Divine Revelation: Beyond Human Wisdom and Achievement

 

Summary

In the second chapter of Paul's first epistle to the Corinthians, we find a profound argument that speaks directly to the heart of the Christian faith and its distinction from worldly wisdom. The Apostle Paul addresses the Greeks, who were steeped in a philosophical and scientific mindset, to highlight the stark contrast between the gospel of Jesus Christ and the natural human outlook. In our modern age, dominated by scientific achievements and technological advancements, this message remains as relevant as ever. The world today often glorifies human accomplishments, such as space exploration, while neglecting the profound spiritual truths found in Christ. This oversight is not merely a matter of ignorance but a fundamental misunderstanding of the nature of divine revelation.

The scientific method, based on human reasoning, experimentation, and discovery, is powerful in its realm. However, when it comes to understanding the deep things of God, this method falls short. The knowledge of God is not something that can be discovered through human effort or intellect; it is revealed by the Spirit of God. This revelation is not about human achievement but about receiving what God has freely given. The Apostle Paul emphasizes that the wisdom of God is a mystery, hidden from the natural man and only discernible through the Spirit. This divine wisdom, which includes the profound truths of the Trinity and the plan of salvation, is beyond the grasp of human intellect.

The natural man, relying on his own understanding, finds the gospel foolish because it does not conform to the principles of human wisdom. Yet, it is precisely this humility and childlike faith that opens the door to spiritual understanding. The message of the cross, the incarnation, and the resurrection of Christ are the deep things of God that defy human logic but are the power of God for salvation. As Christians, we are called to embrace this divine revelation, recognizing that it is not our wisdom but God's grace that brings us into His kingdom.

Key Takeaways:

- The gospel of Jesus Christ stands in stark contrast to human wisdom and scientific achievement. While the world glorifies human accomplishments, the true glory lies in the revelation of God through Christ, which is often overlooked by those who rely solely on human intellect. [05:54]

- The scientific method, though powerful in its realm, is inadequate for understanding the deep things of God. Divine revelation is not discovered through human effort but is received through the Spirit, highlighting the need for humility and faith. [17:37]

- The wisdom of God is a mystery, hidden from the natural man and only discernible through the Spirit. This divine wisdom includes the profound truths of the Trinity and the plan of salvation, which are beyond human comprehension. [36:56]

- The natural man finds the gospel foolish because it does not conform to human logic. However, it is through childlike faith and humility that one can truly understand and receive the deep things of God. [29:41]

- Salvation is not dependent on human intellect or achievement but on God's grace and revelation. This truth offers hope to all, regardless of their intellectual capacity, and calls us to embrace the gospel with a humble heart. [54:41]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:12] - Introduction to the Argument
- [01:14] - Timelessness of the Gospel
- [02:23] - Greek Mentality vs. Gospel
- [03:32] - Modern Scientific Outlook
- [04:39] - The Fallacy of Human Achievement
- [06:12] - Glorying in Human Accomplishments
- [07:05] - Misunderstanding Christianity
- [09:02] - Different Methods of Approach
- [10:17] - The Scientific Method
- [14:13] - The Realm of Christianity
- [17:15] - Revelation vs. Discovery
- [22:21] - The Things of God
- [29:11] - The Necessity of Spiritual Rebirth
- [36:56] - The Deep Things of God
- [45:32] - The Role of the Spirit
- [54:41] - The Hope of Salvation

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1 Corinthians 2:1-16
John 3:1-8
Matthew 18:1-4

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Observation Questions:

1. In 1 Corinthians 2:1-16, how does Paul describe his approach to sharing the gospel with the Corinthians? What does he emphasize about the nature of his message? [18:11]

2. According to John 3:1-8, what does Jesus tell Nicodemus is necessary to see the kingdom of God? How does Nicodemus initially respond to this teaching? [27:57]

3. In Matthew 18:1-4, what does Jesus say is required to enter the kingdom of heaven? How does this teaching contrast with the world's view of greatness? [30:17]

4. How does the sermon describe the difference between the scientific method and the revelation of divine wisdom? [17:37]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. Why does Paul emphasize that his message did not rely on "excellency of speech or of wisdom"? How does this relate to the concept of divine revelation versus human wisdom? [18:11]

2. What does Jesus mean when he says one must be "born again" to see the kingdom of God? How does this concept challenge the natural man's understanding? [29:11]

3. How does the requirement to become like little children to enter the kingdom of heaven challenge our typical understanding of knowledge and achievement? [30:17]

4. The sermon suggests that the natural man finds the gospel foolish. What might be some reasons for this perception, and how does the Spirit help overcome this barrier? [25:55]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your own approach to understanding spiritual truths. Do you find yourself relying more on human wisdom or seeking revelation through the Spirit? How can you cultivate a more Spirit-led understanding? [17:37]

2. Consider a time when you felt the gospel message was foolish or difficult to understand. What changed your perspective, and how can you help others who might feel the same way? [25:55]

3. Jesus calls us to become like little children to enter the kingdom of heaven. What specific attitudes or behaviors might you need to change to embrace this childlike faith? [30:17]

4. How can you balance the pursuit of knowledge and scientific understanding with a humble acceptance of divine mysteries that are beyond human comprehension? [36:56]

5. Identify an area in your life where you might be relying too heavily on your own understanding rather than seeking God's wisdom. What steps can you take this week to seek His guidance? [19:47]

6. Think of someone in your life who struggles with accepting the gospel due to its perceived foolishness. How can you pray for them and engage in conversations that might open their heart to the Spirit's revelation? [25:55]

7. Reflect on the concept of salvation being a gift of grace rather than an achievement of intellect. How does this truth impact your view of your own salvation and your approach to sharing the gospel with others? [54:41]

Devotional

Day 1: Divine Wisdom vs. Human Achievement
The gospel of Jesus Christ stands in stark contrast to human wisdom and scientific achievement. In a world that often glorifies human accomplishments, such as technological advancements and space exploration, the true glory lies in the revelation of God through Christ. This divine revelation is often overlooked by those who rely solely on human intellect. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Corinthians, emphasizes that the wisdom of God is not something that can be discovered through human effort or intellect; it is revealed by the Spirit of God. This revelation is not about human achievement but about receiving what God has freely given. The message of the cross, the incarnation, and the resurrection of Christ are the deep things of God that defy human logic but are the power of God for salvation. [05:54]

1 Corinthians 1:25-27 (ESV): "For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men. For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong."

Reflection: In what ways have you prioritized human achievements over spiritual truths in your life? How can you begin to shift your focus towards the wisdom of God today?


Day 2: The Limitations of Human Understanding
The scientific method, though powerful in its realm, is inadequate for understanding the deep things of God. While human reasoning, experimentation, and discovery have led to remarkable achievements, they fall short when it comes to comprehending divine revelation. The knowledge of God is not something that can be discovered through human effort or intellect; it is revealed by the Spirit of God. This highlights the need for humility and faith, as divine wisdom is a mystery, hidden from the natural man and only discernible through the Spirit. The Apostle Paul reminds us that the wisdom of God includes profound truths, such as the Trinity and the plan of salvation, which are beyond human comprehension. [17:37]

1 Corinthians 2:10-11 (ESV): "These things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. For who knows a person's thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God."

Reflection: How can you cultivate a posture of humility and openness to the Spirit's revelation in your daily life? What steps can you take to rely less on your own understanding and more on God's wisdom?


Day 3: The Mystery of Divine Wisdom
The wisdom of God is a mystery, hidden from the natural man and only discernible through the Spirit. This divine wisdom includes the profound truths of the Trinity and the plan of salvation, which are beyond human comprehension. The Apostle Paul emphasizes that the natural man, relying on his own understanding, finds the gospel foolish because it does not conform to the principles of human wisdom. Yet, it is precisely this humility and childlike faith that opens the door to spiritual understanding. As Christians, we are called to embrace this divine revelation, recognizing that it is not our wisdom but God's grace that brings us into His kingdom. [36:56]

Colossians 2:2-3 (ESV): "That their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God's mystery, which is Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you struggle to understand God's plan? How can you practice trusting in His mysterious wisdom today, even when it doesn't make sense to you?


Day 4: Embracing Childlike Faith
The natural man finds the gospel foolish because it does not conform to human logic. However, it is through childlike faith and humility that one can truly understand and receive the deep things of God. The Apostle Paul highlights that the message of the cross, the incarnation, and the resurrection of Christ are the power of God for salvation, even though they defy human logic. As believers, we are called to embrace this divine revelation with a humble heart, recognizing that it is not our wisdom but God's grace that brings us into His kingdom. This truth offers hope to all, regardless of their intellectual capacity, and calls us to embrace the gospel with a humble heart. [29:41]

Matthew 11:25 (ESV): "At that time Jesus declared, 'I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children.'"

Reflection: In what ways can you cultivate a childlike faith in your relationship with God? How can you let go of the need to fully understand and instead trust in His grace and revelation?


Day 5: Salvation Through Grace, Not Intellect
Salvation is not dependent on human intellect or achievement but on God's grace and revelation. This truth offers hope to all, regardless of their intellectual capacity, and calls us to embrace the gospel with a humble heart. The Apostle Paul reminds us that the wisdom of God is a mystery, hidden from the natural man and only discernible through the Spirit. As Christians, we are called to recognize that it is not our wisdom but God's grace that brings us into His kingdom. This divine revelation is not about human achievement but about receiving what God has freely given. [54:41]

Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV): "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast."

Reflection: How can you remind yourself daily that your salvation is a gift of grace, not something you earn through intellect or achievement? What practical steps can you take to live out this truth in your interactions with others?

Quotes



The Apostle you see is here addressing Greeks, the members of the church had coming and being Greeks they've got a very particular mentality and after and he is concerned to share them the difference between the gospel of Jesus Christ and the natural outlook in which they'd been brought up as Greeks and as philosophers and so on. [02:23]

The first thing that men has to realize is that he can never develop sufficient dynamic and power to defeat and to conquer and master the evil that has become a very part the very worth warp and woof of his nature and his Constitution. [04:39]

The world ought to be at his feet worshipping Him adoring him and praising him but it doesn't he's ignored the world is much more interested in film stars than in Jesus Christ more interested in scientists more interested in the men who makes the experiment of being shot up by the rocket they glory in men but they do not glory in the Lord. [05:54]

The Apostle writes to them and he says look here can't you see you're denying the whole thing this Christianity he says has nothing to do with it with the other method now this is way of putting it here we are not dealing with the scientific method what are we dealing with we are dealing with Revelation. [17:37]

There is no greater contrast in the world tonight then the contrast between the scientific method of research and revelation a man discovers the knowledge in this other realm by brain power understanding trial and error experimentation reason research but here it's the exact opposite it's a veil being drawn back and the site being given of something here you see it isn't men seeking men is receiving. [17:57]

The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God for they are foolishness unto Him neither can he know them because they are spiritually discerned here were clever Greeks yeah brilliant philosophers here with the scientists of those days and they didn't receive this message why well because they haven't sufficient insight and understanding to see that these things were in a category apart they didn't belong to that natural realm at all. [25:41]

Except a man be born again he cannot enter the kingdom of God you've got to be born again what's this said Nicodemus how can a man be born when he is old can he enter the second time into his mother's womb and be born the thing's ridiculous you see is applying the scientific method to the statement Christ says a man must be born again. [28:02]

Except ye be converted and become as little children ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven now this is a staggering thing it doesn't matter what you are or who you are you may be at the top in science or in philosophy and anything else it makes not the slightest difference you've got to come down and become as a little child otherwise you'll never enter this kingdom. [30:10]

The type of knowledge is eternally different what knowledge is this well it's not scientific knowledge it's not the wisdom of this world it's nothing that men can discover not arrive at well what is it all years the prayers the teet profundities the abysmal things of God my friends that is what we are concerned about here the deep things of God. [36:56]

The deep things of God what are these deep things of God what are we here to do tonight what is the preaching of Christianity about what is this message what are we here to find out are we to find out here with over many laws whether there is life in Jupiter now that's not the business we here to try to discover some instruments or appliances that will make labor much less in the home or in the factory. [37:24]

The deep things of God can you think of eternity can you think of endlessness can you think of one was always existed and ever will from eternity to eternity can you think of absolute holiness can you think of spotless purity can you think of omniscience can you imagine omnipotence these are the key things of God and are you bringing your scientific method here can't you see the madness of it the type of knowledge is altogether and entirely different. [40:01]

If salvation were dependent upon the scientific method well then there would be literally no hope for many of us in this congregation tonight if a man is to be saved and to be forgiven than to go to heaven as the result of his brain power his understanding his reason his research his trial and error the scientific method well then I say you might as well abolish all your missionary societies at once. [54:41]

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Transcript
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