Focal Passage: 1 Corinthians 2:1-16
Although we possess an unprecedented amount of knowledge, our world faces a drought of the wisdom that shows us what to do with that knowledge. Inventors had the knowledge to produce breakthrough items like the Edsel automobile and clear Pepsi, but they lacked the wisdom to understand that people wouldn’t buy them. If man isn’t always wise with the works of his hands, how can his wisdom produce the way to eternal life? In Paul’s day people praised the persuasive speeches of refined orators, but he warned that they could only produce a faith that rests “on the wisdom of men” (1 Corinthians 2:5a). James described such wisdom as the work of the devil.
Godly wisdom is rooted in the Holy Spirit’s unveiling of the gospel in the lives of believers. Although God’s messengers are weak, they proclaim the Word in fear and trembling knowing the gospel is the power of God for salvation (Romans 1:16). While human wisdom led men to crucify Christ, God’s wisdom brought the fulfillment of His predestined plan to save sinners by faith in the revelation of the mystery of salvation through Jesus Christ. The same Holy Spirit who produced the new birth in us continues to search our hearts and minds and reveal God’s wisdom for our lives. Human wisdom leads people in numerous directions.
God’s wisdom is eternal and does not change. For example, human wisdom states that many paths lead to God even if He only exists in our minds. Consequently, no one is wrong and no one is right! God’s wisdom continues to reveal salvation by grace alone, through faith alone, in Jesus Christ alone. Several years ago Albert Mohler was featured on Larry King Live as the conservative evangelical view of salvation. As he continually stood on the gospel, a rabbi told him he sounded like a broken record. A few days later Dr. Mohler’s Sunday School class presented him with a framed broken gold record because he preached nothing but Jesus Christ and Him crucified. Wherever God leads His children, He never leads them away from the gospel.