But We Have the Mind of Christ - Part 903

The apostle Paul wrote, "And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God, for I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified." (I Corinthians 2:1-2)

Although we often think of Paul as being an apostle who had it all together, we learn here that Paul was human -- just like you and I. In this particular example, note that when Paul preached the good news gospel of Jesus Christ and His kingdom, he would by his own admission preach to audience in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.

"And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power ... [so] that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. 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: but we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory."

Note that this was the same glory which "none of the princes of this world knew, for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory." (I Corinthians 2:8)

But because the princes of this world did not know who they crucified on the cross -- Jesus, the Lord of glory -- we have received His gift of salvation.  As a consequence, we who believe on His name can enter into His freedom, His mercy and His grace.

Moreover, to those that seek Jesus and His righteousness, He reveals the deeper understandings concerning the mystery of God by His Spirit ... for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. (I Corinthians 2:10)

Note that this does not justify current religious presentations that suggest that someone had a personal encounter or revelation from Jesus AFTER Jesus ascended in Acts chapter one. (For more on this, read the book of Acts). What it does suggest is that those who seek Jesus with all their heart, soul, mind and strength, will find the inner treasure their heart desires, and the Word will be opened to him or her so that the mystery of God can be understood.

God is not the author of confusion. For what man knows the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? Even so the things of God knows no man BUT the Spirit of God. When we receive Jesus into our lives -- not the spirit of the world -- but rather the spirit which is of God, we begin to know the things that are freely given to us from Him. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teaches, but which the Holy Ghost teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

This is why it is written, "Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for them that love Him." 

But this we do know. "For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that He may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ." (I Corinthians 2:16) Praise Jesus. Stand in the offering plate.