1 Corinthians 2:6–10 (NKJV)
“We Speak Wisdom”
(Hidden Wisdom)
March 12, 2023
To interpret this passage correctly one must first understand some of the historical reasons why Paul wrote to the church at Corinth. Plagued with denominational politics, doctrinal disputes and liturgical preferences, one should not be surprised that this letter was addressed to the spiritual babes at the church of Corinth (3:1-2). Living in one of the most prosperous cities in the ancient world, one that prided itself on their lavish lifestyles and tolerance to new ideas, had a profound effect on church unity amongst those who embraced the divergent thoughts of both the Roman and Jewish cultures. Surrounded by numerous pagan religions meant that Christianity was constantly being challenged by the philosophers of their age. To make matters worse factions formed that gave their allegiance either to Peter, Paul, or Apollos. While the church of Corinth could boast that they were materially rich, they remained spiritually immature because they had given into the influences that did not know the truth concerning the Son of God, our savior, Jesus Christ.
I. The Mature (v.6) – “we speak wisdom among those who are mature” Salvation was planned and purchased by our God before the foundations of the world were formed. The message of the Cross is simple enough for the illiterate to understand, believe, and be saved. But it is also so profound that the most brilliant theologian cannot fathom its depths. There is a “wisdom of God” in the Gospel that challenges the keenest intellect. However, this wisdom is not for the masses of lost sinners, nor is it for the immature believers. “we speak wisdom among those who are mature” It is for the mature believers who are growing in their understanding of the Word of God. The KJV says, among the “perfect” and that means among the “mature.” 1 Corinthians 1:18 says, “To those perishing in their sins, the message of the cross remains either a stumbling block or foolishness but to those who are born again it is the Power of God.” Paul tells the saints that they have been on milk too long and it’s time for some solid food. Here is some solid food for the mature - God’s wisdom is Christ crucified! Jesus lived, that He might die, that He might live again! We speak wisdom, and it was hidden from them that He should be offered up as the perfect, blameless, unspotted sacrifice for our sins. And before we think we figured this out on our own, Jesus said, “You did not choose me, but I chose you, and appointed you…” John 15:16.
II. The Mystery (v.7) – “a hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages!” He teaches that, “if the rulers of this age knew, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory!” A mystery is a truth hidden in past ages but now revealed to the people of God. When Jesus prayed on the cross, “Father, forgive them: for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34), He was echoing this truth. Their ignorance did not excuse their sin, because every evidence had been given by the Lord and they should have believed. Satan thought that Calvary was God’s great defeat; but it turned out to be God’s greatest victory and Satan’s defeat! (Colossians 2:15) From the time of our Lord’s birth into this world, Satan had tried to kill Him, because Satan did not fully understand the vast results of Christ’s death and resurrection. On Friday evil rejoiced because they did not know that Sunday was coming! Jesus publicly said , "Tear down this Temple, and in three days I will build it again" and He said, “as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the whale; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.” But the mystery of God’s salvation had not been revealed to them, for their eyes did not see, and their ears did not hear! But we speak wisdom, because God has predestined us… through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of His will!
III. The Message (v.9) - "Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for those who love Him." Quoted from Isaiah 64:4. The context is Israel in captivity, awaiting God’s deliverance. The nation had sinned and had been exiled to Babylon. They cried out to God that He would deliver them, and He told them it would be after seventy years of exile. Even while disciplining them, God had plans for His people! Jeremiah 29:10 For thus says the Lord: After seventy years are completed at Babylon, I will visit you and perform My good word toward you and cause you to return to this place. For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. I will be found by you, says the LORD… Paul applied this principle to the church. Our future is secure in Jesus, no matter what our circumstances may be. In fact, God’s plans for His own are so complete that our minds cannot begin to comprehend them! “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” saith the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:7 AND in God’s plan, He has chosen us to reveal His divine mystery! Colossians 1:27 says, “…God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” God has chosen us to reveal to the world this message, “Christ in you is the hope of glory!” Without Jesus there is no hope of glory. That is the message! That is the revealed mystery! Paul concludes our lesson with the words, “For the Spirit searcheth all things, yes, the deep things of God.” We can know the deep things of God by the power of His Holy Spirit! If God does not reveal Himself to us, we cannot know God. But Paul taught the Philippians that the plan of God is that we can know Him and the power of His Resurrection! The Message, the Hope of Glory, Christ in Us, is always about His Resurrection! Because He lives, I can face tomorrow! Because He lives, all fear is gone! Because I know He holds the future. And life is worth the living just because he lives.
