Cross City Church
Today, the truth seems to be increasingly difficult to find. In many respects, our culture has replaced truth with opinion, but that's not what God intended. When we look at the church's early days, we see that the church at Corinth drifted to a more "subjective truth." Paul wrote a letter to help them, which we know as 1 Corinthians. This inspired word still applies to us, and our new series, "What is Truth," will help us stay grounded.
1 Corinthians 2:6-9
Yet we do speak wisdom among those who are mature; a wisdom, however, not of this age nor of the rulers of this age, who are passing away; but we speak God’s wisdom in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God predestined before the ages to our glory; the wisdom which none of the rulers of this age has understood; for if they had understood it they would not have crucified the Lord of glory; but just as it is written, “Things which eye has not seen and ear has not heard, and which have not entered the heart of man, all that God has prepared for those who love Him.”
Human wisdom was keeping believers from divine wisdom, and from spiritual growth and unity.
—John MacArthur
When did truth begin?
…a wisdom, however, not of this age… v. 6
Truth began before creation.
1 Corinthians 2:7
…the hidden wisdom which God predestined before the ages…
Since truth is eternal, we don’t make truth—we can’t create truth and we cannot have our own truth—we can only discover His truth.
What can inhibit God’s design for our lives?
The wisdom of the age.
What are you embracing and believing right now that contradicts eternal truth?
Where does truth come from?
…nor of the rulers of this age… v. 6
Human wisdom is influenced by sinful human beings.
Jeremiah 17:9
The heart is more deceitful than all else and is desperately sick; Who can understand it?
Philippians 3:18-19
For many walk, of whom I often told you, and now tell you even weeping, that they are enemies of the cross of Christ, whose end is destruction, whose god is their appetite, and whose glory is in their shame, who set their minds on earthly things.
Human wisdom is influenced by evil spiritual beings.
2 Corinthians 4:4
…the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of the gospel the glory of Christ…
1 Corinthians 2:6
…the rulers of this age, who are passing away…
Truth comes from God.
1 Corinthians 2:7
…we speak God’s wisdom in a mystery…
Hebrews 11:6
And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that he is and that he is a rewarder of those who seek Him.
How firmly fixed are you—how solid is your foundation when it comes to your confidence in God’s truth?
The mystery first refers to Christ INDWELLING us.
Colossians 1:27
…to who God willed to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
The mystery also refers to Christ UNIFYING us.
Ephesians 3:6
…to be specific, that the Gentiles are fellow heirs and fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.
Who knows and understands truth?
…the wisdom which none of the rulers of this age has understood… v. 8
1 Corinthians 2:14
But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, for they are spiritually appraised.
Truth is revealed through the Spirit.
1 Corinthians 2:10
For to us God revealed them through the Spirit…
How consistently do you seek the truth from God with life’s issues?
Know the truth—then you’ll recognize the counterfeit.
Discussion Questions
What are you embracing and believing right now that contradicts eternal truth?
How firmly fixed are you—how solid is your foundation when it comes to your confidence in God’s truth?
How consistently do you seek the truth from God with life’s issues?