Things God Does Not Want Us

to Be Ignorant Of

1. The Mystery of Israel’s Salvation and God’s Redemptive Plan for All Nations

Key Scripture: Romans 11:25

“For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.”

A. Exegesis and Word Study

Greek Word Study: The Greek word for “mystery” (μυστήριον, mystērion) signifies a divine truth once hidden but now revealed through Christ. In this context, it points to the partial hardening of Israel and the inclusion of the Gentiles in salvation history.
Historical Context: Paul wrote this to a predominantly Gentile audience in Rome to address misconceptions about Israel’s rejection by God. This passage clarifies that Israel’s hardening is neither total nor permanent.
Theological Insight: God’s redemptive plan encompasses both Jews and Gentiles. This mystery reflects God’s wisdom and the unity of all believers under the New Covenant.

B. Cross-References and Related Passages

Romans 9-11: Discusses the role of Israel in God’s redemptive plan and the mystery of their temporary hardening.
Ephesians 3:4-6: Reveals the mystery of Christ, where Gentiles are “fellow heirs” in the gospel.

C. Practical Application

Encourage humility and a deeper appreciation for God’s sovereign plan.
Understand the significance of Israel in prophecy, fostering prayer for their salvation and peace (Psalm 122:6).

2. Spiritual Gifts and Their Purpose in the Church

Key Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:1

“Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.”

A. Exegesis and Word Study

Greek Word Study: The term “spiritual gifts” (πνευματικῶν, pneumatika) refers to the workings of the Holy Spirit through believers for the edification of the church.
Purpose of Gifts: Gifts are for the mutual edification of the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 14:12) and include varieties such as prophecy, healing, and teaching.
Theological Insight: The gifts are diverse but operate in harmony within the church to reflect the character of Christ. They demonstrate God’s power and encourage interdependence among believers.

B. Cross-References and Related Passages

Ephesians 4:11-13: Gifts given to equip believers for service and unity.
Romans 12:6-8: Lists practical and ministry gifts, such as service, giving, and leadership.

C. Practical Application

Discover and use spiritual gifts within the church for mutual benefit, exercising them in humility and love (1 Corinthians 13).
Acknowledge the variety of gifts, promoting unity in diversity.

3. God’s Discipline and the Importance of Endurance

Key Scripture: Hebrews 12:5-6

“My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.”

A. Exegesis and Word Study

Greek Word Study: The term for “chastening” (παιδεία, paideia) implies nurturing or training with a disciplinary aspect. It reflects God’s loving correction aimed at spiritual growth.
Purpose of Discipline: God’s chastening is meant to produce holiness, righteousness, and closer fellowship with Him (Hebrews 12:10-11).
Theological Insight: Discipline distinguishes believers as true children of God, refining their character to mirror Christ’s holiness.

B. Cross-References and Related Passages

Proverbs 3:11-12: Origin of the principle that God disciplines those He loves.
Revelation 3:19: Christ’s rebuke as an expression of love, urging repentance.

C. Practical Application

Embrace trials and discipline as part of God’s sanctifying work.
Develop endurance and gratitude, understanding that God’s discipline shapes and purifies our faith.

4. The Second Coming of Christ and the Hope of Resurrection

Key Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

“But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope... For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout.”

A. Exegesis and Word Study

Greek Word Study: “Asleep” (κοιμάω, koimao) is a metaphor for death among believers, emphasizing the temporary nature of death in Christ.
Theological Insight: The hope of resurrection provides comfort and assurance of eternal life. Christ’s return will unite all believers with Him.
Event Sequence: Paul describes the order—Christ’s descent, resurrection of the dead in Christ, and transformation of living believers.

B. Cross-References and Related Passages

1 Corinthians 15:51-57: Further explanation of the resurrection and victory over death.
Philippians 3:20-21: Believers’ bodies will be transformed to be like Christ’s glorious body.

C. Practical Application

Live with an eternal perspective, encouraging one another with the hope of Christ’s return.
Strengthen faith and patience, knowing that Christ will come at an appointed time.

5. Endurance in Trials and the Sovereignty of God in Our Suffering

Key Scripture: 2 Corinthians 1:8-10

“For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure... that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead.”

A. Exegesis and Word Study

Greek Word Study: The phrase “pressed out of measure” (ὑπερβολὴν ὑπὲρ δύναμιν, hyperbolēn hyper dynamin) means extreme affliction, beyond human strength.
Theological Insight: Trials refine faith, shifting reliance from self to God. Paul’s suffering exemplifies how hardships reveal God’s power to save and sustain.
Purpose of Suffering: God allows suffering as a means to purify faith, building reliance on His sufficiency and power (James 1:2-4).

B. Cross-References and Related Passages

James 1:2-4: The testing of faith produces perseverance.
1 Peter 4:12-13: Rejoice in trials, as they align believers with Christ’s suffering and glory.

C. Practical Application

Embrace suffering as part of God’s refining process, trusting in His deliverance.
Use experiences of hardship to comfort and encourage others (2 Corinthians 1:4).

6. The End Times and God’s Perfect Timing

Key Scripture: 2 Peter 3:8

“But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.”

A. Exegesis and Word Study

Greek Word Study: “One day…as a thousand years” illustrates God’s eternal perspective beyond human constraints.
Theological Insight: God’s timing reflects His patience and mercy, as He desires all to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9).
Encouragement for Believers: Be patient and diligent, knowing that God’s delays serve His redemptive purposes.

B. Cross-References and Related Passages

Psalm 90:4: God’s eternal nature compared to human understanding of time.
Habakkuk 2:3: God’s vision will come at the appointed time.

C. Practical Application

Maintain a life of readiness, understanding that God’s timing fulfills His perfect plan.
Encourage others to live faithfully, even amid uncertain times.

Conclusion

Each area where God does not want us to be ignorant calls believers to deeper understanding, readiness, and dependence on Him. Through His Word, we receive insight, comfort, and guidance to live faithfully and prepare for His eternal purposes. By studying these topics exhaustively, believers grow in maturity, equipped to fulfill God’s will in an ever-changing world, always anchored in hope and truth.

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Monday, 18 November 2024