Aug 6, 2023
Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 2:6-16
This passage is a continuation of Paul’s contrast between the wisdom of God and human wisdom. The word wisdom is found four times in this section … twice in verse 6, once in verse 7, and again in verse 13.
The theme of the passage is stated in verse 7 “we impart a secret and hidden wisdom of God, which God decreed before the ages for our glory." The wonder of it all is that God would impart something of His wisdom to us.
True wisdom is not to be found in places where most people look … namely schools, self-help books, encounter groups, meditation. True wisdom is not "of this age" or "of the rulers of this age." A knowledge of the truth does not originate in the minds of human beings.
True wisdom is "a secret and hidden wisdom of God" (1 Cor 2:7). The words 'secret' and 'hidden' simply mean that this wisdom is God's wisdom and cannot be known by us unless God reveals it to us. What is particularly in view here is God's design for the salvation of people. God's wisdom, as defined in this passage is 'the word of the cross' (1 Cor 1:18) and "Christ crucified" (1 Cor 1:23). This was the plan of redemption which "God decreed before the ages for our glory."
Having revealed something of Himself to us in His Son and in His salvation, Paul is able to say that "we have the mind of Christ" (1 Cor 2:16. Christians have an understanding of God, self, sin, righteousness, eternity, joy, peace, hope. In Christ Christians possess "all things that pertain to life and godliness" (2 Pet 1:3). This comes from a pursuit of God and not from the finest school in the land.