It is sad that the princes or the rulers of this world have not understood and known Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. They would not acknowledge and submit to His headship. Though vested with power over men, they were blind toward the things of God.

Jesus said in Matthew 19:23-25 “…Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. 24 And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. 25 When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved?”

The power of God is surely able to save – Matthew 19:26 “But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.”

The knowledge of the gospel is true wisdom and yet a mystery, an enigma. It is wisdom hidden to the lost. But for the children of God, it is the wisdom and power of God. The glorious gospel of salvation. It is precious to the saved. It is fable and filth to the skeptics and scoffers.

For this generation of believers, it is the doctrine of the Second Coming of Jesus Christ that is yet a mystery. The world will prepare for Christ’s coming by mounting telescopes to explain away the story of an alien invasion. But for the redeemed, it is a time to preach the gospel and warn the world of God’s impending judgment when Christ returns. This earth will eventually be destroyed!

The “perfect” here refers to those the believers who are saved and have imbibed God’s wisdom in their lives enabling them to grow toward spiritual maturity. The word means “complete or mature”. The Apostle Paul observes also that human wisdom is fruitless because it is crooked and lacking. It brings no lasting value to those who imbibed its teaching. Wisdom from God emanates from the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The Apostle Paul understands that he is simply a vessel fully surrendered and given to the Master’s use. He shared that the old Saul has been crucified with Christ. He experienced the power of God when he was struck down by a bright light from heaven and lose his sight for three days. But in that encounter, he learned to fear God. He understood how weak and sinful he is, persecuting his Christ.

The Apostle Paul would have failed to qualify for any TED talk. There is a deliberateness on his part that he must not get in the way of presenting the gospel in its fullness and in its simplicity by any of his own wisdom. He does not speak “sleek” words that will attract the people to listen. He instead relied on the power of God’s Word and the mighty Holy Spirit to evangelise and to save.

The Apostle Paul is a witness to the glory and power of the gospel. He was blinded when he first met Jesus on the road to Damascus. Jesus restored his sight (Acts 9:1-22). He beheld the power of God to give and to take away in those three days of blindness. Frightening to experience that momentary wrath of God.

The Apostle Paul preaches the gospel of the crucified Christ. This is the power of God unto salvation. This is the only message that he proclaims. He did not embark on the evangelistic mission that Jesus has called him to do by declaring his own wisdom or his eloquence of speech.

In other words, the Apostle Paul relied upon God, abiding in Christ, through prayer and the power of the Holy Spirit to take the Word of God preached to convert souls.

All that we have comes from our gracious God who freely bestows upon us all spiritual blessings in Christ Jesus. As such, the believer’s response must only be one of gratitude, giving glory to God. There is no room for any pride or boasting for all that we have received comes by the grace of God.

Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Indeed, from salvation to glorification, it is all of God through Jesus Christ. Causes us to bow in humble adoration and praise for all the good that we have received and will continue to receive. We are a privilege people with the message of salvation, that only Jesus saves.

May the good Lord help us to proclaim this message far and wide. Amen.