THE SOURCE OF THE MESSAGE, v.6-16: the wisdom of God. v. 6. Christian truth is based on spiritual wisdom. It is not a philosophy of ignorance. v. 7. It belongs to all ages because its origin is in God. “The things which God hath prepared…”
- Cleansing from sin once and for all.
- Eternal life now and forever.
- Adopted into God’s family.
v. 8. The crucifixion of Christ, which shows the darkness of men, reveals the light of God and His wisdom. v. 9. God works for those who wait for Him (the Isaiah context). This is a reference to earth rather than heaven. v. 10. These are not known naturally through man’s wisdom, but they are revealed to us by the Holy Spirit. v. 11. Man is limited in his intellect by the material universe. God is limitless. v. 12. God does not want us to remain in darkness. v. 13. Our testimony is that which comes from the Holy Spirit (through the Word). “Combining spiritual things with spiritual words.” (Some say – explaining spiritual things to spiritual men). v. 14. “Natural” – dominated by the soul. v. 15. “Spiritual” – dominated by the Spirit. Judged of no man who is not spiritual. v. 16. “Mind” – consciousness, outlook – intelligent understanding, wisdom.
The Gospel is sublime and profound in its ultimate content. Its very simplicity is evidence of the greatest wisdom.