Depth in the Heights - The Incomparable Wisdom of God [Sermon]

Annapolis, Maryland, USA

September 2018

1 Corinthians 1:18-2:16

1. What is Wisdom?

Wisdom in Scripture means choosing the best and noblest end at which to aim, along with the most appropriate and effective means to it. - – J. I. Packer, Concise Theology: A Guide to Historic Christian Beliefs

2. Human Wisdom

a. Secular Wisdom

1 Corinthians 1:21

For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him…

b. Scriptural Wisdom

James 3:14–17

…if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth.

Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.

For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.

But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.

c. Spiritual Wisdom

1 Corinthians 12:31 Now eagerly desire the greater gifts…

d. Applications

i) ___________________- and frustrate human wisdom.

1 Cor 1:19 For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.”

ii) ______________________

1 Kings 3:28 When all Israel heard the verdict the king had given, they held the king in awe, because they saw that he had wisdom from God to administer justice.

iii) How to get wisdom:

Being in Christ – 1 Cor 2:11 For who knows a person’s thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.

12 What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us.

Desiring it

James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

God does not give secular wisdom, he gives scriptural wisdom.

Fearing God.

Proverbs 9:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

3. The Wisdom of God

God’s wisdom means that God always chooses the best goals and the best means to those goals. - Wayne A. Grudem, Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine

Romans 11:33

Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!

4. The Cross

1 Corinthians 1:18 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

Photo by Mihály Köles on Unsplash