Scripture: However, we do speak a wisdom among the mature, but not a wisdom of this age, or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. On the contrary, we speak God’s hidden wisdom in a mystery, a wisdom God predestined before the ages for our glory. 1 Corinthians 2:6-7
Observation: As a continuation of his discussion on the right preaching of "Christ crucified", Paul discusses the role of wisdom. Wisdom - human wisdom - does not understand God nor the purpose of the Messiah, and therefore Paul did not introduce a wisdom-based debate when he was in Corinth. However, Paul says he does know wise things and has deep understanding, and in the area of the wisdom of God's salvation he calls this a "hidden wisdom in a mystery".
Through the Holy Spirit, the wisdom of the Messiah - mystery predestined even before history - is now understood and can be discussed with "the mature". This will become the core challenge for Paul in this letter ... attempting teach these things to the Corinthians yet holding back due to their lack of spiritual maturity.
Application: It is again this topic of the "mysteries" that strikes me, as Paul introduces the master and most basic element of Christian faith - Christ crucified - as the 'master mystery' if you will. This is the hidden wisdom, predestined since pre-recorded time, yet unknown and unrevealed until its time. All other mysteries of justification, repentance, sanctification, behavior, gifts, and love are subject to this issue of primacy - salvation by faith in the death and resurrection of Jesus.
This mystery is at the core of my thoughts when I know I do not understand God, yet I believe in him and trust in his love, mercy, and promises. The full implications of this mystery cannot, I believe, be fully revealed to us, and thus must always contain an element of faith. As with most mysteries, even after explained, key components still cannot be known even though the observed outcomes can be described.
In other words ... behaviors can be corrected, justification can be taught, spiritual gifts can be listed, repentance can be required, love can be defined, sanctification can be celebrated ... yet God's ways can be misunderstood and his will unknown.
Prayer: Dear Lord, I do pray for my friends at Alpha. I believe there are tender hearts in our midst, and they need your love to be real. They need a little bit of understanding, though they may never even see there exists a deeper mystery. Please start with your love. Reveal your deep love for each of them, in a manner that they see, trust, embrace, receive, and acknowledge. Amen.
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