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The wisdom of this world does not lead us to Christ; it is a remarkable statement that,
in the wisdom of God, we do not come to a knowledge of Him through our own wisdom;
but God in His grace blesses the preaching of His Word to those who believe the good
news, and are saved.
When the apostle Paul came to Corinth he did not display his own wisdom, neither did
he try to impress them by his style of speech. This is what he 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.
And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but
in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: that your faith should not stand in the
wisdom of men, but in the power of God" (I Cor. 2: 1, 4-5).
Paul's comment that "your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the
power of God" is worthy of consideration and meditation. To become a Christian, no
certificates of education or university degrees are required. An uneducated person can
hear and believe the gospel. The exercise of simple faith does not depend on earthly
wisdom. The Holy Spirit enlightens the mind and shows the need of a Saviour, and the
power of God is at work when the gospel message is received. As we come to a
realization that the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God (I Cor. 3: 19), we long
for true wisdom. Our need then is Christ, the power of God and the wisdom of God.
There are two sides in this transaction: the part we play, and the part taken by God.
The Lord asks us to believe and accept the gift of life through His Name. On the other
hand, we would not be inclined to think about the gospel message unless the Holy Spirit
revealed the truth to us. Paul says that "no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the
Holy Ghost" (I Cor. 12: 3).
When our Lord was on this earth, He began to "upbraid the cities wherein most of His
mighty works were done, because they repented not" (Matt. 11: 20). After mentioning
several cities including Tyre, Sidon, and Capernaum, which did not repent, He made the
following remarkable statement:
"At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank Thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and
earth, because Thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed
them unto babes. Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in Thy sight" (Matt. 11: 25, 26).
In Paul's second letter to Timothy, he warns against striving about words to no profit,
and against profane and vain babbling. Some had caused confusion by saying that the
resurrection had already taken place. Paul then shows the two sides of truth:
"Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal:
`The Lord knoweth them that are His' and
`Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity'."
(II Tim. 2: 19).