July 1
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GOD’S WISDOM GRANTED TO THOSE WHO LOVE HIM
6 Yet we do speak wisdom among those who are mature; a wisdom, however, not of this age nor of the rulers of this age, who are passing away; 7 but we speak God’s wisdom in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God predestined before the ages to our glory; 8 the wisdom which none of the rulers of this age has understood; for if they had understood it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory; 9 but just as it is written: “THINGS WHICH EYE HAS NOT SEEN AND EAR HAS NOT HEARD, AND WHICH HAVE NOT ENTERED THE HUMAN HEART, ALL THAT GOD HAS PREPARED FOR THOSE WHO LOVE HIM.” – 1 Corinthians 2:6-9
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In this letter of Paul to the Corinthians, he clearly delineates the difference of human wisdom with God’s wisdom. In verse 6, he identifies the criteria how we can be granted wisdom from God. Spiritual maturity is the key to be able to acknowledge the revelations that God grants those who love him. This wisdom is very different from the world’s point of view. It is not accumulation of information for one’s benefit, but it is truth that comes from the word of God that is used to bring God all the praise and glory.
I quote Morris in reference to “rulers of this age”. He says “This debate goes all the way back to the time of Origen and Chrysostom. On the surface, it seems clear that the rulers of this age must refer to human rulers, because only they didn’t know what they were doing when they incited the crucifixion of Jesus. “Paul habitually ascribes power to the demonic forces, but not ignorance.”
In verse 9, Paul refers to Isaiah 64:4 where the prophet says that from of old, no one has heard or perceived by the ear and no eye has seen a God besides you, who acts for those who wait for him. Paul is saying that it is only a divine act that can make any human understand or see what is going on in the spirit realm. We are all limited to see or comprehend beyond our understanding, but the Holy Spirit can equip us with wisdom if we abide and love the Lord with all our heart, mind and soul. Our fallen nature prohibits us from seeing what the Spirit brings us. That is why we need Jesus so much in our lives so that we can get revelations and discern what God is saying. Notice that Paul clearly states the importance of a heart that longs for Jesus. Matthew 6:21 says “for where your treasure is, there your heart will also be.” If we don’t treasure Jesus, our hearts will not be ready to accept him and all the wisdom he gives.
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REFLECTION
• Why is it impossible to have God’s wisdom when we don’t serve him?