First Corinthians 2 Part 2 The Father Has Glorious Things Prepared For The Christian

May we bask in the glory of God's wisdom and beauty. 

1 Corinthians 2:6  Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: 

Paul speaks of Divine wisdom from God that is taught to those who are born again. 

When a man or woman is regenerated by the Holy Spirit, they are placed "in Christ." We are "perfect" or complete when we are in Christ. 

We have been given all spiritual blessings in Christ (See Ephesians 1:3). Our Father has given us all that we presently need and all that is required for eternal life with God in heaven. 

Thus, the believer is complete or "perfect" in Christ. 

Nothing but perfect truth from God as recorded in the scriptures is worthy to be called "wisdom." 

Each Christian must study the Word of God to see as best we can, all of the marvelous and sublime things that God has done for those who put their faith in Christ. 

As we gain a greater understanding and appreciation of all that God has done, is doing and has promised to us, we will glory in His wisdom. 

In contrast, the wisdom of this world is man centered and is the product of corrupt imaginations of unsaved men. 

The world's wisdom is flawed and will come to nothing. Counsels and plans of the powerful "princes" will fall apart. 

God hid His wisdom as a mystery according to His perfect purposes. 

1 Corinthians 2:7  But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: 

The Gospel of Jesus Christ had been hidden from the foundation of the world though it was put in place from the beginning to be revealed in the fullness of time.

This hidden wisdom regarding the gospel was ordained of God. He determined in eternity past to reveal it through the suffering, death, burial, resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ.  

It was a great honour Christ gave to the apostles, entrusting them with the revelation of His wisdom. 

It is a joyous blessing for Christians to have this glorious wisdom revealed to us by the scriptures and the ministry of the Holy Spirit. 

The word "glory" means a doxology of praise to Jehovah from the redeemed people of God who learn what God has done for us through His Son, Jesus Christ.

Hidden wisdom foiled the Devil's schemes.

1 Corinthians 2:8  Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. 

Paul then references corrupt rulers and Satan, the great enemy of God. 

The Devil did not know that Christ's death on the cross would bring about his downfall. 

Otherwise he would have fought against Christ going to the cross. He would have attempted to place many obstacles that would hinder Jesus from going to the cross.

But, the Devil did not know because God hid His marvelous wisdom so that it was not discoverable. 

There are many things which people would not do if they knew the wisdom of God in the great work of redemption. 

They willfully act as they do because they are blind or heedless. They do not know the truth, or will not obey it.

Satan is the prince of the power of the air.

Ephesians 2:2-3  Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: 3)  Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. 

In writing to the church at Ephesus, Paul tells us that the Devil is called the "prince of the power of the air."

He is the emissary of evil who unleashes a spirit of defiant disobedience into the world. 

All people are born spiritually dead, and are subjects in the Devil's kingdom. This is why sinners do such vile things. 

It is their nature, and every Christian used to be filled with the desires of our fleshly lusts and our wicked imagination, until the power of the gospel broke the chains of sin. 

The Devil governs rulers of darkness and evil principalities. 

Ephesians 6:11-12  Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12)  For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 

Paul pulls back the curtain so that we can learn about the unseen spiritual realm around us. 

We need to put on the whole armor of God because we are part of an ongoing spiritual warfare. 

The wiles of the Devil are schemes that he implements to oppose God and His redeemed people. 

Satan has set up an evil hierarchy of unseen principalities, powers and rulers of darkness to put his schemes and methods into action.

When Paul says that had the princes of this world known the wisdom of God they wouldn't have crucified the Lord, this is what he speaks of.

Satan and his evil agents thought they had achieved victory by their role in crucifying Jesus Christ. They thought the seed of the woman, the seed of David and the seed of Abraham was destroyed.

The glory of God's wisdom is that the suffering, death and resurrection of Christ was planned from eternity past. Thus, the resurrection of Jesus Christ crushed the serpent's plans.

Jesus Christ openly triumphed over the Devil's plan. 

Colossians 2:12-15  Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. 13)  And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; 14)  Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; 15)  And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it. 

Thus, when Jesus rose from the grave, He openly triumphed over sin, death, hell the grave and the Devil.

Redemption was secured, the good news of the gospel could be preached to the whole world. 

God has beautiful things prepared for those who love Him.

1 Corinthians 2:9  But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. 

Men may hear preaching of the Word with their outward ear. They may even read what God says with their own eyes but without the Spirit of God's mighty help, they are blind.

Only by the Holy Spirit's ministry to us and in us, can any man or woman perceive with their heart, the spiritual significance of God’s wisdom and mighty salvation.

The word translated "entered" means to rise up like plumes of smoke or to spring forth energetically, like a fountain of fresh water. 

When Divine truth "enters" our heart, it is because God's Spirit opened our eyes to receive His truth. 

Our Father has "prepared" such wonderful things for His children to learn. 

The word "prepared" refers to the custom of sending out workers to repair roads before a king travels on it. 

It is the idea of leveling out dips or high places, fixing holes and  making the road as smooth as possible for the king to travel on. 

Thus, our Father in heaven has made the way straight and smooth and accessible for us to receive in our hearts His living truth.

Psalm 31:19  Oh how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee; which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the sons of men! 

King David was overjoyed and in awe of Jehovah's grace and mercy poured out on him. 

The goodness of God toward those who trust Him, is unsurpassed. 

The treasures of wisdom and truth that He has in store for our benefit cannot be measured. 

Groaning from the depravity around us, waiting for Christ to return. 

Romans 8:22-23  For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. 23)  And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. 

The whole world is groaning under the curse of sin, awaiting Jesus Christ who will make a new heaven and a new earth.

Those who are born again and know Christ, also groan over the widespread depravity and perversion that contaminates our world. 

We are greatly longing for Jesus to return and set all things right again.

Waiting for Jesus to return with patient hope.

Romans 8:24-25  For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? 25)  But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it. 

Such groanings and growing longing for Christ to appear, is part of our hope. We have a sure, secure hope that cannot be derailed. 

This hope is for the future fulfillment of God's promises. Therefore, we wait patiently for the hope to be realized. 

We walk each day anticipating Christ's return and working for Him until He calls us home. 

The Father knows all and will make all things work out for good. 

Romans 8:26-28  Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27)  And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. 28)  And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. 

The indwelling Spirit of God helps us because we are often weak. He helps us when we struggle to pray aright. He intercedes for each one of us. 

The Holy Spirit searches out our hearts, and knows how to minister to us. 

Therefore, we have the utmost confidence that no matter what our circumstances are at a given moment in time, it will work together for our good and for God's glory.

Thus, we love God our Father and His Son the Lord Jesus Christ.  

May our hearts be filled with many praises to Jehovah for our salvation and for keeping His redemptive plan hidden until Jesus Christ completed all necessary things.

May our hearts be rejoicing because our Father is so good to us. 

Let us worship the Father because He has made the way smooth for us to receive His glorious gospel.

Bob