1. after decrying "man's wisdom", paul identifies true wisdom
he is not saying that there is no such thing as wisdom...
this is not anti-thought or anti-truth.
2. compare human wisdom with god's wisdom
our preferences don't factor in to it's truth
the truth exalts god, not man...
1. god's wisdom must be revealed (it can't be found)
a. compare this wisdom with natural revelation
>
romans 10:14
Rom 10:14 How then will they call on Him in whom they have
not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have
not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher?
Rom 10:15 How will they preach unless they are sent? Just
as it is written, "HOW BEAUTIFUL ARE THE FEET OF THOSE WHO
BRING GOOD NEWS OF GOOD THINGS!"
romans 10:14
Rom 1:18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against
all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the
truth in unrighteousness,
Rom 1:19 because that which is known about God is evident within
them; for God made it evident to them.
Rom 1:20 For since the creation of the world His invisible
attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been
clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so
that they are without excuse.
Rom 1:21 For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him
as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations,
and their foolish heart was darkened.
b. where had greek philosophy gone? i'm not aware of a more earnest attempt at
truth by men, but they still would/could never reach the knowledge
of god - it has to be revealed.
this is a very strong statement on the limits of human knowledge;
however PLEASE NOTE that it is reasonably straightforward;
the knowledge isn't available without revelation.
predestined before the ages
to our glory
rom 8:28-39
Rom 8:28 And we know that God causes all things to work together for good
to those who love God, to those who are called according to {His} purpose.
Rom 8:29 For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined {to become} conformed
to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren;
Rom 8:30 and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called,
He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified.
Rom 8:31 What then shall we say to these things? If God {is} for us, who {is} against us?
Rom 8:32 He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all,
how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?
Rom 8:33 Who will bring a charge against God's elect? God is the one who justifies;
Rom 8:34 who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who
was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us.
Rom 8:35 Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or
distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
Rom 8:36 Just as it is written, "FOR YOUR SAKE WE ARE BEING PUT TO DEATH ALL
DAY LONG; WE WERE CONSIDERED AS SHEEP TO BE SLAUGHTERED."
Rom 8:37 But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us.
Rom 8:38 For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor
principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers,
Rom 8:39 nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to
separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
1. what is the wisdom? christ, and him crucified
- our grace and mercy comes through christ
2. who are the rulers?
demons/devil
human leaders
who knows. i'd have to cast my vote with human leaders because of the knowledge clause
at the end of 2:8...
* note that this is a backhand at the concept of worldly 'status'...