The church at Corinth was going through many problems. They were heavy problems, materialism, selfishness, lawsuits against one another, sexual sins. There were factions, false teachings and pride. These problems were the result of one central issue – the people of Corinth had brought the world’s ways into the church. They would not separate themselves from the life they lived before coming to salvation in Christ Jesus. Sound familiar?
Paul deals with many issues in both his letters and some of the most beautiful thoughts ever put to words are found there. One of the first things he does is remind us that there are eternal glories waiting for the believer that outweigh any “perks” we might find in this world. He begins with a quote from Isaiah 64:4: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” [1 Cor 2:9 NKJV]
Then he immediately adds the most marvelous truth: “But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God.” [Vs 10-11]
God has given us His Spirit. His Spirit has the job of revealing to us the heart of our Father and the beauty of our Savior. He reveals to us what the Father has already done for us, provided for us and is reserving in heaven for us. The Spirit brings the resurrection life of Jesus to our souls and makes us alive. He provides the illumination of the Words of Jesus that keep us steady and secure.
And still there is much we won’t really grasp until we enter the very presence of God. Like that old song “When We All Get to Heaven” says, “What a day of rejoicing that will be! When we all see Jesus, we’ll sing and shout the victory!”
