City Life Starter

The Word: 1 Corinthians 2:6-9 Amplified:

6 Yet we do speak wisdom among those spiritually mature [believers who have teachable hearts and a greater understanding]; but [it is a higher] wisdom not [the wisdom] of this present age nor of the rulers and leaders of this age, who are passing away; 7 but we speak God’s wisdom in a mystery, the wisdom once hidden [from man, but now revealed to us by God, that wisdom] which God predestined before the ages to our glory [to lift us into the glory of His presence]. 8 None of the rulers of this age recognized and understood this wisdom; for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory; 9 but just as it is written [in Scripture],

“Things which the eye has not seen and the ear has not heard,

And which have not entered the heart of man,

All that God has prepared for those who love Him [who hold Him in affectionate reverence, who obey Him, and who gratefully recognize the benefits that He has bestowed].”  

Proverbs 4:5-9 (NLT):

5 Get wisdom; develop good judgment.

   Don’t forget my words or turn away from them.

6 Don’t turn your back on wisdom, for she will protect you.

   Love her, and she will guard you.

7 Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do!

   And whatever else you do, develop good judgment.

8 If you prize wisdom, she will make you great.

   Embrace her, and she will honor you.

9 She will place a lovely wreath on your head;

   she will present you with a beautiful crown.”

By Aisha Darwesh

Today’s verses highlight the beauty and mystery of God’s wisdom, which is quite unlike and far greater than the wisdom of this age. As Blesson explains in yesterday’s devotional, Paul begins 1 Corinthians 2 by stating that he did not appeal to the Corinthians with eloquence of speech or human wisdom, but with God’s power. In fact, it was because Paul plainly taught the message of Christ crucified, that God’s power was put on display and the Lord was glorified despite Paul’s “weakness” or “fear and much trembling” (1 Cor. 2:3).

The reason Paul didn’t need to rely on human wisdom was because he was trusting in the wisdom of God, which is far superior. Paul explains in verse 7 that the wisdom of God was once hidden, but has now been revealed to us by God’s Spirit. He goes on to state “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.” (v. 9).

In other words, the things which no one has perceived (seen or heard) or conceived (imagined) are revealed to us by God’s Spirit, who searches all things, even the depths of God (v. 10). What an honor! To have access to this kind of wisdom is truly miraculous.

What a comfort it is to know that godly wisdom is available to mature believers. The Amplified translation defines mature believers as those who have “teachable hearts and a greater understanding.

Application

You may be wondering, “Godly wisdom sounds great for mature believers, but how can I become a mature believer and get wisdom?”

Good question. Proverbs 4 illuminates the path to spiritual maturity and godly wisdom: “If you prize wisdom, she will make you great. Embrace her, and she will honor you” (v. 8).

From the above verse, we see that wisdom is to be prized and embraced. These are relational terms which gives us a clue that godly wisdom comes through relationship. In fact, it is only because of our relationship with Christ that God’s Spirit dwells within us, giving us the access to godly wisdom at any given moment.

If you are currently reading this devotional, that is a pretty good sign that you are hungry for the Word of God and want to draw closer to the Lord. As you continue in your walk with Christ, be encouraged that He dwells within you and is giving you strength for everything you’re facing. If you have a problem that you don’t know how to solve with human wisdom, you can rest assured that problem is no match for God’s wisdom. He can take care of it. And you need only to draw close to Him, ask, and embrace His wisdom.

Prayer: Ephesians 1:17-23

17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength 20 he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. 22 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.