VB127 Deep Things
Deep Things
[1Cor 2:9-10; Rom 11:33; Jer 10:23; 1Cor 2:9-10]
Lately, I have been thinking over the Greek words for knowledge, and have pondered the importance of depth in our learning. I want to share some of those thoughts today by looking at Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 2:9-10:
1Cor 2:9-10 (KJV) – [9] But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. [10] But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.
I am amazed that so many Christians, and even pastors, are not interested in depth, but would rather “dangle their feet in the shallow end the pool.” To me, there is nothing more exciting than “the deep things of God.” The Greek literally reads, “the depths of God.” Bathos,[G899] which speaks of great depth, or profound matters. This is the origin of our English bath, and even the word, bathyscaph (bath´e skaf´).1
Bathos is used in its literal sense in the Parable of the Sower, where some of the seed “fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth” (Mt 13:5). Here in 1 Corinthians 2:10, bathos is used metaphorically, and it refers to greatness, immensity, and profoundness.
Paul also uses bathos in Ephesians 3:18, where he wishes believers could comprehend the four dimensions of God’s love: breadth, length, depth, and height. The depth of Christ’s love shows us the condescension of His love; that is, it shows that God has reached down from His level to our level. This dimension is indeed the most wonderful of the four. As Ephesians 2:1-5 makes it clear, that it is impossible for man to be any lower or more depraved than he already is. But God has reached down and redeemed man through His love and grace.
Why did Christ die for us? Because He loved us. This truth is even more astounding when we remember that there was absolutely nothing lovable about us. Romans 1:21–32 and 3:10–18 are two other passages that clearly outline man’s wickedness. But praise be to God – His love is deeper than our depravity.
Rom 11:33 (KJV) –O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!
Depth: Greek bathos[G899] 1. depth (i.e. great depth, or of profound matters). 2. (as adjective) deep. 3. (by implication) the extent of. 4. (figuratively) a mystery.
God’s “unsearchable judgments,”[G419] means that they haven’t been diligently searched, or explored, (see also, G1830).
We are going through unsearchable judgments right now. Most people cannot understand the severity of evil that has gripped our country. Our people have not searched for God’s wisdom. If we had a healthier relationship with God, we would have a better idea of His judgments, and would understand the shaking that is taking place right now. Instead of looking for someone to blame, we should be exploring the depths of God’s love and asking for His wisdom.
Jeremiah 10:23 tells us that clear direction is not in us,
Jer 10:23 (KJV) –O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.
The Lord did not give His wisdom to man. Instead, man was made to depend on God for the impartation of His supernatural wisdom as needed.
Because of the frailties of our human minds, we don’t comprehend God’s wisdom in our natural minds (1 Corinthians 2:14), but through the Holy Spirit we can understand much more and much better than humanly possible.
We must look at our text again:
1Cor 2:9-10 (KJV) – [9] But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. [10] But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.
People, on their own, are incapable of receiving the wisdom of God, as 1 Corinthians 2:9 describes, but don’t stop at verse nine! Those who submit themselves to God have access to the wisdom of God through the Holy Spirit.
How wonderful it is to realize that no matter how deep Adam fell, God’s grace and riches always reach deep enough to raise us up. Things are going to be chaotic for earth dwellers in the last days, but true believers will be diving into the deep things of God.
Praise be to God that His love is deeper than our depravity. God has revealed deep things to me by His Spirit. I explore the deep things of God with Holy Spirit – He makes it all possible. Searching unsearchable things, walking in the Spirit, and exploring the depths of God.
If only I could reach as far into the depth of His character as He has mine.
God bless you my friend,
1Webster’s New World Dictionary and Thesaurus, 2nd Edition (New York: Hungry Minds. Inc.) “bathyscaph – (bath´e skaf´) Gk bathys, deep, and skaphe’, boat (a deep sea diving apparatus for reaching great depths without a cable, to submerge, submersible).”
