LEARNED KNOWLEDGE vs. HIDDEN WISDOM
Knowing GOD Intimately!
1 Cor. 2: 7- But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:
The lives of the people of Israel in the time of Moses can reveal many spiritual lessons to us today. Israel saw the plagues that God brought over the Egyptians, the favour they received from the Egyptian neighbors (who gave them gold, silver, jewels and raiment so they would not be leaving empty - Exodus 3:20-22) and the defeat of their enemies. Though God revealed HIS wisdom through plagues and favour, they still had unbelief, fears, disobedience, grumbling, and rejected God’s authority. They knew about God but did not know HIS ways (reason why). Trials can be miracles that teach us many things.
Most people thought World War I & II was the sign of Christ coming again but when HE does come, satan will be defeated (Rev.20:9,10). The nation of Israel, in our day, is another miracle from God, especially the Six Day War (6/1967). All of this should make us spiritually stronger and wiser toward GOD but most Christians still have many fears especially now; with COVID and so much unrest here in America.
To know God intimately can be a mystery; but HE has chosen to show HIS attributes to us through opposites. (i.e -You cannot know HIS Joy to the fullest until you experience and know HIM in the midst of pain (A faith that knows HE controls everything.)
FEARS are the main cause we can miss God’s wisdom.
Fear steals who you are.
- We are forgiven, adopted, loved, heirs of God in His kingdom.
Fear torments you (we think “punishment” rather than being built up).
It steals faith (fear is the opposite of faith; for faith is knowing God is in control in it all.).
It immobilizes (Peter looked at the waves instead of Jesus – Matthew 14:26-32)
It makes us impatient (we want an answer now).
It robs us of wisdom for right choices.
We become over-comers - When all fear is gone!
Recognize fear is not from God. 2Timothy 1:7 For God has not gave us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and self-control.
-Power – Knowing that God will give us His means & wisdom to accomplish all that comes our way; especially in fulfilling His desires He gives us
-Love – Know that God uses everything (good & bad) in our life to let us know Him intimately and that we dwell in Him who IS Love (1 John 4:16).
-Self-control – Knowing that God is in control of everything and gives us victory (vs.37) in every trial (Romans 8:6, 31-39). It is a joy and peace in the midst of trials!
Let the love of God drive it out. -1John 4:18 There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.
Face the fear by submitting to God first. – James 4:7 Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.
Learning by a growing faith takes patience and work, so labor to receive what He is speaking to you in every pain and sorrow. All who live godly in Christ will suffer persecution (2 Tim. 3:12). The word narrow in Matthew 7:14 is translated elsewhere as afflicted, troubled or tribulation. Are you willing to pay the cost of discipleship (Christ as your teacher) that leads to not just Christ in you but LIFE IN CHRIST?