(1 Corinthians 2:6-7)

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: (7) BUT WE SPEAK THE WISDOM OF GOD IN A MYSTERY, EVEN THE HIDDEN WISDOM, WHICH GOD ORDAINED BEFORE THE WORLD UNTO OUR GLORY.

I often refer to these verses in the things I write. In these verses we see this phrase. (God ordained before the world). God’s wisdom is (before this world). We can compare it to a motion picture screen, to which all the world can see but, they must desire to see that screen! It’s a mystery, it’s hidden wisdom. In the verse we read; we see the word (before). That means that right now, it’s right in front of every person in this world to be seen. Often, we want to think or, look at it as being (before the world was) but, in this case that’s not what it’s saying. Men often make pictures that actually easily reveal one thing but, if you look very closely you can see something else.

God’s word is that way! As a matter of fact, most of the things in this world reveals God’s glory in hidden wisdom and spiritual knowledge. For instance, dirt is a very common thing, you can find it anywhere but, gold is a far different story. There are other minerals that are worth far more than just dirt; all the way up to gold. Every one of these things are normally not easy to find. It takes work and expence to find them. It also takes a desire to find things other than just normal dirt and rocks.

That is a perfect picture of the word of God. To the world basically speaking; it’s just words, just another book. The world can find a nugget in it once in a while. They use it to create or make within themselves a better person. As a matter of fact, there are a lot of countries that base their laws on things from scripture whether they even know it or not. many people pattern their lives after well-known parts of scripture such as (what we call) the Ten Commandments. Because of that fact they become very content within their own lifestyle assuming that God the Father is pleased with them because of their somewhat obedience to those laws.

Do you realize that the world is a religion within itself in one form or another? Every person in this world has a (God Consciousness). It makes no difference whether they like to admit it or not. Within that fact, every person sets out to appease that consciousness. I often use this as an example. There are those that worship the true God, more than likely some of them are born again. They call themselves (non-denominationalist). However, can you see how that the very fact they call themselves that name makes that (a denomination) within itself? Even people that say they are atheist create (a religion) within that very fact.

All these things can be found in the wisdom and knowledge of this world. In more cases than not, people set out to bring about good things for this world. I might also add that there are many things that make this world a better place to live that were invented by (born again believers) for the purpose of making this world a better place to live. However, in most cases the world took those things and used them for their own profit.

I went back and read about a forerunner of the invention of the radio for instance. He discovered (radio waves). He was a believer! The point is that the probability of things being invented all for a good purpose more likely than things being invented to be used in a corrupt way. The fact that this one man I read about was a born-again believer has very little to do with the knowledge he had to do so. The world and the people thereof are able to do things through wisdom and knowledge that was given them by God the Father. The people of this world can accomplish great things and have; just because of that God given knowledge.

God made a horse. At some point man ( through his own knowledge ) made a harness to put on that horse that he might use the power of that horse for his own use. There’s a group of verses early on in Genesis that ( I believe ) will make my point.

(Genesis 4:16)

AND CAIN WENT OUT FROM THE PRESENCE OF THE LORD, AND DWELT IN THE LAND OF NOD, ON THE EAST SIDE OF EDEN. (17) AND CAIN KNEW HIS WIFE, AND SHE CONCEIVED, AND BARE ENOCH: AND HE BUILDED A CITY, AND CALLED THE NAME OF THE CITY, AFTER THE NAME OF HIS SON, ENOCH.

Starting with these verses, I want you to notice that (Cain went out from the presence of the Lord). This man was apart from God but, he still possessed (knowledge). It says here that he and his wife had a son named (Enoch). That name (biblically speaking) means (experienced). If you will notice; it appears that) (built a city) and named that city after his son. Enoch gained experience from watching his father as he worked.

Now, let’s read a little more:

(Verse 20)

AND ADAH BARE JABAL: HE WAS THE FATHER OF SUCH AS DWELL IN TENTS, AND SUCH AS HAVE CATTLE.

We see here that (this world) has figured out how to build tents, they also know how to raise cattle. Can we assume they also see the value in doing so? (I believe) that we can see the very first act of (commercial trade). All this without the presence of God!

Look at the next verse:

(Verse 21)

AND HIS BROTHER’S NAME WAS JUBAL: HE WAS THE FATHER OF ALL SUCH AS HANDLE THE HARP AND ORGAN.

Can you see the worldly progression here? Just what did those harps and organs look like in those days?

(Verse 22)

AND ZILLAH, SHE ALSO BARE TUBAL-CAIN, AND INSTRUCTER OF EVERY ARTIFICER IN BRASS AND IRON:

These things are all that’s mentioned here but, can’t we see mining as well? Didn’t someone have to get the ore out of the ground and, form it into medal? My point is that all these things were done (out of the presence of the Lord). We, (as born-again believers) understand that without God these people wouldn’t even have life, just like the people of the world today. However, God allows men life; as we know it and, with that blessing even without believing in God, men can do great things.

Now, I’d like to move forward a little in Genesis and make another point.

(Genesis 11:1-4)

AND THE WHOLE EARTH WAS ONE LANGUAGE, AND OF ONE SPEECH. (2) AND IT CAME TO PASS, AS THEY JOURNEYED FROM THE EAST, THAT THEY FOUND A PLAIN IN THE LAND OF SHINAR; AND THEY DWELT THERE. (3) AND THEY SAID ONE TO ANOTHER, GO TO, LET US MAKE BRICK, AND BURN THEM THROUGHLY. AND THEY HAD BRICK FOR STONE, AND SLIME HAD THEY FOR MORTER. (4) AND THEY SAID, GO TO, LET US BUILD A CITY AND A TOWER, WHOSE TOP MAY REACH UNTO HEAVEN; AND LET US MAKE US A NAME, LEST WE BE SCATTERED ABROAD UPON THE FACE OF THE WHOLE EARTH.

As we look at this, we know that these people or, all of these people came out of the loins of Noah. Therefore, we can say this. The three sons of Noah were men that (believed God). We know that because they entered the Ark. We can compare the flesh of these sons to Cain. He also (believed in) God. However, that doesn’t mean he placed his faith in him. If we look at the sons of Noah, we see the faith line is seen in his son (Shem) and, not in either of the other sons. Can you see the same picture there as we see with (Cain and Abel) or (Seth)? This world is filled with people that say they (believe in God) however, that statement does not mean that their heart is in following him and doing his will. Let’s look at a few more verses.

(Genesis 11: 5-9)

AND THE LORD CAME DOWN TO SEE THE CITY AND THE TOWER, WHICH THE CHILDREN OF MEN BUILDED. (6) AND THE LORD SAID, BEHOLD, THE PEOPLE IS ONE, AND THEY HAVE ALL ONE LANGUAGE; AND THIS THEY BEGIN TO DO: AND NOW NOTHING WILL BE RESTRAINED FROM THEM, WHICH THEY HAVE IMAGINED TO DO. (7) GO TO, LET US GO DOWN, AND THERE CONFOUND THEIR LANGUAGE, THAT THEY MAY NOT UNDERSTAND ONE ANOTHER’S SPEECH. (8) SO THE LORD SCATTERED THEM ABROAD FROM THENCE UPON THE FACE OF ALL THE EARTH: AND THEY LEFT OFF TO BUILD THE CITY. (9) THEREFORE IS THE NAME OF IT CALLED BABEL; BECAUSE THE LORD DID THERE CONFOUND THE LANGUAGE OF ALL THE EARTH: AND FROM THENCE DID THE LORD SCATTER THEM ABROAD UPON THE FACE OF ALL THE EARTH.

Here, I’m going to get into some things that can’t be proven. However, it’s simply food for thought and, along with the things I might say will be some things that can be proven to make my point. We have no idea just how advanced the people had become before the (Flood of Noah). We just assume they were very primitive. As far as I know, there was not an organ on the Ark. If it was we don’t see it listed in scripture. We do know that the organ had been created at that time, because we see that ( Jabul ) was the father of such that handled them. I will say that (the knowledge) of how to make an organ was possibly on the Ark. We also know that, at that time there was only one language spoken.

As the sons of Noah began to go forth from the Ark, I’d say that (basically speaking) only Shem was focused on the things of God. As I make that statement; we can also say and know that all three sons believe in God. We can also say that even Shem had to do some kind of work to provide for his family. This at the same time he shared the righteousness of God. (I believe) that these people were somewhat like each of us. As we (as believers) go through this life we have to work. Spiritual inclined believers learn to use their ability at the jobs they do to create opportunities to be a witness for Jesus Christ.

Right on the other hand there are people that while they say they believe; they never become a witness in any form for Jesus Christ. In the situation of the three sons of Noah; I’m saying that two/thirds were more concerned about the things of this world rather than even considering sharing the righteousness of God. Another way of saying it; they learned to make organs and other things as they moved forward, teaching their children to do the same.

In just a short time after the Ark had settled back to earth (generally speaking) the people of this world were more concerned about worldly things than even considering walking with God. We see that they were trying to figure out another way to heaven rather than simply trusting God. I want you to see that it appears that the people that went forth to build this city, tower were descendants of Ham through Cush; Nimrod being the name it was related to.

However, I’d say that there is a much more significant point to be made here! Do you realize that these people are all related to Ham? He being one of Noah’s sons, a believer that was on the Ark? Can we make an assumption here? Let’s say that Satan himself would have showed a desire to enter the Ark; would God have stopped him? I’d argue that the answer to that question is (no)! However, that wasn’t necessary, was it? Satan was already aboard that Ark in the weak flesh of every person on board!

Can’t we see the very same picture in any Church! There are many people that will (say) they believe in Christ just because of the fear of judgement. They might even truly be (born again). But that still doesn’t mean they are going to surrender their lives to the will of God. As a matter of fact, the likelihood of (total surrender) or (any surrender) is less prevalent than simply living as it would be pleasing to the world today than anything else we see, and that even by those that say (they believe).

Consider this: when we consider the word (believe); can we agree that if we were to ask most of the people in this world if they believe in God, even Jesus Christ, most will say, yes? Then doesn’t that mean that most of them would have entered the Ark in that day? I, personally live in the United States of America. As it relates to Christianity, I’d say that the vast majority of us say (we believe). We even claim we are a (God fearing nation). Our motto is (In God We Trust). So, we can assume that most of the people in our nation would have entered that Ark. Am I correct?

To bring this back to the knowledge and wisdom of this world, we can see how that man in that day as well as today possesses great wisdom and knowledge, all given to them by God. How we decide to use that knowledge is a free choice! We see that the (God given knowledge) in the days right after the (Ark of Noah) was not being used as it would please God. Man was seeking another way to get to heaven rather than simply trusting, by faith to walk with God the Father.

Let’s build a spiritual picture here. We see that Noah and his sons built the Ark, working on it for one hundred and twenty years. Can you see the worldly wisdom and knowledge that was gained in that one act? One day God instructed Noah and his family to enter the Ark. This act was an act of the faith they claimed they had. Therefore, we can also look at our individual lives the very same way. We live our lives; gain worldly wisdom and knowledge as our lives unfold and, then one day we ask Jesus Christ into our hearts to be our savior; we become born again.

If we say, for example, we went down to an alter to be saved, by faith we just entered the Ark. The whole time Noah and his family was on the Ark before it, once again rested back to the earth can be seen as the time you were on your knees at the altar. Just as when they came off the Ark, when we get up from the alter, aren’t we supposed to be (a new creature in Christ Jesus)? Now, governed by a totally different set of rules?

If, when we get up from the alter; we continue as things were in our lives, aren’t we by default doing the very same thing those that built the tower of Babel was doing? I can see how it would have been very possible for some people, even Noah’s sons to have helped build the Ark, using their worldly knowledge to do so but then refuse to enter the Ark, not actually having any faith in God’s word when it was finished. I can also see how someone could have entered the Ark but, in doing so never had any intention of doing a work for God the Father after he had done all he had done for them.

Man has always had a way to appear to be (godly). Many walk a close line to (God’s way) but, in their actions they deny the power thereof. Even the (tower of Babel) wasn’t it proclaiming that there was a heaven to be reached? The people building it had just rejected (faith). They were using their wisdom and knowledge that they had gained as being part of this world to reach that place.

Pilate looked at Jesus Christ and asked him (What is Truth)? I believe that is a very profound question and, one that takes (wisdom and knowledge) of the Spirit of God to answer. In reality, the world desires to feed you it’s wisdom and knowledge to keep you from ever answering or coming to the knowledge of real truth. The Bible puts it this way:

(2 Timothy 3:1-7)

THIS KNOW ALSO, THAT IN THE LAST DAYS PERILOUS TIMES SHALL COME. (2) FOR MEN SHALL BE LOVERS OF THEIR OWN SELVES, COVETOUS, BOASTERS, PROUD, BLASPHEMERS, DISOBEDIENT TO PARENTS, UNTHANKFUL, UNHOLY, (3) WITHOUT NATURAL EFFECTION, TRUCEBREAKERS, FALSE ACCUSERS. INCONTINENT, FIERCE, DESPISERS OF THOSE THAT ARE GOOD, (4) TRAITORS, HEADY, HIGHMINDED, LOVERS OF PLEASURES MORE THAN LOVERS OF GOD; (5) HAVING A FORM OF GODLINESS, BUT DENYING THE POWER THEREOF: FROM SUCH TURN AWAY. (6) FOR OF THIS SORT ARE THEY WHICH CREEP INTO HOUSES, AND LEAD CAPTIVE SILLY WOMEN LADEN WITH SINS, LED AWAY WITH DIVERS LUSTS, (7) EVER LEARNING, AND NEVER ABLE TO COME TO THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE TRUTH.

I went ahead and wrote all seven of these verses because of what it is saying however, I really wanted to show you (verse7) ever learning, and never able to come to the know of the truth. Do you think when Pilate asked Jesus (what is truth) he was really desiring to know truth? Can we relate him to the average person in this world today? When we consider (what is truth); can’t we say that two plus two equals four? And isn’t that truth? At the same time, what difference does (that truth) really make? (That truth), like many other things we can certify as truth falls under the category of the truth, gained by the wisdom and knowledge of this world. That, adding to all the other things we could become very complexed meaning we (are ever learning but, never able to come to the knowledge of the truth).

As we continue to go through the (knowledge and wisdom) of this world; I’d like to reveal some of the things the world calls and defines as truth. At the same time seeking to reveal (truth). The truth that Pilate actually needed to hear, just as every man today needs to hear and understand.

Let’s simply began with this in closing this chapter. (THE TRUTH) is that of the three sons that went with Noah on the Ark were not at all sold out for the will of God. We see and, know (they believed) however, what did they believe and how much wisdom and knowledge did they each have in the spiritual aspect of their lives? (THE TRUTH)! Very few people that say they believe today have any real spiritual wisdom and knowledge to speak of. Most people are filled with the wisdom and knowledge of this world. They never even consider learning anything concerning the spiritual aspect of their lives and dying to their own selfishly desire to do so.

By God’s grace, can I convince you to turn form this world of wisdom and to seek the (truth) as seen in scripture? (Forsaking all others)?

Before we leave this segment; I’d like to touch on another aspect of (wisdom and knowledge) of this world. Let’s consider just how far the study of medicine has come today. People, using the wisdom and knowledge granted them by God the Father have reached a point where they can keep you from dying for and extended length of time. For instance, a person can have a very bad heart. Doctors can actually remove that person’s heart and replace it with another. I personally have a friend that had a heart transplant over twenty-five years ago. If he hadn’t had that ability, he would have been dead years ago.

Not all that many years ago, if your kidneys failed, you would have died pretty quickly. If your appendix went bad, you would have died. We could go on and on about the accomplishments of man and medicine. Why is it all done? Is man in his efforts seeking to find a way to eternal life apart from Jesus Christ? Just looking at this world, how many people, let’s say in the last fifty years would have already been dead, standing before God right now if it hadn’t been for the knowledge of man granted by God?

We can take that from the very simplest form to actually preserving certain death in just a few moments. If you had a bad cut on your body somewhere which got infected, the rest of your body being in perfect health; without the ability to stop that infection, you would die. As a matter of fact, we can now have those medicines readily available at home.

All these things, God knew in advance. While we (even as born-again believers) might benefit from the (wisdom and knowledge of this world) it’s still and absolute fact that we have and appointment with death. Every person will keep that appointment.

(Hebrews 9:27)

AND AS IT IS APPOINTED UNTO MAN ONCE TO DIE, BUT AFTER THIS JUDGMENT:

As we look at that verse, we must understand that in order to know this, you must have knowledge of God’s word. While there are many in the medical field that know and understand this, there are also many that are bound and determined that they can beat death, they can find a medical way to have (eternal life). In the knowledge and wisdom of this world they seemingly forget God! I’d like to point this out. Man will one day actually raise a man from the dead! Look at this verse:

(Revelation 13:12-14)

AND HE EXERCIZED ALL THE POWERS OF THE FIRST BEAST BEFORE HIM, AND CAUSETH THE EARTH AND THEM WHICH DWELL THEREIN TO WORSHIP THE FIRST BEAST, WHOSE DEADLY WOUND WAS HEALED. ( 13 ) AND HE DOETH GREAT WONDERS, SO THAT HE MAKETH FIRE TO COME DOWN FROM HEAVEN ON THE EARTH IN THE SIGHT OF MEN, ( 14 ) AND DECEIVETH THEM THAT DWELL ON THE EARTH BY THE MEANS OF THOSE MIRACLES WHICH HE HAD POWER TO DO IN THE SIGHT OF THE BEAST; SAYING TO THEM THAT DWELL ON THE EARTH, THAT THEY SHOULD MAKE AN IMAGE OF THE BEAST, WHICH HAD THE WOUND BY THE SWORD, AND DID LIVE.

We seldom think about this but, everything we see in this world is all experimental, slowly seeking to reach a perfect place. For instance, do you remember when they first came out with the (cordless phone)? That was a prototype of what we now call a (cell phone). Now, since I mentioned this; I’ll take it a step farther. I’ve been born again for now over forty-five years. Let me show you something that back in the early days as a believer, I wondered about.

(Revelation 11:7-9)

AND WHEN THEY SHALL HAVE FINISHED THEIR TESTIMONY, THE BEAST THAT ASCENDETH OUT OF THE BOTTOMLESS PIT SHALL MAKE WAR AGAINST THEM, ANSD SHALL OVERCOME THEM, AND KILL THEM. ( 8 ) AND THEIR DEAD BODIES SHALL LIE IN THE STREET OF THE GREAT CITY, WHICH SPIRITUALLY IS CALLED SODOM AND EGYPT, WHEREIN ALSO OUR LORD WAS CRUCIFIED. ( 9 ) AND THEY OF THE PEOPLE AND KINDREDS AND TONGUES AND NATIONS SHALL SEE THEIR DEAD BODIES THREE DAYS AND A HALF, AND SHALL NOT SUFFER THEIR DEAD BODIES TO BE PUT IN GRAVES. ( 10 ) AND THEY THAT DWELL UPON THE EARTH SHALL REJOICE OVER THEM, AND MAKE MERRY, AND SHALL SEND GIFTS ONE TO ANOTHER; BECAUSE THESE TWO PROPHETS TORMENTED THEM THAT DWELT ON THE EARTH.

I wondered back in the early days how this would be possible. But, know because of cell phones, almost instantly, the whole world can see things as they unfold. This world is seeking to create things that will bring about an eternal place. We see in the verses where (the beast) was dead from a wound and he was made to live again! There’s something that this world is missing, they simply cannot understand. As we look back to (the beast); although man did create a version of eternal life for him, even he must keep his appointment with death and, he will.

In (Hebrews 9:27) that verse is actually of physical death. However, physical death is not an end to anything as far as God is concerned. As a matter of fact, in some cases, it’s only the beginning! So, can this be proven? Let’s see! This is something else I often try to make people aware of. Within the (knowledge and wisdom of this world) it sees death as when a person breathes their last breath or, when your heart stops beating. Not so with God the Father!

In God’s word we see a totally different picture.

(John 11:25)

JESUS SAID UNTO HER, I AM THE RESURRECTION AND THE LIFE: HE THAT BELIEVETH IN ME, THOUGH HE WERE DEAD, YET SHALL HE LIVE:

Now, let’s compare that verse to these verses:

(Ephesians 2:1-2)

AND YOU HATH HE QUICKENED, WHO WERE DEAD IN YOUR TRESPASSES AND SINS; (2) WHEREIN IN TIMES PAST YE WALKED ACCORDING TO THE COURSE OF THIS WORLD, ACCORDING TO THE PRINCE OF THE POWER OF THE AIR, THE SPIRIT THAT NOW WORKETH IN THE CHILDREN OF DISOBEDIENCE:

(John 5: 24)

VERILY, VERILY, I SAY UNTO YOU, HE THAT HEARETH MY WORD, AND BELIEVETH ON HIM THAT SENT ME, HATH EVERLASTING LIFE, AND SHALL NOT COME INTO COMDEMNATION; BUT IS PASSED FROM DEATH UNTO LIFE.

The way God sees life and death has nothing to do with physical death. The moment you realize you are a sinner, knowing right from wrong and, you choose wrong, God sees you as already dead! The very instant we ask Jesus Christ to be our savior, our life begins, we are passed (from death) (unto life) and that forever more!

If that act (the act of believing by faith) in the shed blood of Jesus Christ never happens then death comes. What is death? Death is (separation from God). While sin starts this separation, God’s grace allows us to live in this world. It not his will that any should perish but, that all men will come to repentance. Therefore, God’s grace gives you your whole life to change your direction.

Look at these verses:

(John 3:18)

HE THAT BELIEVETH ON HIM IS NOT CONDEMNED: BUT HE THAT BELIEVETH NOT IS CONDEMNED ALREADY, BECAUSE HE HATH NOT BELIEVED IN THE NAME OF THE ONLY BEGOTTON SON OF GOD.

(John 3:36)

HE THAT BELIEVETH ON THE SON OF GOD HATH EVERLASTING LIFE: AND HE THAT BELIEVETH NOT THE SON SHALL NOT SEE LIFE; BUT THE WRATH OF GOD ABIDETH ON HIM.

From the very second you reject Jesus Christ, God’s wrath is upon you. You might live a very long life in which at any time you can still receive Christ if God draws conviction on your heart. However, if you die without the covering of the blood of Christ for your sin, then (eternal) death will be your home (forever). It begins, as far as you are concerned when you breathe your last time, your heart stops beating!

As I make that statement, we must understand, (the wisdom and knowledge) of this world might be able to help you, even keep you alive because of things they have learned but, death is still going to come at some point. I’ve heard people use the term (cheating death) meaning that they should have died but, because of what they consider (good luck) or (medical technology) they were able to stay alive. However, death was not cheated! It is coming in every person’s life.

When we look into the (wisdom and knowledge) of this world; we can see many things that this world has become unpresented in all it can do in almost every part of the lives we live. Most people will even give God the glory for the good things that happen in their lives and, without a doubt; without God, not one person would be able to do what they have done. Why? Because God even allows us to live. He gives us wisdom and knowledge to do even sinful acts. Without him even sin is impossible!

So, let’s weigh this a little in a spiritual light. If you say you (believe, trust God). With that being said, you begin to feel bad, running a pretty high fever. Therefore, you go to see your doctor. After he examines you, he tells you; according to the (wisdom and knowledge of this world) granted to us by God the Father; exactly what’s wrong with you and, that he can give you treatment to fix your sickness.

At that point. are you just going to except his treatment and get better or, are you going to ask God to reveal (his will) in the matter of your sickness? When we say we trust God; does that mean we even trust him if he would have us to die an early death, just taking things just like they unfold?

I truly believe there is an honest answer to those questions. Let’s say your doctor tells you; you have (sugar diabetes). Not all that long ago people would die because there was no help for that problem. However, today there are many treatments for the different types of diabetes, That’s just one example.

God’s people, we that are born again, live in this sin cursed world. We are supposing (Ambassadors) to this sin cursed world. God’s desire is for us to live here and seek to do his will as long as we live. We eat the world’s food, wear the world’s clothes and see the world’s doctors, we are even taught by the world’s teachers. With all that being said, it’s still our responsibility to use God’s wisdom and not the wisdom and knowledge of this world as we seek to do his will.

Just how that is accomplished is up to each born again believing individual. There’s no end to all that can be taught here or, all that can be said. However, this is a verse that comes to my mind as I make that statement:

(Philippians 1:27-28)

ONLY LET YOUR CONVERSATION BE AS IT BECOMETH THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST: THAT WHETHER I COME AND SEE YOU, OR ELSE BE ABSENT, I MIGHT HEAR OF YOUR AFFAIRS, THAT YE STAND FAST IN ONE SPIRIT, WITH ONE MIND STRIVING TOGETHER FOR THE FAITH OF THE GOSPEL; ( 28 ) AND IN NOTHING TERRIFIED BY YOUR ADVERSERIES: WHICH IS TO THEM AND EVIDENT TOKEN OF PERDITION, BUT TO YOU OF SALVATION, AND THAT OF GOD.

What is the Apostle Paul saying here? There must be a distinct difference in the way we present ourselves than of the people that totally trust in the wisdom and knowledge of this world. So, let’s first look at the first of these verses. He tells us to (let our conversation be as it becomes the gospel of Christ). He says for it to be that way (whether he is with them or, absent). There are many people that might act, talk or do things differently when their pastor is present than they do when he is not around. Why would that be? Because they are (of this world). They simply put on a show in front of certain people.

Personally, I believe this is a very powerful verse of scripture! As we get into the rest of this; it will all relate to the reason people have different ideas about truth. Let’s define the word (perdition). the state of eternal punishment into which a sinful person passes.

As we look at this; we must realize that spiritual maturity must be developed. It’s supposed to begin the day we say we are born again. My point is that if a person that hasn’t been born again long; fears death; that’s very understandable. However, what about a person that says they have been saved for many years? I realize that this too, has to do with an individual’s spiritual walk with Christ. However, what he is saying is that when a person says they believe in Christ, but they show fear then as far as the world is concerned there is no difference in the person that says they are saved and the people that simply trust the wisdom and knowledge of this world.

If you will notice what he says between these two verses it has to do with (spiritual wisdom and knowing truth). He says (to standfast in one spirit and one mind). And that (for the faith of the gospel). So, let’s look at something! In (Acts 7) we read that a man named Stephen was stoned to death. Do you think Stephen feared death or lacked the faith in Christ it would take to go to heaven? The Apostle Paul we know was beheaded. He made this statement: (I’m ready now to be offered)! (2 Timothy 4:6) He also told his brethren in (Acts 21:13) that he was not only ready to be bound but also to die for our Lord Jesus Christ.

So, what’s the difference in these two men and any other spiritually mature believer? These two men (stood steadfast) in the truth! They knew that even when their flesh lays down and dies, it has nothing to do with the life they have in Christ Jesus! (They both knew) that when their flesh died, heaven was their home!

This segment of this is (the wisdom and knowledge of the world). The next will be (to whom do you listen). Some of this will cross between both segments. However, we must see where we are in error. Let’s consider all the denominations we see today and, all the people that are within those different belief systems. The problem with this is the inability of people to distinguish between what is correct or truth and the wisdom and knowledge of this world. The Apostle Paul said to (standfast) in (one spirit) (one mind). Can you see how the gaining of wisdom and knowledge cannot be gained by listening to this world?

We must understand that every person that stands behind a pulpit to preach or teach, is in a body of flesh, even I as I write! All flesh is filled with the wisdom and knowledge of this world! Every person in every Church is also flesh and of this world. We must come to the resolve that there cannot be but (one truth) As we find that truth, we must all stand in (one mind).

(ONE MIND)! Every born-again believer must understand that every religious organization and denomination is man made by the wisdom and knowledge of this world. It’s very possible that there is some truth in every one of those things however, not one of them is (all truth). Therefore, we must, all seeking one mind, hearing one spirit look for truth. When we find that truth, it’s very possible that many of the members of your very own family and denomination will disagree with you. However, any person that is truly seeking truth, God’s Spirit will guide them to the truth you just revealed. It’s possible that it might even take some time for them to be convinced by God’s Spirit of truth but, be not discourage even if you have to stand alone, knowing truth!

The (wisdom and knowledge) of this world has a very blinding effect on many people. We could go on with this but I’m going to close with these verses:

First, let’s look at this:

(1John 2:18)

LITTLE CHILDREN, IT IS THE LAST TIME: AND AS YE HAVE HEARD THAT ANTICHRIST SHALL COME, EVEN NOW ARE THERE MANY ANTICHRISTS, WHEREBY WE KNOW IT IS THE LAST TIME,

And then this:

(Matthew 24:24)

FOR THERE SHALL ARISE FALSE CHRIST, AND FALSE PROPHETS, AND SHEW GREAT SIGNS AND WONDERS; INSOMUCH THAT, IF IT WERE POSSIBLE, THEY SHALL DECEIVE THE VERY ELECT.

It’s easy for people, whole Churches to get caught up in the wisdom and knowledge of this world. However, never forget that there are many (wolves in sheep’s clothing) today just as the Bible says. My advice, even if you don’t know Jesus Christ as your savior, seek Godly wisdom and if you are born again, be not deceived, seek and know truth!

Marshall Clayton

2 Timothy 1:7