Author: Charlie Garrett

Saturday, 12 April 2014

…which none of the rulers of this age knew; for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. 1 Corinthians 2:8

Paul is continuing the thought from the previous verse which said, “But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory,…”

This “wisdom of God” was hidden from the eyes of the “rulers of this age,” both Jew and Gentile. Paul says that if they, in fact knew what was coming, “they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.” And yet, this is exactly what was needed in order for we as humans to be saved from our sins. There had to be a perfect Substitute to take our place.

The question then arises, “What does it mean that if they had ‘known, they would not have’ done what they did?” The reason this is important is because it can be looked at from two different perspectives:

1) If they knew that Jesus was the incarnate Word, the Son of God, they wouldn’t have dared to crucify Him, knowing who He truly was.

2) If they knew that His crucifixion would prove that He is Lord, they would never have crucified Him; thus they would have attempted to thwart God’s plans.

In Acts 2:36, it states this, “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.”

Knowing this even after the resurrection, they still rejected him for the most part, though many believed. So the question remains open. What does it mean that if they knew the outcome of the cross of Christ, they wouldn’t have crucified Him? These people were utterly and completely ignorant of the wisdom of God revealed in Christ, but today the “wise” of the world have heard the message of Christ and they still reject it. In fact, from time to time someone will utter the immensely stupid words, “When Jesus comes back, kill Him again.”

If Jesus is to come back, it implies a few things: 1) He is alive (and thus over 2000 years old in His humanity); 2) He really came out of the grave, having prevailed over death; 3) Death cannot hold him (see Acts 2:24) and so “killing Him again” is utterly ridiculous; 4) He must be God incarnate; 5) If He is God incarnate, then the words of the Bible which testify about Him must be true; 6) He then is the only way to be saved.

And yet, despite these logical deductions, His rule and authority are still rejected! Thus, it is not inconceivable that Paul is saying that rather than not crucifying Christ because they would have loved Him, instead they may not have crucified Him in order to thwart the plans God had to exalt Him because of His work; in essence they would have hated what the cross meant, just as the world hates it and fights against it today.

The leaders of Israel knew Him to be a man of God, they saw His miracles, they heard His words, and yet they rejected Him. But the very rejection that they planned was a part of God’s own plans for them, or for anyone who would be willing to drop their fists, humble their hearts, and call on this wonderful Lord of glory. This is the amazing thing about the work of God in Christ. Even those who participated in His crucifixion could only be saved because of His crucifixion. What an amazing demonstration of the wisdom of God in Christ.

Life application: Never underestimate the hardness of the human heart. Those who reject Christ are at enmity with God. Even knowing who Jesus is and what He did for us, many hate Him all the more. Be ready to defend your faith, proclaim it boldly, and sometimes to do so many times. With witness, prayer, and perseverance even the hardest heart may soften.

Heavenly Father, my prayer today is for those who have heard of Your immense love in the giving of Your Son and who have yet to receive this beautiful gift. Help me to be a strong witness of the great change that can take place in even the hardest heart. Be glorified in calling them to Yourself through Jesus. This is my prayer to You this day. Amen.

Friday, 11 April 2014

But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory… 1 Corinthians 2:7

“But” is given to contrast “the wisdom of this age” and also “the rulers of this age” which he had just mentioned. Those so noted are, despite their high status now, those “who are coming to nothing.” Many arguments and philosophies come and go which attempt to answer how we got here, why we are here, what our purpose is, and even how we can control our surroundings and our destiny. But without including God in the equation, the ruminations are futile and ultimately lack true wisdom because they lack the final answers. Understanding this, Paul says “But…”

On the other hand, and completely different from their futile contemplations, “we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery.” As noted in the preceding verse, “we” is speaking of the true believer in Christ. It is not speaking of the “mature” in Christ, nor the “learned” in Christ, but all Christians. This is because all Christians possess the necessary starting point and finishing point of all wisdom – Jesus Christ, the incarnate Word. This then is not referring to “deep knowledge” but simply the gospel message which Paul has been referring to all along and which is summed up in verse 2:2 – “For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.”

It is true that there is much deep and intellectual study which can be obtained from the Bible and the many disciplines it reveals, but every one of those disciplines finds its true meaning and fullness in Christ. Apart from Jesus, the most intellectual person on earth can pick up the Bible and find interesting things – interesting patterns of many sorts for example, but they cannot be properly understood without knowing Christ personally.

Because of this, Paul calls it “the wisdom of God in a mystery.” A “mystery” in the Bible is something that was once concealed, but is now revealed. It is not something attainable only to certain enlightened people, but something which is attainable to all who are found in Christ; that Christ died for our sins and was resurrected for our justification.

This truth is “the hidden wisdom of God ordained before the ages for our glory.” And this is the “mystery” which is rejected by those who think that they have all of the great answers available without God. They become so blinded by their own intellect, power, understanding, or nobility that they cannot see the work of Jesus for what it truly is. And thus, they are excluded from the wisest information of all. And yet, it is wisdom that truly even a young child can grasp. This wisdom from God turns the world upside down. This is the wisdom from God which Paul speaks of.

Life application: Don’t get sidetracked by folks who use Paul’s terminology concerning the wisdom of God to place themselves above others as if they have secrets others can’t perceive. Paul always brings his theology back to the cross of Jesus Christ. If you have this knowledge, and have accepted Jesus’ work based on it, then you have the most important knowledge of all.

Lord, I know that big computers can track my every phone call, my every text and email, and even my location. If a crummy machine made by man can do this, how much more You, who created all things, must know about me – my every fault, my heart’s desire, my thoughts in the night. It is both terrifying and uplifting at the same time. Apart from You there must be terror at such knowledge. In Christ, You have washed away the bad and are attentive to the needs. My God! How great You are.  Thank You for Jesus who covers my sin and reconciles me to You. Amen.

Thursday, 10 April 2014

However, we speak wisdom among those who are mature, yet not the wisdom of this age, nor of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. 1 Corinthians 2:6

Verse 6 begins with “However.” This is given to contrast his preceding argument which encompassed verses 1-5. Without words that were persuasive or which contain merely human wisdom, he notes that “we speak wisdom among those who are mature.” The “we” is specifically speaking of the apostles, but it is inclusive of the body of believers. This is certain because in verse 10, he will use the term “us” when speaking about spiritual matters revealed to the body. He will continue with the use of “we” and “us” throughout the chapter. What is available to Paul, is also available to all in the body – it is the knowledge of God revealed in Jesus Christ.

This wisdom is “among those who are mature.” What he is implying is that what we know as believers is more mature than all of the other heady knowledge of the world which he has been speaking about. He has relayed to us the various wisdoms which people hold to. The first was the wisdom of the Greeks which relied on the philosophic disciplines, mentioned in 1:22. Next in 2:7, he mentioned the “wisdom of God” which is the message he preached. And now, in this verse he speaks of the “wisdom of this age.”

There are intellectual wisdoms, of which there is nothing wrong in knowing, but they are wisdoms which are futile when devoid of the truth of God. Only when those wisdoms are combined with a knowledge of our Creator do they become true wisdom. As the Bible states on several occasions, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 9:10). This is why Paul says that the message of the gospel is for those “who are mature.” It is the highest type of knowledge because it gives the highest form of understanding to all things. The reason for every “what” or “why” is ultimately found in God. Apart from Him, there is always going to be a disconnect to the final resolution of any intellectual matter.

Therefore, the gospel is “not the wisdom of this age.” It is a wisdom which transcends time and goes directly to the mind of God. It is something which cannot be found in the thoughts “of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing.” These people, the “rulers of this age,” implies anyone who bears a high degree of intellectual knowledge, but which is devoid of God. If we were to equate them to people of today, we would call them the “evolutionists,” the “global warming scientists,” the “big-bang theorists,” and etc.

These are people who are working on agendas which have removed God from the picture. They are pursuing knowledge, but doing so without including the ultimate reason for all that has or will happen. And therefore, there findings will always “come to nothing.” In the end, without considering God as the “first Cause” there can be no foundation for how things started or where they will end.

Life application: The universe didn’t create itself. If it did, it would have had to exist before it existed; a logical contradiction. This is the type of stupidity which the “rulers of this age” must rely on in order to deny God. Have a little faith, use a little common sense, and be assured that God created, God sustains, and God will keep His promises to those whom He has called.

Lord God, I see Your hand in everything around me. The beauty of the flower from bud to bloom; the intelligence of the bee as it gathers its nectar; the marvel of the rain cycle which nourishes the earth; the intricately balanced spin of the universe and all it contains… wisdom! This is what I see as I behold Your creation – wisdom. I stand in awe of Your greatness. Amen.

Wednesday, 9 April 2014

…that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.1 Corinthians 2:5

In the preceding verse Paul spoke of his speech and preaching. When he came to those at Corinth, it wasn’t with “persuasive words of human wisdom.” Instead he came with a “demonstration of the Spirit and of power.” Now in this verse he explains why – it was for the benefit of his audience. If he came preaching with eloquence and the wisdom of men, they would have been swayed to him and to a message which was devoid of the gospel. But in order to show that his words were to glorify God, he kept them directed to the message of Jesus.

When we hear a message and are swayed by it, we place our faith in it. If we hear a great presentation about the newest product that will help us lose weight, we are bound to put our faith in what we’ve heard and buy the product. If we hear a politician with an ear-tickling message of wealth and prosperity, we may put our faith in him and cast our vote for him.

Whatever the presentation, if it is smooth and properly targeted, we may exercise our faith in what has been said and accept the premise. People do it with products, people, and even religions – all regardless of whether the message is true or not. This is the reason why Paul wrote these words in Galatians 1:6-9 –

“I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed.”

In his words to the Galatians, he uses the term “we or an angel from heaven.” Paul was an apostle. Should another apostle come with another message, it is to be rejected. Only the message of the true gospel is acceptable. This is important because even today many claim to be apostles, and yet their message isn’t directed to Jesus. The Bible is written and we are accountable to compare what we hear with the words which have been written.

Angels are considered authoritative speakers who carry heavenly messages. Both Islam and Mormonism claim their message was received by angels. And yet both of them proclaim a message other than the one recorded in the Bible and therefore they cannot be of God. Unfortunately, many are swept up into these false religions because they don’t check with the Bible.

Only through the one true message of Jesus Christ can we avoid falling into a pit of false religion. In the gospel, however, is found the true “power of God.” When the message is received, the believer is sealed with the Holy Spirit and the soul is converted to everlasting life. Paul speaks of this again in 2 Corinthians 4:7 –

“But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us.”

Life Application: Test all things and hold fast to what is good. Stand firmly on the truth of the Bible and in the gospel of Jesus Christ alone.

Lord, there are so many people who claim they have seen a vision, heard from an angel, or been taken to heaven and given a tour of glory. But me,,, I have Your word. That is sufficient for me. I know that if I keep my eyes directed to its words, my mind contemplating its truths, and my heart directed to Jesus, whom it proclaims, that I will be in good shape. Keep me from being misdirected from the truth of Your word. Amen.

Tuesday, 8 April 2014

And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power… 1 Corinthians 2:4

Still building on his previous three verses, Paul continues with his manner of personal delivery of the message he brought to Corinth. The fact that he has spoken about himself and continues to in this verse in this way will be explained in the verses ahead, but it’s obviously important that he reminds them of it in order to ensure that they mentally go back and see the truth of what he is saying.

And so, in his continued thought he says that “my speech and preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom.” His “speech” would include his private conversations and his witnessing to individuals, etc. When he sat and spoke together with others, he didn’t try to bamboozle them with a lot of overly-intellectual words. His “preaching” would be his public discourses. Whether preaching to an entire group, or standing on a street corner proclaiming Christ, he kept his message simple, concise, and clear.

In fact, in both his private and public speaking, it was “not with persuasive words of human wisdom.” When cooing a potential spouse, we may use words we wouldn’t use towards a general friend. When trying to sell a product, the salesman will talk in an excited manner about the product and not leave a chance for interruptions. When a politician speaks, it is unheard of for them to give negative impressions about themselves; instead they act as if they are the epitome of integrity and capability.

In these, and many other such instances, we use “human wisdom” to effect a change in those we are targeting. The silver-tongued young man wants to obtain the lovely bride; the industrious salesman wants to be promoted and get his commissions; and the politician desires to be in his position of authority. Because there are external motivators, crafty speech of human design is employed. But Paul rejected this method when presenting the gospel to others.

Instead, he came to them “in demonstration of the Spirit and of power.” His words, unlike the eager lover, may have had words directly cutting to the heart of the listener – “You have violated God’s law.” His words, unlike the salesman, may have had words which would normally blow a sale – “Without Jesus, you cannot be saved.” And, his words unlike the politician, may have had thoughts which were self-debasing – “I too am a sinner, like you. I rely solely on the merits of Jesus Christ my Lord.”

In any words he spoke, his thoughts would have been contrary to what one would expect to obtain the desired results when dealing in non-spiritual related matters. But in the case of the gospel, it is the Spirit who authored Scripture; it is the Spirit who gives the plan of salvation; and it is the Spirit who calls the lost soul to come and be saved. Paul’s words were in line with the Spirit’s intent for those who would hear and believe and they were filled with the power to save.

As he writes in Romans 1:16 – ” For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.”

Life application: Marilyn McCoo, once a member of the pop band the Fifth Dimension, had been presented the message of Jesus on several occasions, but to no avail. Then someone brought the Bible along when they talked to her. In showing her the Word of God and allowing her to look at it directly, she saw in it the wisdom of God and the power of God; she was converted. When witnessing, stick to the gospel and stick to what the Spirit has provided. He will affect His purposes without us getting in the way.

Lord God, please help me to remember that Your word has the power to change hearts and bring lost souls back to You. Keep me from getting so caught up in the wisdom of the world that I forget to simply use what You have already given to tell folks about Jesus. In your word is the all the wisdom I need to tell others the wondrous message of Christ. May Your word and Your Spirit work in them – to Your glory. Amen.