Read 1 Corinthians 2:6-3:4.

Introduction⤒🔗

One of the themes of the old movie Mission Impossible was the effort of the U.S. government agent to break the code and gain access to the terrorists’ computer files. Not only in the movies, but also in everyday life, computer technology holds a vast reservoir of valuable information, but it is only available to you if you know how to access it.

Likewise, God desires to impart His wisdom to us, but it will remain inaccessible to us so long as we are operating on a natural level like the men of the world. Because the wisdom of God is spiritual in nature and is not of this world, we can only access that wisdom by spiritual means.

To Access the Wisdom of God, You Must Develop Spiritual Maturity←⤒🔗

In 1 Corinthians 2:6, the Apostle Paul assures the Corinthians, especially those who were enamored with the wisdom of this world, that he also speaks wisdom. However, the wisdom the apostle speaks is “not of this [present] age.” It is not the type of wisdom found in this world and taught by the intellectuals of this world. The basic premise of their wisdom taught that “man is the measure [or, the center] of all things.” Such was the explicit teaching of the Greek philosophers. But in contrast to this view, consider the biblical view as presented by the Apostle Paul in Romans 11:36. Speaking of the Lord God, Paul declares, “from him and through him and unto him are all things; to him be the glory forever. Amen.” True wisdom, the wisdom derived from God, is God-centered.

As Proverbs 9:10 declares, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” The Hebrew word translated, “beginning” ( אר ֹ שׁ ), has a dual meaning. There is the meaning, “starting point,” or “beginning;” and with this sense of the word we are being told that the fear of the LORD is the attitude or spirit that is necessary for one to have if he is to attain any true knowledge. The other meaning of the word is “chief part.” Here we learn that when all is said and done, the chief part, the essence, of knowledge is summed up in this one thing, namely, the fear of the LORD. So understood, this proverb, which is the major theme of the entire book, is informing us that the fear of the LORD is the beginning and end of knowledge, indeed, it is the meaning of life. This fundamental truth expressed in the Book of Proverbs is further expounded at the conclusion of the Book of Ecclesiastes (12:13): “This is the conclusion of the matter; all has been heard: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.”

This is not to say that man is to live his life in abject fear of God; on the contrary, in the light of the fullness of Scripture, it means that life is meant to be God-centered, as opposed to being man-centered. In the words of the Westminster Shorter Catechism, Question and Answer #1, What is the chief end of man? Man’s chief end is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.

Indeed, this wisdom of which Paul speaks in 1 Corinthians, is not only not derived from this world, it does not pertain to this world, Indeed, it is “God’s wisdom” (vs. 7); it is not only a wisdom that is centered on God, it is also a wisdom that pertains to the transcendent kingdom of God. Furthermore, this divine wisdom “[has been cloaked] in mystery.” Because it relates to the transcendent kingdom of God it is mysterious to us as we still live in this present earthly realm. It is not fully clear and completely comprehensible to us in our present state, note 1 Corinthians 13:12, “At present we see an obscure image in a mirror, but then [we will see] face to face. At present I know [things] partially; but then I will know fully, just as I am fully known.”

This divine spiritual wisdom has been and continues to be “hidden,” or, “stored away,” as is indicated by the use of the perfect tense of the Greek verb (αποκειμαι); this is a wisdom that is hidden from the world and inaccessible to the world (note vs. 8-9). The world, in its sinful man-centered orientation and estrangement from God, cannot comprehend nor appreciate this wisdom that is derived from God and centered on God. Indeed, the Apostle Paul is speaking about a wisdom that is so awesome, belonging to a different, higher realm, that it can only truly be comprehended and appreciated by those who are spiritually mature: “we...speak wisdom among the mature” (vs. 6a). This divine wisdom can be discussed with spiritually mature Christians, for they, due to their greater degree of maturity in Christ, have a greater capacity to receive it.

What are the characteristics of spiritual maturity, which are needed if one is to comprehend the wisdom of God? The apostle presents those necessary characteristics in 1 Corinthians 3:1-4. Paul begins by informing the Corinthians that on an earlier occasion he could not address them as spiritually mature Christians, he had to address them as “worldly men, as infants in Christ.” They were spiritually immature; they were still “worldly,” (literally, “fleshly,” the Greek term used here is σαρκινοs, pronounced, sarkinos). In verse three, Paul laments the fact that the Corinthians are “still worldly,” (literally, “of the flesh,” the Greek term used this time is σαρκικοs, pronounced, sarkikos).

Since the time they were exposed to the gospel and initially put their faith in Christ, the Corinthians have not been maturing and growing in the grace and knowledge of Christ. The evidence of their spiritual immaturity, the evidence of the fact that they are “still worldly,” (that they are still “of the flesh”), is their attitude and conduct towards one another. Their lives were filled with “jealousy and quarreling,” which created factions among them (vs. 4). Such attitudes are listed among “the works of the flesh;” the works of the sinful human nature, and are contrary to the fruit produced by the Holy Spirit, note Galatians 5:19-23a,

Now the works of the sinful nature [literally, “the works of the flesh”] are obvious: fornication, moral impurity, wantonness, ²⁰idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, quarreling, jealousies, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions, ²¹envy, drunkenness, orgies, and [other] such things. I warn you, as I did before, that those who practice such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. ²²But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering, kindness, goodness, faith, ²³meekness, self-control.

The Word of God defines spiritual maturity not in terms of biblical and theological knowledge, but in terms of Christ-like character.

As noted, Paul uses two distinct words to describe the past and the present spiritual immaturity of these Corinthian Christians. In verse one he uses the term, σαρκινοs, which we might translate, “fleshly,” or, “worldly in thinking.” He is here describing what we might call the natural immaturity of a young Christian, something he must grow out of as he develops spiritually. In verse three he uses the term, σαρκικοs, which we might translate, “of the flesh,” or, “worldly minded.” Here the apostle is describing what we might call the unnatural immaturity or inconsistency of an older Christian, something of which he must repent. These verses are contrasting the old mentality that still clings to a newly converted Christian (vs. 1) with an older Christian who is still clinging to the old mentality of this world (vs. 3). Note: There is actually little or no difference in the meaning of these two Greek words (σαρκινοs and σαρκικοs); it is the context in which they are used that determines their significance.

In order to access the wisdom of God, we must develop spiritual maturity. To continue in a state of spiritual immaturity is not only debilitating, it is also dangerous to the welfare of the spiritual life. By way of illustration, it is like being on board the ship of Christ’s salvation, but reaching overboard and still holding onto the dock of this worldly life with its mentality. As the ship hoists anchor, you must let go of the dock or else you will be pulled out of the ship. Let us take careful note of such a passage as Colossians 3:5-9,12-15,

Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. ⁶Because of these things, the wrath of God is coming. ⁷You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. ⁸But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. ⁹Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices... ¹²Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. ¹³Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. ¹⁴And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. ¹⁵Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

To Access the Wisdom of God, You Must Rely upon the Holy Spirit←⤒🔗

In verse nine, Paul is alluding to several Old Testament Scriptures:

Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, [the One] who acts on behalf of those who wait for him. Isa. 64:4

Behold, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind. Isa. 65:17

How great is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you, which you bestow...on those who take refuge in you.Psl. 31:19

He alludes to these passages in order to emphasize the fact that the things of God, though inaccessible to the world, have been prepared for those who love God.

According to verse ten, the things God has prepared for His people He also reveals to His people, and He reveals these things to us by His Holy Spirit: “God has revealed these things to us by the Spirit; for the Spirit fathoms all things, even the deep things of God. ¹¹Who among men knows the thoughts of [another] man, except that man’s [own] spirit that is within him? In the same way, no one knows the things of God, except the Spirit of God” (vs. 10b-12). Just as no one but the individual himself knows the thoughts of his heart, so only the Spirit of God knows the mind of God (vs. 11). Because God wants to share His heart and plans with His people, He has given us the Holy Spirit to communicate the things of God to us (vs. 12).

Paul goes on the write: “We also speak these things; [although we do] not [use] words taught by human wisdom, rather, [we use words] taught by the Spirit, expounding spiritual things with spiritual [words]” (vs. 13). It is the Holy Spirit who has communicated this spiritual wisdom to Christ’s apostles, who in turn have communicated it to the church; actually, it is Christ Himself communicating by the Holy Spirit through His apostles. Now, by means of the completed Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, the Holy Spirit imparts the things of God to church.

But, the sacred things of God that the Spirit imparts to the people of God, these very things are rejected by the “natural” man: “the natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, because they are foolishness to him; indeed, he cannot know them, because they require spiritual comprehension” (vs. 14). The natural man, the unconverted man who belongs to this world with its outlook and mentality, does not receive the things imparted by the Spirit of God: they are foolishness to him because they are outside and beyond the scope of his natural, earthly comprehension. By way of illustration, you cannot appreciate the values of a foreign culture unless you learn the language and live among the people.

But “he who is spiritual,” i.e. the Christian, and in particular, the spiritually mature Christian, “comprehends all things’ (vs. 15a). That is to say, the Christian has insight into, and some degree of understanding, with regard to the things of God. But the spiritual man himself is comprehended, or understood, by no one (vs. 15b). The more deeply you become connected to the life of Christ and the things of God, the more of an enigma you will become to the people of this world. Note, for example, the commentary offered by the Apostle Peter. Speaking of the pagans’ view of the Christian’s moral abstinence, he writes, “They think it strange that you do not plunge with them into the same flood of dissipation, and they heap abuse on you” (1 Pet. 4:4).

Our Lord Jesus declared, “The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone who has been born by the Spirit” (Jn. 3:8). What makes the Christian an enigma to the world is the fact that “we have the mind of Christ” (vs. 16). We know and share in the thoughts and plans and purposes of Christ our Savior. Note John 15:15, where the Lord Jesus informs His disciples, “I no longer call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing. But I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father.”

In verse seven, we are given a glimpse into the wisdom of God imparted to us by Christ and revealed to us by the Holy Spirit in the Scriptures. The apostle here speaks about “the wisdom that God ordained...for our glory.” Perhaps a better rendering of the Greek preposition, Eιs, in this context would be “concerning.” Thus, Paul is speaking about “the wisdom that God ordained...concerning our glory.” The wisdom of God to which the Apostle Paul is referring is God’s plan to bring His people into His own divine glory. With regard to our future state, the Lord Jesus Christ testifies, “On that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you” (Jn. 14:20). Consider, too, the promise the Lord makes to His people in Revelation 3:21, “To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne.” This is at least part of what it means when Scripture tells us that the redeemed have been called by God “for the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Thess. 2:14).

The physical reality of this future state with Christ is beyond our present comprehension. But the moral reality is even more awesome: it is the promise of sharing in the very glory and dominion of God, and doing so in a moral state that is totally purged of sinful pride and the sinful lust to exalt ourselves above others. But most awesome of all, is the revelation of the nature of God Himself: to those who are God-centered, acknowledging their obligation to submit themselves unto God our Creator and Lord, with those God shares His own divine glory.

In order to access the wisdom of God, we must rely upon the Holy Spirit. We must rely upon Him to give us greater enlightenment and understanding. We must rely upon Him to increase our ability to receive and appreciate the things of God. We must rely upon Him to transform us more and more into conformity with the life and purpose of God. We must bear in mind the testimony of the Psalmist, and ask the Holy Spirit to produce this same obedience in our own lives: “I understand more than the ancients, because I keep your precepts” (Psl. 119:100). The Lord Jesus declares, “If a man loves me, he will keep my word; and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and dwell with him” (Jn. 14:23).

Conclusion←⤒🔗

God desires to impart His wisdom to us, but that wisdom will be inaccessible to us so long as we are operating on a natural level like the men of this world.

Because the wisdom of God is spiritual in nature and not of this world, we can only access that divine wisdom by spiritual means; namely, by means of the Holy Spirit imparting to us by means of the Scriptures the mind of God and changing us more and more into the likeness of Christ.

Discussion Questions←⤒🔗

1. With regard to the world’s wisdom, what has God done? See 1 Cor. 1:20. Has mankind ever been reconciled to God and entered into a relationship of blessed fellowship with God by means of human wisdom? Has sinful, self-centered mankind, estranged from God, ever discerned the meaning of life? Note Eccl. 1:2/Eccl. 12:12,

Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God shown the wisdom of the world to be foolishness? 1 Cor. 1:20

'Vanity of vanities,' says the Preacher; 'Vanity of vanities, all is vanity.' Eccl. 1:2

And further, my son... Of making many books there is no end, and much study is wearisome to the flesh. Eccl. 12:12

The “making many books” indicates the futile effort to come to a definitive and true knowledge of the meaning of life and the essence of truth.

2. Whereas He shows the wisdom of the world to be foolishness, what kind of wisdom has God revealed to His redeemed? See 1 Cor. 2:7. What is “God’s wisdom,” (i.e. the wisdom derived from God and provided by God)? See Eccl. 12:13 and Rom. 11:36. Does the world comprehend that, in the words of the Westminster Shorter Catechism (Q/A #1), “the chief end [i.e. the chief purpose] of man is to glorify God [cf. Eccl. 12:13] and to enjoy Him forever” [cf. Rev. 22:3-4]?

...we speak God’s wisdom, [which has been cloaked] in mystery, the wisdom that has been hidden, which God ordained before the ages for our glory. 1 Cor. 2:7

This is the end of the matter; all hath been heard: Fear God, and keep his commandments; for this is the whole duty of man. Eccl. 12:13

...of him, and through him, and unto him, are all things: to whom be glory forever. Amen. Rom. 11:36

This is the end of the matter; all hath been heard: Fear God, and keep his commandments; for this is the whole duty of man. Eccl. 12:13

There shall no longer be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb shall be there, and his servants shall serve him. ⁴They shall see his face, and his name [shall be written] on their foreheads. Rev. 22:3-4

3. What is the ultimate purpose and outcome of this divine wisdom? See 1 Cor. 2:7c. How is this further explained in Scripture? See 1 Thess. 2:12; 2 Thess. 2:14; 1 Pet. 2:9. In comparison to the Christian’s destiny, how would you evaluate all that the world holds dear and for which it strives? In the final analysis, is any of it worth their endeavor?

...we speak God’s wisdom, [which has been cloaked] in mystery, the wisdom that has been hidden, which God ordained before the ages for our glory. 1 Cor. 2:7

...have a walk [i.e. a lifestyle] that is worthy of God who call you into his own kingdom and glory. 1 Thess. 2:12

...[God] called you by our gospel for the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.2 Thess. 2:14

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people appointed to be [God’s] own possession, so that you might display the virtues of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 1 Pet. 2:9

4. To whom does God expound upon this wisdom, explaining more of its richness and its ramifications? See 1 Cor. 2:6a; note, also, Prov. 2:6-8. Can a Christian be content to remain in a state of spiritual immaturity; is it safe to do so? What is one reason for which the Lord has provided Christian pastors and teachers? Note Eph. 4:14. What is the Lord’s intention for us? See 2 Pet. 3:18a. How do we grow towards greater spiritual maturity? Note 1 Pet. 2:2-3. Are you availing yourself of the ministry of the Word of God, both by the reading of the Word on a daily basis, as well as the pastoral teaching of the Word?

We do, however, speak wisdom among the mature; but not a wisdom that belongs to this [present] age, nor to the rulers of this age who are passing away. 1 Cor. 2:6

...the LORD gives wisdom. Out of his mouth comes knowledge and understanding. ⁷He stores up sound wisdom for the upright [so that it might be] a shield for those who walk in integrity; ⁸so that he may guard the paths of justice and protect the way of his saints.Prov. 2:6-8

Notice that “sound wisdom” is “stored up,” reserved for and revealed to the “upright,” those who live for Christ and grow in their relationship with Him.

...he gave pastors and teacher] in order that we should no longer be children, being tossed back and forth and being blown about by every wind of doctrine by the cunning of men [working] in craftiness for [the sake of] the deceit [inherent] in error. Eph. 4:14

...grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 2 Pet. 3:18

...earnestly desire the pure spiritual milk, like new born infants, so that by it you may grow in your salvation; ³if you have tasted [and found] that the LORD is good.1 Pet. 2:2-3

5. How are the spiritually immature defined? See 1 Cor. 3:1, 3b. What is an example of spiritual immaturity? See 1 Cor. 3:4. The realization, and application to life, of what great truth is an evidence of spiritual maturity? Note 1 Cor. 3:21-23. Are you maturing in the Lord; does your perspective on life testify to growing maturity; or, to spiritual immaturity?

Yet, brothers, I was not able to address you as spiritual [men]; [I had to address you] as worldly [men], as infants in Christ. ²I fed you with milk, not with solid food; for you were not yet able to receive it. Indeed, you are still not able [to receive it]; 'for you are still worldly. Since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly and are you not [living] like men? 1 Cor. 3:1-3

When one says, I belong to Paul; and another says, I belong to Apollos; are you not [worldly] men? 1 Cor. 3:4

So then, let no one boast in men, for all things are yours. ²²Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all things are yours; ²³and you belong to Christ; and Christ belongs to God.1 Cor. 3:21-23