A Great Reveal
Without context, 1 Corinthians 2:9 could seem like Paul was referencing heaven. And while it’s true that our human minds have never seen, heard, or imagined the magnitude or magnificence of what God has planned for eternity, Paul’s message had a different point.
Paul was contrasting man’s wisdom with God’s wisdom (1 Corinthians 2:6-8), he clarifies that only the Holy Spirit can reveal God’s mysterious plan. Without the Spirit, we are blind, deaf, and incapable of comprehending His power. Without the Spirit, His wisdom seems foolish to even “the philosophers, the scholars, and the world’s brilliant debaters” (1 Corinthians 1:20).
It takes the Spirit of God to reveal the mysteries of God.
Only the Holy Spirit can divulge what was previously hidden—what cannot be seen with human eyes, heard with human ears, or imagined with human minds.
And Jesus Christ is the mysterious plan, hope in the flesh, and the long-awaited Messiah who has come to rescue His people, “In him lie hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:2-3). And because His Spirit now dwells inside of His people, we can also “have the mind of Christ” (1 Corinthians 2:16).
So don’t forget: “The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God” (1 Corinthians 1:18).
Staying in Spiritual Shape
When Paul wrote 1 Timothy 4:8, he acknowledged something we all probably know at heart—physical health matters.
In Paul's time, athletic training was a sign of discipline and strength. Today, we also recognize how sleep, nutrition, and exercise impact our well-being. Taking care of our bodies is important because they are a gift from God.
But Paul reminds us that while physical training has value, it’s not enough on its own. We need something more—something deeper that sustains us beyond the ups and downs of life. That something is godliness.
Godliness isn’t just about avoiding bad habits. It’s about shaping our lives around God’s presence and purpose. Just as physical training strengthens our bodies, spiritual training—through prayer, Scripture, and obedience—strengthens our souls.
When we seek Him first, we discover that godliness doesn’t just prepare us for eternity, it also transforms how we live right now. A healthy life—mentally, ...