wisdom – Ministry of Grace Church

Tag: wisdom

Ephesians 3:10 – Angelic Observers

Posted on October 1, 2015 by Will

so that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known to the rulers and powers in the heavenly places through the church,

Truth to Learn

Angels learn about God by watching you and me.

Behind the Words

The word translated “manifold” is an interesting Greek word that appears nowhere else in the New Testament. It is the word polupoikilos, which is made up of polus, meaning “much” or “many” and poikilos, literally meaning “multi-colored” or “various.” Polupoikilos means “greatly diversified” or “that which abounds in variety.”

The word “wisdom” is from the Greek noun sophia, which does in fact refer to “wisdom.” It is used in the New Testament to refer to both earthly and heavenly (spiritual) wisdom.

“Might be made known” is translated from the verb gnōridzō, meaning “to declare” or “to make known.” It is expressed in the rare subjunctive mood, indicating the possibility or probability of it happening. In Greek, word order is often used to indicate the importance of ideas and gnōridzō appears before any other of these words. Thus we see that the focus of this verse is on how the rulers and powers learn about God’s wisdom.

“Rulers” is translated from archē, which literally refers to “the beginning point.” Metaphorically, it is used to refer to the highest in position or power. As we will see below, this is a reference to the rulers of the angelic beings.

“Powers” is from dunamis (from which we get our English word dynamite), meaning “a powerful force.” It is used here as a reference to other powerful angelic beings.

Meaning Explained

Beginning back in verse three of this chapter, Paul explained how the mystery of the Gospel was revealed to him. This included the fact that the Gentiles are now co-heirs with the Jews and partakers of God’s promises regarding the Messiah and salvation.

In the past couple of verses he declared how he has been given the responsibility of revealing this mystery to the church. This mystery, which has been hidden from the beginning of time, is now being revealed to us. In today’s verse he tells us that part of the reason for revealing this mystery to the church is so that it can now be revealed to the angelic beings in Heaven. The Jews had the Old Testament which revealed the God of righteousness and judgment. Today, we have the New Testament which reveals the God of grace and mercy to us undeserving sinners.

The angelic beings, however, do not learn about God’s righteousness, judgment, or grace from the written word. Angels are each individually created beings, however we are procreated, that is, we are descendants of the man, Adam, whom God created. In order for angels to be redeemed, they would each one have to have someone die to pay the price of their rebellion against God. Mankind, on the other hand, can be redeemed as an entire body through faith in the blood of one perfect sacrifice. Since there was only one perfect Lamb of God who was sacrificed, His blood could only be applied to mankind. Therefore, the angels can’t experience or comprehend God’s grace experientially. They learn about God’s multi-faceted wisdom by observing the church.

The Apostle Peter, in his first general epistle, said it this way:

… the things which now have been reported to you through those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven—things which angels desire to look into. (1 Peter 1:12)

The heavenly angels learn about God by observing Him in action. Therefore, the only way they can understand the wisdom of His actions, particularly His grace toward sinners like you and me, is to observe us!

Application

Do you ever have those times when you feel like someone is watching you, even when you’re all alone? It could be the angels watching you to learn what God’s grace and mercy are all about. You and I are heavenly object lessons. That’s something to think about! Now, let’s also show them what gratitude and thanksgiving are all about!

In God's service, for His glory,

Ephesians 1:17 – Seekers of Revelation

Posted on August 5, 2015 by Will

that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the full knowledge of Him,

Truth to Learn

Christians should actively seek greater knowledge of God.

Behind the Words

The word “God” is translated from the Greek word theos. It was originally used by the Greeks to refer to any of their gods. In the New Testament, however, it is used in reference to the one true God. The word theos is probably derived from the Greek theteres (a placer of things) because the Greeks believed that their gods were the placers and disposers of things (thus, they had a god of fire, a god of wind, etc.).

The word “wisdom” is translated from sophia, which refers to “the ability to think and act, utilizing knowledge, insight, understanding, and experience.”

“Revelation” is from apokalupsis, which is made up of apo, meaning “from” or “away from” and a form of kaluptō, meaning “to cover” or “to conceal.” Therefore, apokalupsis refers to “the result of removing a cover.”

Meaning Explained

In the current verse Paul is expressing some of his prayers for the members of the church in Ephesus. By extension, these are his prayers for all saints. The first thing that he petitions God for is that they (and we) might receive a spirit of wisdom and revelation. Now, we have to stop here for a moment and ask ourselves whether or not this spirit that Paul is talking about is the Holy Spirit or not. The Greek text does not include the definite article the here. Therefore, some would say that Paul is not specifically referring to “the” spirit; that is, the Holy Spirit.

If we look at some of the attributes of the Holy Spirit, however, we may come to a different conclusion. In Isaiah 11:2, as the prophet is describing the Messiah, he says,

The Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon Him, The Spirit of wisdom and understanding.

This, clearly, is a reference to the Holy Spirit. And in 1Corinthians 2:10 where Paul is talking about the mystery of the wisdom of God, he says,

God has revealed them to us through His Spirit,

which is another clear reference to the Holy Spirit. Thus, it is reasonable to conclude that Paul is referring to the Holy Spirit in this verse.

But, if that is so, why does Paul not refer to Him as “the” Spirit in the Greek text? Perhaps, the answer is that Paul just finished teaching that all Christians have been given the Holy Spirit as a seal and a guarantee at the time of salvation and did not want to introduce confusion on that point. In referring to “a spirit of wisdom and revelation” he is implying that these are characteristics which the Holy Spirit imparts. Therefore, Paul is asking God the Father to have the Holy Spirit give wisdom and revelation to all saints. The wisdom and revelation he is referring to are in reference to Jesus Christ our Lord. In other words, Paul is asking that we, through the Holy Spirit, might know and understand more about our Lord Jesus Christ.

Application

Do you know all there is to know about Jesus Christ? Of course not! None of us does. Do you want to know more about your Lord and Savior? Of course you do! All Christians do. Be assured that Paul also wants you to, but it doesn’t happen without actively seeking it from God’s Word. As you seek to know Christ better, the Holy Spirit will reveal Him to you.

In God's service, for His glory,

Ephesians 1:8 – Abundant Grace

Posted on July 23, 2015 by Will

which He made to abound toward us in all wisdom and understanding,

Truth to Learn

God gives us an abundant supply of His grace.

Behind the Words

“Made to abound” is translated from perisseuō, which is built upon the preposition peri, meaning “over” or “above.” Perisseuō means “to cause to have much (over and above).” It means that there is an exceedingly great amount of something. Some translations use the words “super abound” to express the meaning of this word.

The word “wisdom” is from the Greek noun sophia. This word refers to “skills in the affairs of life, deep knowledge, natural and moral insight, or practical wisdom.”

“Understanding” is from phronēsis, which is based on the verb phroneō, meaning “to think” or “to have a mindset.” Phronēsis refers to “intellectual, moral insight, or understanding.” This understanding is a direct result of exercising wisdom (sophia).

Meaning Explained

In the previous verse we learned that because of the grace of God we have both redemption and forgiveness. That is, through God’s grace we have been set free because the ransom has been paid, and we remain free because He has sent our sins far, far away.

In today’s verse we learn that God did not simply show us a tiny, little piece of His grace, He gave us a super abundant amount of His grace. You might say that God made our “grace cup” overflow, and He did so “in all wisdom and understanding.” As to the meaning of this phrase there are two schools of thought. The first is that two of the products of His abundant grace are wisdom and understanding, which He has given to us. The other is that this grace is a result of His wisdom and understanding.

If the first of these is true, it means that when God caused His grace to be abundantly extended to us, He also imbued us with wisdom (both spiritual and common) and insight as He makes known to us the mystery (see next verse) of His will. Those who hold to this view would say that this is a reference to what Paul says later in verse eighteen:

the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, (Ephesians 1:18)

But if this is the case, then why does Paul pray that we might yet receive this blessing:

that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the full knowledge of Him, (Ephesians 1:17).

If, on the other hand, Paul is telling us that God made His grace to super abound to us as a result of all His wisdom and understanding, then it tells us that His grace was not simply an afterthought. It means that in eternity past when the Godhead determined the plan for mankind, He determined by all His wisdom and understanding that grace should be an integral part of that plan. This seems to me to be a better explanation for today’s verse.

Application

God’s grace is a central character of his overall plan of salvation for mankind. Were it not for His grace we could not be saved. Part of His plan for the ages was not just to show us a little of His grace, but to heap it on us in an abundant supply. For this reason alone, every Christian alive should thank God for his amazing grace!

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Corinthians 2:5 – Wisdom vs. Power

Posted on May 14, 2013 by Will

that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.

Truth to Learn

Man’s message may be wise, but God’s message is powerful.

Behind the Words

The word translated “faith” is pistis. This is the noun form of the verb peithō, which means “to win over,” “to persuade,” or “to convince.” Therefore, pistis refers to “belief in, or reliance on, an idea” or “conviction.”

The words “should … be” are from the Greek verb eimi, which is the verb of being (I am, you are, he is). It is expressed here in the subjunctive mood, indicating the possibility or probability of occurrence. It is often translated as “should be, may be, or might be.”

Sophia is the word translated “wisdom,” which we have looked at several times recently. It refers to “wisdom, skill, tact, or expertise.” It is based on sophos, which does not refer to the possession of knowledge, but the skill in applying that knowledge in the affairs of life.

“Power” is from the Greek word dunamis, which refers to “the ability, authority, or power to do something.” However, this word emphasizes the accomplishment of some task or deed rather than just the potential to do it.

Meaning Explained

You will recall that Paul has been speaking about the divisions within the church at Corinth which were caused by people following specific teachers or preachers rather than the message they proclaimed. Because they were easily persuaded by eloquent speakers who were skilled in the use of words and powerful arguments instead of the truth of the message, the Corinthian Christians had become easily swayed to believe in half-truths and lies rather than the truth of the simple gospel message. For Christians, it is of utmost importance to believe in God’s message, not in the messenger.

Every one of us has faith, Christian and non-Christian alike. The difference between Christians and others is the basis of that faith. Some people have faith in their government to protect and take care of them. Some people have faith in their doctor to protect them and take care of them. Some people have faith in their employer to protect them and take care of them. Some people have faith in themselves. Many of the people in the church in Corinth had faith in their leader to protect and take care of them. True Christians, however, have faith in God.

This is the crux of Paul’s message in today’s verse. Our faith should not be in our church leaders, no matter how good their teaching may be. This is especially true if that teaching is based on human wisdom and eloquent speaking. Instead, our faith should be in the truth of God’s word as demonstrated by His miraculous power to change lives and to care for and protect His children.

Application

This week, as you listen to the message proclaimed from the pulpit in your church, ask yourself, “Is this a message from man or a message from God as revealed in the Bible?” If the message is not from God, no matter how wise or how well proclaimed, it may not be worth listening to. Now, that’s something to think about!

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Corinthians 1:19 – Worldly Wisdom?

Posted on April 1, 2013 by Will

For it is written: "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent."

Truth to Learn

The wisdom of the world is foolishness to God.

Behind the Words

“Written” is from the Greek word graphō, which literally means “to grave,” that is, to carve. It is the most ancient form of writing. In first century common usage, it refers to any kind of writing. It is written here in the perfect tense, so it means “it was written in the past and, therefore, it is written (as a confirmed statement of fact).”

Apollumi, is the word translated “destroy.” It is made up of apo, meaning “from” or “away from,” used as an intensifier, and ollumi, meaning “to destroy.” Thus, apollumi means “to completely destroy. Today, we might say annihilate.

Both “wisdom” and “wise” are translated from a form of sophos, which refers to “wisdom, skill, tact, or expertise in an art form.”

The words “bring to nothing” are from atheteō, which is made up of the privative a, meaning “without” and thetos, which refers to something that has been put in its place. Therefore, athetheō means “to cause something to be without a place.” In other words, it means “to get rid of” or “to abolish.”

Both “understanding” and “prudent” are from forms of the Greek word suniēmi, which refers to “perception, understanding, or intelligence.” It generally refers to the ability to understand concepts and see relationships between them.

Meaning Explained

Paul is making his comments with regard to the gospel message. In the previous verse he said that the good news of Salvation in Jesus Christ is laughable, even absurd, to those who reject it, those who are on death’s road because of such rejection. However, to those of us who believe the salvation truth, it is the life-giving power of God. To further emphasize his point, Paul quotes from the Prophet Isaiah, who said:

Therefore, behold, I will again do a marvelous work Among this people, A marvelous work and a wonder; For the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, And the understanding of their prudent men shall be hidden. (Isaiah 29:14)

This message was delivered to the Israelites because they thought they could rely on the strength of the Egyptians to protect them from a coming invasion by the Assyrians. In spite of all the miracles that God had done to save them and protect them, the Israelites rejected God and relied on their own wisdom and understanding. After all, at that time the Egyptians were the richest, most powerful nation in the world. It seemed like the wisest, most prudent thing to do, to make an alliance with Egypt for their own protection.

One thing we often miss when we read about the Israelites and their Egyptian neighbors: Egypt is a type (a symbolic picture) of the world system that we live in today. The world system will not save you. Only God can do that.

Application

How many Christians today are so caught up in the world around them that they come to depend on it instead of God? Are you one of them? We have to live in the world, but we don’t have to follow it. Where is your heart?

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Corinthians 1:17 – Preach The Good News

Posted on March 26, 2013 by Will

For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect.

Truth to Learn

All Christians need to share the gospel message to others.

Behind the Words

“Send” is translated from the Greek word apostellō. This word is composed of apo, meaning “off” or “away from” and the verb stellō, which means “to set,” “to send,” or “to appoint to a position.” The word apostellō means “to appoint to a position and send away on a specific mission.”

The words “preach the gospel” are from euangelidzō. This word is made up of eu, meaning “good” or “well” and angellō, meaning “to tell” or “to proclaim.” Thus, euangelidzō means “to proclaim goodness” or “to proclaim the good news.”

Sophia is the word translated “wisdom.” In classical Greek, this word refers to the knowledge and experience of respected philosophers and truly learned men. In the New Testament, however, it nearly always denotes “a genuine fear of God and an understanding of His ways.” In today’s verse it is used with more of a classical meaning, referring to human learning and experience rather than godly wisdom.

“Should be made of no effect” is translated from mē followed by a form of kenoō. Mē means “no” or “not” and kenoō means “to make empty or void.”

Meaning Explained

Paul now explains why he didn’t do very much baptizing while he was ministering in Corinth. Basically, he says that it’s not what he was called to do. He is not declaring that baptism is not important, just that it wasn’t part of his initial calling, which he received from Christ:

But rise and stand on your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness both of the things which you have seen and of the things which I will yet reveal to you. (Acts 26:16)

In fact, Paul considers his central mission of evangelizing the unsaved to be so important to him that he felt obligated to do it:

For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for necessity is laid upon me; yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel! (1 Corinthians 9:16)

He also declares an important aspect of preaching the gospel message. He says that sharing the good news of salvation through faith in Christ does not require “wisdom of words.” That is to say, preaching the gospel is not something that requires eloquence or fancy sermons laced with humorous examples or clever application. The preaching of the gospel message is a matter of simply and clearly declaring that we all are sinners condemned to death, but Jesus Christ paid the penalty for our sins on the cross, and whoever believes shall be saved from that death sentence.

Application

We have not all experienced a miraculous appearance of Christ telling us to preach the gospel like Paul did on the road to Damascus, but we have all been commissioned to declare the good news and to make disciples. We have not all been given the spiritual gift of evangelism, but we have all been commissioned to share the gospel. When was the last time you shared the truth of salvation? It is the greatest gift we can offer to anyone, whether they accept it or not. Share the good news!

In God's service, for His glory,

Ephesians 3:10 – Angelic Observers

Posted on October 23, 2011 by Will

Ephesians 3:10 – Angelic Observers

to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places,

Truth to Learn

Angels learn about God by watching you and me.

Behind the Words

The word “wisdom” is from the Greek noun sophia, which does in fact refer to “wisdom.” It is used in the New Testament to refer to both earthly and heavenly (spiritual) wisdom.

“Might be made known” is translated from the verb gnōridzō, meaning “to declare” or “to make known.”

“Principalities” is translated from archē, which literally refers to “the beginning point.” Metaphorically, it is used to refer to the highest in position or power of the angelic beings.

“Powers” is from dunamis (from which we get our English word dynamite), meaning “a powerful force.” It is used here as a reference to other powerful angelic beings.

Meaning Explained

In the past couple of verses he declared how he has been given the responsibility of revealing this mystery to the church, the body of Christ. This mystery, which has been hidden from mankind from the beginning of time, is now being revealed to us. In today’s verse he tells us that part of the reason for revealing this mystery to the church is so that it can now be revealed to the angelic beings in Heaven. The Jews had the Old Testament which revealed the God of righteousness and judgment to them. Today, we have the New Testament which reveals the God of grace and mercy to us undeserving sinners.

For some reason, the angelic beings do not learn about God’s righteousness, judgment, or grace from the written word. They learn about God’s multi-faceted wisdom by observing the church. The Apostle Peter, in his first general epistle, said it this way:

… the things which now have been reported to you through those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven—things which angels desire to look into. (1 Peter 1:12)

Application

Do you ever have those times when you feel like someone is watching you, even when you’re all alone? It could be the angels watching you to learn what God’s grace and mercy are all about. You and I are heavenly object lessons. Let’s show them what gratitude and thanksgiving are all about!

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

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Ephesians 1:17 – Seekers of Revelation

Posted on August 22, 2011 by Will

Ephesians 1:17 – Seekers of Revelation

that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him,

Truth to Learn

Christians should actively seek greater knowledge of God.

Behind the Words

The word “wisdom” is translated from sophia, which refers to “the ability to think and act, utilizing knowledge, insight, understanding, and experience.”

Meaning Explained

If we look at some of the attributes of the Holy Spirit, however, we may come to a different conclusion. In Isaiah 11:2, as the prophet is describing the Messiah, he says, “The Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon Him, The Spirit of wisdom and understanding.” This, clearly, is a reference to the Holy Spirit. And in 1Corinthians 2:10 where Paul is talking about the mystery of the wisdom of God, he says, “God has revealed them to us through His Spirit,” which is another clear reference to the Holy Spirit. Thus, it is reasonable to conclude that Paul is referring to the Holy Spirit in this verse.

Application

Do you know all there is to know about Jesus Christ? Of course not, none of us does. Do you want to know more about your Lord and Savior? Of course, all Christians do. Be assured that Paul also wants you to, but it doesn’t happen without actively seeking it from God’s Word. As you seek to know Christ better, the Holy Spirit will reveal Him to you.

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

If this message or this link was forwarded to you by a friend and you wish to receive future verses directly to your inbox, send an e-mail to:

Ephesians 1:8 – Abundant Grace

Posted on August 3, 2011 by Will

Ephesians 1:8 – Abundant Grace

which He made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence,

Truth to Learn

God gives us an abundant supply of His grace.

Behind the Words

The word “wisdom” is from the Greek noun sophia. This word refers to “skills in the affairs of life, deep knowledge, natural and moral insight, or practical wisdom.”

“Prudence” is from phronēsis, which is based on the verb phroneō, meaning “to think” or “to have a mindset.” Phronēsis refers to “intellectual or moral insight.” This insight is a direct result of exercising wisdom (sophia).

Meaning Explained

In today’s verse we learn that God did not simply show us a tiny, little piece of His grace, He gave us a super abundant amount of His grace. You might say that God made our “grace cup” overflow, and He did so “in all wisdom and prudence.” As to the meaning of this phrase there are two schools of thought. The first is that two of the products of His abundant grace are wisdom and prudence, which He has given to us. The other is that this grace is a result of His wisdom and prudence.

the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, (Ephesians 1:18)

But if this is the case, then why does Paul pray that we might yet receive this blessing (see verse seventeen).

If, on the other hand, Paul is telling us that God made His grace to super abound to us as a result of all His wisdom and insight, then it tells us that His grace was not simply an afterthought. It means that in eternity past when the Godhead determined the plan for mankind, He determined by all His wisdom and intellect that grace should be an integral part of that plan. This seems to me to be a better explanation for today’s verse.

Application

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

If this message or this link was forwarded to you by a friend and you wish to receive future verses directly to your inbox, send an e-mail to: