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Introduction

Disorder abounds in personal lives, marriages, communities, churches, federal politics, the economic mayhem in Europe, and on a scale as large as global warming. The common factor underlying this dysfunction is a lack of wisdom. The one wisdom that can restore order is Christ

Hidden Beginnings

Paul speaks of “the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things” (Ephesians 3:9; cf. Col 1:26). God’s wisdom was concealed from Adam and Eve in his Word (Gen 2:17).

Temptation

When the first couple turned aside to the open satanic wisdom the world fell into disorder. All human idolatries, occult practices, religions and philosophies are attempts to create an alternate wisdom to the wisdom that is hidden in the life of God.

Old Testament Wisdom

The OT sages grasped divine wisdom as something essentially hidden from human sight (Job 28:12-13, 21, 28 ESV).  Israel however repeatedly turned to the wisdom of idols and came under judgement. The prophets looked forward to the coming of a completely wise Redeemer King (Isa 9:6; 11:2-3).

Fully Wise

Jesus teaching contains hidden meanings and he rejoices in God’s veiling of wisdom from the proud ((Matthew 13:34-35; Luke 10:21). In the cross divine wisdom is completely concealed, even from the Son (Mark 15:34). This paradoxical wisdom breaks forth into resurrection glory and sovereignty.

Ascended Wisdom

Jesus’ ascension means that the perfection of divine wisdom in him is totally inaccessible to normal human understanding (Colossians 2:2-3). The Church alone is called to reveal this wisdom to the world (Eph 3:10).

Wisdom Manifest in the Church

Wisdom always bears witness (Matt 23:34; Acts 7:54-59) and the people of God are to be indwelt by the Word and the Spirit as expressions of God’s wise order (Eph 5:15-18; Col 3:16-17).

Unbelief

The Church often turns aside from the hidden wisdom of God (1 Cor 2:6-10) to forms of worldy knowledge. This spreads disorder everywhere.

Conclusion

We must ask for the help of heaven to submit to the hidden and ascended wisdom of Christ in its rich variety (Eph 3:10, 21). As we do so the order of and glory of God will flow through the people of God out into the world fulfilling the secret purpose of creation.