through the wisdom of God, Col 1:28 Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: God’s goal for every Christian is to learn the deep things of God Which is now revealed to us through the Spirit of God and the Word of God The “hidden wisdom” of God refers to all that God has provided for us through Christ Spiritual truths shared with believers through the mind of Christ Concerning the thoughts and the gifts of God which are provided for our glory This wisdom of God sounds like something we ought to be interested in The wisdom of God has its own unique place, it is found only within the wise plan of God It is hidden within the eternal plan of God for man and hidden from the world’s wisdom But through Jesus and the Holy Spirit it can be discovered, realized, and experienced “Which God ordained before the world unto our glory: “Ordained’ means “to appoint” or “to determine” That which was determined by God even before the “ages,” 2Ti 1:9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, God determined before the creation of the world who He would reveal His wisdom too His wisdom would be revealed to those who were spiritual, saved and living for Christ His wisdom would be unto the glory of those who believed in Him Through the “wisdom” of God the eternal plan of God is revealed Those who are saved come to learn of the sovereignty of God As Christians live for God they enter-into the “glory” provided through God’s wisdom Page 4 of 6 “Our glory” is the presence of God within us fulfilling the purpose of Christ for us God doing within us what Jesus came to the earth and went to the cross for God’s wisdom reveals God’s purpose, Rom 8:29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. God’s wisdom in the eternal past provided for our present life, living a spiritual life God’s wisdom provided for our eternal state, our eternal salvation, eternity with God God’s goal is “our glory,” Rom 8:30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. That is the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom lost man does not know God’s wisdom is being revealed to us through our obedience to Christ. 2Co 3:18 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. The present glory of obedience is a sample of our glory yet to come, 1Jn 3:2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. The worldly wise have no understanding of the glory of God’s wisdom 1Co 2:8 Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. The world authorities of Jesus’ day did not understand God’s eternal plan for man They had no spiritual comprehension of God’s wisdom They did not see or understand that life with Jesus was for their glory So instead of giving their life to Jesus they took His life from Him But the wisdom of God was working through their spiritual ignorance, their worldly wisdom The predetermined eternal plan of God would work through their earthly plan Spiritual wisdom would be manifested as a-result of their human ignorance “For had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory” Throughout the ages man has made many attempts to justify himself before God (Religion) The wisdom of man would have never envisioned the cross as the way of salvation for man Jesus said that man did not know what he was doing, Luk 23:34 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots. On one hand the crucifixion is the greatest manifestation of the ignorance of man’s wisdom, Act 3:17 And now, brethren, I wot that through ignorance ye did it, as did also your rulers. Their ignorance shouted out, Luk 23:21 But they cried, saying, Crucify him, crucify him. Man continues to act in ignorance concerning the Person and Work of Jesus, Eph 4:18 Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart Paul testified of the ignorance of the lost, 1Ti 1:12 And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry; 1Ti 1:13 Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. (Before Paul was saved he was spiritually ignorant) On the other hand the cross is the greatest manifestation of the wisdom of God, Act 2:36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. The truth of God’s wisdom is witnessed on the cross of Jesus Look at what God was doing through the darkness of the ignorance of man They hung Jesus on the cross in utter shame and buried Him without fame But He arose in glory and God magnified His name, Jesus is the “Lord of Glory” Page 5 of 6 Psa 24:10 Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory. Selah. Jas 2:1 My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons. CONCLUSION Look back at what Paul has said about those who are “perfect” They have wisdom which did not come from the world Their wisdom is of God and is a NT mystery The mystery is the wisdom of God that is hidden within the eternal plan of God If natural man had known of God’s wisdom, they would not have crucified Christ Man left to himself will never understand the cross of Jesus Man-centered religions are found throughout the world, devised by man, based on human works Teaching man must do something in-order to be saved Christianity is not based on personal works, it is of the “Wisdom of God” Salvation is by the grace of God, on the-basis of faith, acceptance of what Christ has done for us Facts about Jesus in your head will not save you from your sins and give you an eternal life Faith in your heart receiving the Person and Work of Jesus on the cross for you will save you Only those who come to the cross for a new life can understand the wisdom from God Through the wisdom of God, we learn what God has prepared for those who love God Pray for God’s know-how, for personal understanding of “Spirituality,” Col 1:9 For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; Study God’s Word and grow spiritually, 1Pe 2:2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: From the time of our spiritual birth, we should have a hunger for God’s Word Our daily spiritual diet must be the Word of God, it is healthy and will produce spiritual growth Spiritual growth is necessary, we must be concerned about growing spiritually Peter closes out his second letter with the must of spiritual growth, 2Pe 3:18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen. Page 6 of 6