Faith To Receive Wisdom From Above

[Mr. M]

The ability to receive wisdom from above by the Spirit.

Ephesians 4:20 But you have not so learned Christ, 

21 if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him,

as the truth is in Jesus: 

22 that you put off, concerning your former conduct,

the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, 

23 and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 

24 and that you put on the new man which was created according to God,

in true righteousness and holiness.

1 Corinthians 2:

13 These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches,

but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 

14 But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God,

for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, 

because they are spiritually discerned. 

15 But he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he

himself is rightly judged by no one. 

16 For “who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct Him?” 

But we have the mind of Christ.

James 3:

17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle,

willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. 

18 Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

[FreeGrace]

On 1/25/2024 at 9:38 AM, Mr. M said:

The ability to receive wisdom from above by the Spirit.

Ephesians 4:20 But you have not so learned Christ, 

21 if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him,

as the truth is in Jesus: 

22 that you put off, concerning your former conduct,

the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, 

23 and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 

24 and that you put on the new man which was created according to God,

in true righteousness and holiness.

1 Corinthians 2:

13 These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches,

but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 

14 But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God,

for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, 

because they are spiritually discerned. 

15 But he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he

himself is rightly judged by no one. 

16 For “who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct Him?” 

But we have the mind of Christ.

James 3:

17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle,

willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. 

18 Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

The OP isn't clear.  It begins with "The ability to receive wisdom from above by the Spirit.", but doesn't address whether man has that ability or not.  

What wasn't mentioned is whether a person is saved or not.  Those not saved cannot understand spiritual wisdom.

1 Cor 2:14 - he person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit.

v.15 - The person with the Spirit makes judgments about all things, but such a person is not subject to merely human judgments,

v.15 addresses believers, those who have the Spirit indwelling them.  However, Paul commands believers to NOT grieve (Eph 4:30) or quench (1 Thess 5:19) the Spirit.  In the Greek, it means to stop doing it, so we know that believers can and do grieve/quench the Spirit.  So we know that when believers do this, they are unable to receive wisdom from above.  The solution?  To confess their sins, for forgiveness and cleansing, which results in restoration of fellowship (1 John 1).  Then the believer is able to receive wisdom from above.

So, how does one receive such wisdom?  It clearly isn't automatic.

James tells the believer how to receive wisdom.

James 1:5 - If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

So, in order to receive wisdom from above, a believer must be in fellowship, through confession of sin, and then ask for it.

Remember, when a believer is out of fellowship because of unconfessed sin, God doesn't hear their prayers.

Psa 66:18 - If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened;

That is why believers MUST confess their sins.

[Mr. M]

19 minutes ago, FreeGrace said:

The OP isn't clear.  It begins with "The ability to receive wisdom from above by the Spirit.", but doesn't address whether man has that ability or not.  

What wasn't mentioned is whether a person is saved or not.  Those not saved cannot understand spiritual wisdom.

None of the epistles were written to or for unbelievers. 

20 minutes ago, FreeGrace said:

1 Cor 2:14 - he person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit.

v.15 - The person with the Spirit makes judgments about all things, but such a person is not subject to merely human judgments,

Covered in the OP.

 

On 1/25/2024 at 7:38 AM, Mr. M said:

1 Corinthians 2:

13 These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches,

but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 

14 But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God,

for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, 

because they are spiritually discerned. 

15 But he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he

himself is rightly judged by no one. 

16 For “who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct Him?” 

But we have the mind of Christ.

 

23 minutes ago, FreeGrace said:

However, Paul commands believers to NOT grieve (Eph 4:30) or quench (1 Thess 5:19) the Spirit.  In the Greek, it means to stop doing it, so we know that believers can and do grieve/quench the Spirit.  So we know that when believers do this, they are unable to receive wisdom from above.

Very good points, although the OP was not about how NOT to receive.

The admonitions are valid and valued.

24 minutes ago, FreeGrace said:

The solution?  To confess their sins, for forgiveness and cleansing, which results in restoration of fellowship (1 John 1).  Then the believer is able to receive wisdom from above.

 

On 1/25/2024 at 7:38 AM, Mr. M said:

22 that you put off, concerning your former conduct,

the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, 

23 and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 

24 and that you put on the new man which was created according to God,

in true righteousness and holiness.

Yes, there is quite a bit of instruction on the need to confess sin.

Again, not particularly on topic, but valuable to consider for anyone 

NOT receiving, they should examine themselves and confess their faults.

28 minutes ago, FreeGrace said:

James 1:5 - If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

Bullseye! keep it going.

6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts

is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. 

7 For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 

8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

So now we can merge your concerns for confessing sin and

the most basic element of what undermines faith...doubt.

Romans 14:23 But he who doubts is condemned if he eats,

because he does not eat from faith; for whatever is not from faith is sin.

33 minutes ago, FreeGrace said:

Remember, when a believer is out of fellowship because of unconfessed sin, God doesn't hear their prayers.

Psa 66:18 - If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened;

That is why believers MUST confess their sins.

And stop doubting!

Thank you for your response.

[enoob57]

It is all written down for every human to read called Scripture... the responsibility was given to every believer in God's Word to go and tell others (all the world)!!!

Matthew 28:19 (KJV)

[19] Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

[20] Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

to the end result:
2 Timothy 3:15 (KJV)

[15] And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

[16] All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

[17] That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

 

[Mr. M]

27 minutes ago, enoob57 said:

It is all written down for every human to read called Scripture... the responsibility was given to every believer in God's Word to go and tell others (all the world)!!!

Matthew 28:19 (KJV)

[19] Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

[20] Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

to the end result:
2 Timothy 3:15 (KJV)

[15] And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

[16] All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

[17] That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

 

 

 

All manner of people have studied scriptures.

Only those who receive by the Holy Spirit obtain 

wisdom thereby.

John 16:13 However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, 

He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own, 

but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.

1 hour ago, FreeGrace said:

1 Cor 2:14 - he person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit.

v.15 - The person with the Spirit makes judgments about all things, but such a person is not subject to merely human judgments,

 

[enoob57]

16 minutes ago, Mr. M said:

All manner of people have studied scriptures.

Only those who receive by the Holy Spirit obtain 

wisdom thereby.

The Scripture is a work of the Holy Spirit and it is a sealed canon!
The work of the Holy Spirit (Scripture) needs the work of The Holy Spirit?

16 minutes ago, Mr. M said:

John 16:13 However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, 

He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own, 

but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.

This was spoken to Disciples / Apostles that would have part in the finishing of God's Word (NT) to mankind... this:
John 14:26 (KJV)

[26] But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
                                                                                            have said not will say

God's Word is complete and lacks nothing for work done here:
2 Timothy 3:15 (KJV)

[15] And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

[16] All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

[17] That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

 

[FreeGrace]

51 minutes ago, Mr. M said:

FreeGrace said: 

The OP isn't clear.  It begins with "The ability to receive wisdom from above by the Spirit.", but doesn't address whether man has that ability or not.  

What wasn't mentioned is whether a person is saved or not.  Those not saved cannot understand spiritual wisdom.

None of the epistles were written to or for unbelievers.

Correct.  That's why I noted the OP wasn't clear.

51 minutes ago, Mr. M said:

 Covered in the OP.

What wasn't covered was:  v.15 addresses believers, those who have the Spirit indwelling them.  However, Paul commands believers to NOT grieve (Eph 4:30) or quench (1 Thess 5:19) the Spirit.  In the Greek, it means to stop doing it, so we know that believers can and do grieve/quench the Spirit.  So we know that when believers do this, they are unable to receive wisdom from above.  The solution?  To confess their sins, for forgiveness and cleansing, which results in restoration of fellowship (1 John 1).  Then the believer is able to receive wisdom from above.

51 minutes ago, Mr. M said:

Very good points, although the OP was not about how NOT to receive.

In order to know what is right, one must know what is wrong.

Isa 7:15 - He will be eating curds and honey when he knows enough to reject the wrong and choose the right

51 minutes ago, Mr. M said:

Yes, there is quite a bit of instruction on the need to confess sin.

Again, not particularly on topic, but valuable to consider for anyone 

NOT receiving, they should examine themselves and confess their faults.

My point as well.   

51 minutes ago, Mr. M said:

 

Bullseye! keep it going.

6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts

is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. 

7 For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 

8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

So now we can merge your concerns for confessing sin and

the most basic element of what undermines faith...doubt.

Romans 14:23 But he who doubts is condemned if he eats,

because he does not eat from faith; for whatever is not from faith is sin.

And stop doubting!

Thank you for your response.

My pleasure!

[Mr. M]

10 minutes ago, enoob57 said:

The Scripture is a work of the Holy Spirit and it is a sealed canon!
The work of the Holy Spirit (Scripture) needs the work of The Holy Spirit?

Not what I said. The recipient needs the Spirit of the Lord to receive.

Luke 24:32 And they said to one another,

“Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us on the road,

and while He opened the Scriptures to us?”

The scribes and Pharisees knew the scriptures.

John 5:

38 But you do not have His word abiding in you, because whom He sent,

Him you do not believe. 

39 You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life;

and these are they which testify of Me. 

40 But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life.

 

 

[enoob57]

27 minutes ago, Mr. M said:

Not what I said. The recipient needs the Spirit of the Lord to receive.
notice the ? mark 

Luke 24:32 And they said to one another,

“Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us on the road,

and while He opened the Scriptures to us?”

The scribes and Pharisees knew the scriptures.

John 5:

38 But you do not have His word abiding in you, because whom He sent,

Him you do not believe. 

39 You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life;

and these are they which testify of Me. 

40 But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life.

 

 

none of this supports what you purport ... What I am hearing the Scripture is insufficient unless the Holy Spirit does something additional to His work of the Scripture... What I read from God is
2 Timothy 3:15 (KJV)

[15] And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

[16] All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

[17] That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

 

[Mr. M]

1 hour ago, enoob57 said:

It is all written down for every human to read called Scripture... the responsibility was given to every believer in God's Word to go and tell others (all the world)!!!

 

18 minutes ago, enoob57 said:

[17] That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

I am simply separating "every believer",

or "man(woman, child) of God",

from "every human" as you stated.

Reading the scriptures alone does not make one so.

They must be born of God.

On 1/25/2024 at 7:38 AM, Mr. M said:

1 Corinthians 2:

13 These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches,

but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 

 

14 But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God,

for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, 

because they are spiritually discerned. 

15 But he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he

himself is rightly judged by no one. 

16 For “who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct Him?” 

But we have the mind of Christ.

When Paul states "these things we also speak",

he refers to the apostolic doctrines he and others 

laid out and are recorded in the NT as canon.

He clearly states the wisdom contained therein

is accessed by the Spirit. Timothy had received that 

Spirit. He also had a measure of faith instilled in him

by his mother and grandmother.

"when I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you,

which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice,

and I am persuaded is in you also." 2 Timothy 1:5