but we speak God's wisdom in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God predestined before the ages to our glory;
1 Corinthians 2:7(NASB)
The Corinthian Christians were a group of believers who delighted in their outwards gifts and talents... to the exclusion of an inner spirituality which centred on Jesus Christ and which would produce in them, the beautiful fruit of the Spirit... which is rooted and grounded in love.
By remaining immersed in division, discord, and even depravity, these believers identified themselves as carnal Christians who had reverted to spiritual infancy instead of maturing in the faith, growing in grace, and being built up in a knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ.
These believers needed a radical change of heart and a fundamental renewing of their minds. Instead of living for Christ and humbly regarding each other's needs as more important than their own, they had become selfish and conceited and seemed to thrive on rivalry and contention. They had bought into the wisdom of the world, without understanding that self-seeking and selfish motives are both devastating and destructive.
It was under these circumstances that Paul reminded these believers that he had not come to them proclaiming the wisdom of the world, which they regarded so highly. Paul came to them, determined to preach nothing but Jesus Christ and Him crucified, knowing that the message of the Cross is the power of God unto salvation, for all who believe.
Paul knew that the wisdom of men is futile in the sight of God and that the wisdom of God is foolishness to the unsaved - for God's wisdom is a mystery that cannot be comprehended by an unsaved mind... for the truth of the gospel is spiritually discerned. "We speak God's wisdom in a mystery," Paul explained. "We teach the hidden wisdom, which God predestined before the ages - to our glory." We teach what has remained hidden for ages and generations, but which has now been revealed, exclusively, to the saints of God.
The truths that Paul had shared with the Corinthians were incomprehensible to the unbeliever - then as now. The message that Paul was proclaiming, was a hidden mystery which God alone knew. It had remained undisclosed from before the foundation of the earth. It was even hidden to God's holy angels, as well as the fallen principalities and powers in the satanic realm.
And yet, the wisdom that Paul preached in this letter to the Corinthians, has been unveiled for our learning. It was a hidden wisdom which God predestined before the ages of creation and the generations of men, but now has been made known to those that are saved, by grace through faith in Christ.
How astonishing to realise that God preordained that Paul would "speak God's wisdom in a mystery - the hidden wisdom which God predestined before the ages to our glory." God predetermined that the message of the Cross, which is so ridiculed by the unbeliever, is something that will bring glory to those who are saved by grace through faith in Christ. Hallelujah!
In the light of this truth, the message of the Cross should be, to you and me, the most important, exciting, and precious truth which should both thrill our soul, encourage our heart, and motivate us to share the staggering message: "that Christ died for our sin according to the Scriptures, that He was buried and rose again......... so that whosoever believes in HIM would not perish, but have everlasting life."
Heavenly Father, how astonishing to know that the mystery of the Cross, that was hidden for ages and generations, has been revealed to those who have trusted Christ for the forgiveness of sins. How I praise and glorify You that eye has not seen and ear has not heard the amazing things that You have prepared for those that love You. Increase my love and longing for You, and help me to share the truth of the gospel of grace with those You place in my path - for Your greater praise and glory. This I ask in Jesus' name, AMEN.
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