1 Corinthians 2:9
Previously Paul told the Corinthians that faith in God does not come from the enticing words of man’s wisdom. When he first visited them, he taught and preached the simple gospel message – Jesus Christ and His crucifixion is the wisdom of God. He wanted believers’ trust to be in God and His plan of salvation, which is made known through Christ and activated through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Paul continues his teaching of wisdom in verse 9 saying, “But as it is written…” an introductory phrase of Old Testament prophecy (Isa. 64:4) that is here fulfilled. The prophecy is: “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” Here Paul reminded the Corinthians that God has things planned for His children that are not revealed to them through earthly sight, hearing, or what the heart has received. Recall that while Israel was in Babylonian exile, Jeremiah delivered a word from God: “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end” (Jer. 29:11).
No matter how difficult our trials and tribulations are, believers should trust God, never forgetting that He is purposeful in His ways and thoughts. He knows the plans He has to prosper us and not to harm us, plans to give us hope and a future. Clearly Paul’s instruction on wisdom is: “That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God” (v.5).
Lift your voice and shout, “Glory!”