The Big Picture: doctrine

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Being ignorant of the mystery is being wise in your own conceits

In Romans 11:25, the apostle Paul offers one of the most sobering appeals found in his writings: “For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits...” This is no casual remark—it’s a Spirit-breathed warning to avoid a dangerous kind of self-assurance that blinds the believer to the truth of God’s current work. Paul is addressing the potential for pride that creeps in when spiritual ignorance is disguised as insight. And the antidote? Understanding the mystery revealed to him concerning the Body of Christ.

To be “wise in your own conceits” is to elevate human ideas—traditions, interpretations, emotional experiences—above the revealed truth of God’s Word. Conceit, by definition, is inflated self-regard. When applied to theology, it becomes a tragic substitute for submission to the Scriptures rightly divided. It’s the kind of wisdom that leans on the natural mind, not the Spirit’s illumination. Solomon warns against this posture: “Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil” (Proverbs 3:7), and Paul later echoes the same urgency in Romans 12:16.

But what is this “mystery” Paul doesn’t want the Church to be ignorant of? It is the sacred truth that was hidden in ages past and now revealed through Paul’s unique apostleship. The mystery is that God is forming a new, heavenly people—the Body of Christ—made up of Jew and Gentile alike, reconciled by grace through faith, and made righteous apart from the covenant promises and law given to Israel. This was not prophesied. It was not declared by the prophets of old. It was a new work, a secret kept by God until it was time to unveil it through Paul. As he explains in Ephesians 3:3-6 and Colossians 1:25-27, this mystery forms the foundation of the Church’s identity and calling today.

Right division doesn't fragment Scripture—it unlocks it.

The unfolding of God’s purpose in time is not random or blended—it is deliberate, progressive, and rightly divided. When we trace the book of Acts with this lens, the spotlight falls unmistakably on a pivotal shift that must shape how we read Scripture today. A new dispensation began—not with the birth of Jesus, not with Pentecost, but with the salvation of Paul and the specific revelation entrusted to him.

Before Paul’s conversion in Acts 9, salvation was bound up with Israel’s prophetic program. Gentiles who came to faith were brought in through Israel’s promises, through her rise—not her fall (cf. Isaiah 60, Zechariah 8:23). But Paul’s calling reveals something dramatically different.

“To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me” (Acts 26:18, KJV).

That mission—personal, direct, Gentile-focused—was not merely an extension of Israel’s prophetic role. It was new. Christ sent Paul as “a light of the Gentiles” (Acts 13:47), not to fulfill Israel’s rise but to reveal a grace that comes despite her fall.

In Acts 28, Paul reaches a point of finality with the nation Israel:

Approving What Is Excellent by Walking in Truth

Walking in the light is not merely about avoiding sin—it is about actively discerning truth, judging God's will, and making decisions that reflect a heart devoted to Him. This process of judgment is not cold or mechanical; it is deeply rooted in love for God and His Word. When you love God, you desire to walk in His ways, and that desire compels you to search the Scriptures, seeking what pleases Him. It is in this pursuit that true spiritual maturity is cultivated.

Paul speaks of this transformation in Romans 12:2, urging believers: "Be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." The renewal of the mind is not a passive experience—it is an intentional, daily engagement with truth. To prove what is acceptable unto God means to test, discern, and judge rightly. This is the essence of walking in the Spirit: a life where every thought, every action, and every decision is weighed against the truth of God's Word.

This is not a burdensome task but a joyful pursuit. Philippians 1:9-10 reveals that our love for God should abound in knowledge and judgment, enabling us to approve things that are excellent. Love is not blind—it is discerning. A believer who truly loves God does not merely follow rules but seeks to understand His heart, to know His will, and to walk accordingly. This is the difference between legalism and a life led by the Spirit. The former obeys out of obligation; the latter obeys out of love and maturity.

The Power of Transforming Grace Seen Through Our Doctrine

In Paul’s short but profound letter to Philemon, we see a real-life application of the gospel’s transformative power. It is a letter that does not merely teach doctrine but demonstrates how doctrine must be lived. Through the example of Onesimus, Philemon, and Paul, we are called to elevate truth above self, allowing Christ within us to reign above every carnal impulse—above grudges, revenge, ownership, greed, lusts, and the pride of life.

Onesimus: A Life Transformed

Onesimus was once unprofitable—both spiritually and practically. A runaway slave who likely stole from his master, he embodied the fallen nature of man: seeking self-will above truth, circumstance above faith. But when he encountered Paul in prison, everything changed. By the grace of God, he was begotten in bonds—he got saved and regenerated anew in Christ. His transformation wasn’t just a personal improvement; it redefined his entire identity. He was no longer just Philemon’s servant; he became a brother in the Lord.

This is the reality of salvation. We are not just improved versions of our former selves—we are made new. Onesimus, once a thief and a fugitive, became “profitable” through Christ, Phm.1:11; Tit.3:8. Not because he gained worldly wealth or influence, but because the gospel infused him with purpose. Like Onesimus, we must recognise that transformation in Christ is not about external change but about internal renewal.

Philemon: A Call to Forgiveness

Philemon had every legal right to punish Onesimus. The world would say that justice demands retribution. Carnal nature whispers: Let him suffer. Teach him a lesson. Own your rights. But Paul makes a different appeal—not based on law, but on grace.

Learning from Paul’s Example in Doctrine and Conduct

Our emotions are powerful. They can surge within us, demanding action—whether through frustration, impatience, or even resentment. Yet, as believers, we are called to submit to something far greater than our fleeting feelings: the Word of God. The apostle Paul provides us with a striking example of this very principle when, after being unjustly struck in the face before the Jewish council, he humbled himself to the authority of the high priest, prioritizing God’s Word over his emotions.

Paul’s Trial Before the Jewish Leaders

In Acts 23, Paul stood before the Jewish leaders after being seized and falsely accused. As he began to speak, Ananias, the high priest, commanded that Paul be struck. Imagine the moment—a fervent servant of God, unjustly slapped across the face in a setting meant for justice. What was Paul’s initial reaction? His emotions surged, and he immediately rebuked Ananias, saying, “God shall smite thee, thou whited wall” (Acts 23:3, KJV).

Yet, in that very moment, someone informed Paul that he had spoken against the high priest. Paul, being deeply committed to God’s truth, instantly corrected himself:

"I wist not, brethren, that he was the high priest: for it is written, Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people" (Acts 23:5, KJV).

Here lies an incredible lesson. Though Paul had a justifiable emotional reaction, he chose to submit to God’s Word. He immediately acknowledged his misstep and brought himself into alignment with scripture.

The dispensation of God which is given to me for you

The Mystery Revealed

"Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God; Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints." (Colossians 1:25-26, KJV)

Throughout the ages, God has worked through distinct dispensations, each revealing His purpose at its appointed time. The passage above highlights an incredible truth—Paul was entrusted with a unique dispensation, one that had never before been revealed. It was a mystery, hidden from generations past, but now made manifest.

This means that the gospel and doctrine given to Paul were not simply a continuation of what had come before. They were not an extension of the kingdom promises given to Israel, nor were they a repackaging of the message preached by the twelve apostles. Paul received something entirely new—a gospel of grace that was distinct from Israel’s prophetic program.

A Brand-New Gospel and Doctrine

Many today fail to recognise the vital distinction between the earthly ministry of Jesus to Israel and the heavenly revelation of Christ to Paul. Jesus’ earthly ministry was directed to the Jews:

"I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel." (Matthew 15:24, KJV)

Unveiling the Mystery of 1 Corinthians 2:7

"But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory." — 1 Corinthians 2:7

What Is the Mystery?

Biblically, a mystery is not unknowable, but previously concealed and now revealed. The wisdom Paul speaks of is God’s hidden plan of salvation, ordained before time began yet kept secret until revealed through him. Some aspects of this mystery include:

The incarnation and resurrection of Christ (1 Timothy 3:16).
The inclusion of Gentiles in salvation (Ephesians 3:6).
The believer’s union with Christ (Colossians 1:26-27).
The future glory prepared for God’s people (Romans 16:25).

Paul speaks of God’s wisdom in a mystery, a truth hidden for ages but now fully revealed through Christ and His work on the cross. This mystery is the foundation of our doctrine, a revelation that goes beyond worldly wisdom and calls believers into a deeper understanding of God’s eternal plan.

Why Was the Mystery Hidden?

May God Have Mercy on Your Soul: An Expression of Ignorance

As I watched a funeral on TV, I heard the minister say the following, "Rest in peace <person's name>, may God have mercy on your soul." Those words stuck with me and the more I thought about them, the more I was struck by the absolute ignorance embedded in this statement—an ignorance that disregards the foundational truth of the gospel and the finished work of the cross of Christ. It revealed how tradition and empty expressions continue to be spoken without thought, maintaining a cycle of religious negligence rather than biblical accuracy. This phrase, like others that I list at the end of the post**, have become a customary utterance, mindlessly repeated without questioning its meaning or validity in light of God’s revealed truth. Seeing this, I felt it necessary to bring attention to not only this statement but others also, that persist as vain customs, promoting human imagination rather than biblical reality. Words carry weight, and when they contradict the truth of Scripture, they must be identified and dismissed as meaningless rhetoric—mere traditions of men that veil the absolute authority of God’s Word.

This article serves as a call to recognize such errors and return to the certainty of sound doctrine, particularly the gospel of God's grace as taught in Paul’s epistles.

The Hollow Tradition of a Fruitless Expression

"May God have mercy on your soul."

Spiritual Growth is from Heart to Mind to Heart (Part 3)

Paul's 9-church epistles, Romans to 2-Thessalonians, is a curriculum of spiritual growth and transformation for the grace believer. By studying the doctrine progressively, and in the appointed order as presented in our King James bible, it takes one from being a babe in Christ to an adopted and mature son of God, from being carnal, yielding to the flesh, to being spiritual, yielding to the Spirit of life, and from being ignorant of God to having knowledge and wisdom in spiritual things. In addition, there is one more thing the curriculum does when it starts to take effect in one's life. It slowly changes the heart. It starts with a work of faith, renewing the mind to trust in God and trust in the doctrine, but as a believer grows in faith, the curriculum starts to work a labour of love.

What the labour of love is not!

Well, simply put, it is not your own good works. It is not even your love. It is a work of God that comes into operation as you become less, and the Word of God starts to take preeminence. So, forget about earning favour and credits by helping the elderly across the street (for example). The labour of love is not something you do by your own reasoning mind and good will. Doesn't Isaiah bluntly say,

"But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away." Isaiah 64:6.

I'm not saying that kind acts are fruitless, but I am saying that they are not the definition of the 'labour of love' which we are dealing with in this post.

Spiritual Growth is from Heart to Mind to Heart (Part 2)

Renewing the Mind: The Journey to Spiritual Maturity

When you accept salvation through faith, you embark on a transformative spiritual journey. The first step, justification, secures your eternal peace with God and grants you a new identity in His kingdom. However, this is only the beginning of the fuller salvation experience. The second step, sanctification, is where the real work begins—the renewal of your mind and growth into spiritual maturity.

Think of your spiritual life as similar to your physical life. When you were born, you received an identity and began to grow, explore, and develop. You learned, set goals, and gradually adopted new patterns of behaviour. Likewise, your spiritual identity as a child of God calls for growth and development. You cannot remain a "spiritual babe." Just as an heir to an empire must mature to fully enjoy the benefits and participate in the responsibilities of their inheritance, you must grow spiritually to embrace the fullness of your future inheritance in our Father's heavenly kingdom.

What Does Renewing the Mind Mean?

Twelve Key Topics within the Curriculum of Pauls Grace Doctrine

The motivation for this examination of Paul's teachings stems from 1 Timothy 1:3-5, in which Paul directs Timothy to ensure that only sound doctrine is taught, avoiding any other doctrines. Paul emphasizes the need to avoid distractions such as fables and endless genealogies, focusing instead on godly edification in faith. He highlights the ultimate goal of his commandment—charity out of a pure heart, a good conscience, and faith unfeigned. This charge reflects the importance of adhering to the grace and mystery doctrine entrusted to Timothy during his years of following Paul.

Additionally, Paul affirms Timothy's deep understanding of his teachings in 2 Timothy 3:10: "But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience." This declaration underscores that Timothy not only understood Paul’s doctrine but also observed how Paul lived it out in his life, making him a trusted steward of these teachings.

In light of these foundational scriptures, I was inspired to compile an overview of the key topics or principles of Paul’s grace doctrine. These 12 points provide clarity and encouragement, serving as a guide to understand the fuller doctrine of Paul that Timothy so faithfully upheld among the believers in Ephesus, ensuring that their faith remained unwavering and true.

Let’s delve into the twelve key topics contained in the full curriculum of Paul’s epistles, confirmed by scripture from our trusted King James Bible.

Adorning the Gospel: Living a Life That Reflects the Word of God

The concept of "adorning the gospel of Christ" invites every believer to live in such a way that their lives amplify the beauty, value, and majesty of God’s Word. It is a call to let our actions reflect the transforming power of the gospel—not through our own strength but through our submission to the influence and direction of God’s Word within us. As Paul’s doctrine teaches, the lives we live in obedience to God’s truth can make the doctrine of our Saviour attractive, inviting others to see the glory of Christ through us.

What Does It Mean to Adorn the Gospel?

The word "adorn" carries a rich meaning. Derived from the same root as the term for "cosmetics," it implies arranging something to enhance its natural beauty and order. When we adorn the gospel, we showcase its beauty through the way we live, much like a jeweler arranging precious gems to display their brilliance. The beauty of the gospel is inherent, but our lives can reflect and magnify it, drawing others to Christ.

Paul emphasizes this principle in his instructions to bondservants in Titus 2:9-10. Through three key lessons, we learn how to adorn the gospel:

Embracing Correction and Truth

Spiritual maturity is a journey—a transformative process that challenges us to move beyond our own understanding and align our hearts and minds with the truth of God's Word. This growth often involves reproof and correction, two elements that may feel uncomfortable but are essential for shaping us into the image of Christ. As believers, we are called to renew our minds through Scripture, allowing God's wisdom to displace our own, and in doing so, we begin to understand the deeper truths of God’s word, His will and His judgements.

The Galatian saints struggled with this, relying on their own efforts and clinging to the law of Moses instead of embracing the faith-centered doctrine that Paul taught. Their error lay in attempting to perfect themselves through fleshly endeavours rather than submitting to the transformative power of God's Word. This serves as a lesson for all believers: true transformation comes not from our own wisdom or actions, but from the renewing of our minds by Scripture alone. We cannot layer God's truth on top of our flawed thinking and expect to grow; instead, we must allow His Word to reshape us entirely.

Acknowledging our need for correction is critical in this process. Paul warns in 2 Timothy 2:25-26 that those who oppose themselves are caught in the snare of the devil, unaware that they are walking in false doctrine. The first step to freedom is recognizing and admitting our errors. This attitude of humility helps us to change our mind and leads us back to the path of truth. Like the Galatians, we may sometimes find it difficult to accept correction, especially when it challenges deeply held beliefs or exposes areas of weakness. Yet, this willingness to embrace reproof is vital for spiritual growth.

Understanding the Significance of Time in God's Eternal Plan

The passage from Ecclesiastes 3:11, "He hath made everything beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end," emphasizes the intricate process of God's work across the expanse of time—from the beginning to the end. Many people, however, live unaware of this divine timeline and view time only within the confines of their brief earthly existence, from birth to death. They labour under the sun, often to no avail, chasing pursuits that ultimately result in vanity. The vast majority return to dust with no understanding of God's purpose and how He works through time. This ignorance leads them to spend their lives seeking meaning through temporary pleasures, material possessions, indulgences, or useless philosophies, rather than aligning with God's eternal will.

A wise individual, by contrast, is someone who understands the true significance of time and chooses to live in accordance with God's purpose, not setting their will against His. Romans 8:28 speaks to this, stating, "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." Take note that God’s timeline and intent extends beyond the fleeting details of our life, and in truth, encompasses all things—past, present, and future—working towards God's ultimate purpose. From before the foundation of the world to the death of Christ on Calvary, God has been shaping His plan for the good of those who love Him.

Paul further affirms this in Ephesians 1:11, where he writes that believers are predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things after the counsel of His own will. Through time, God orchestrates all things toward a unified purpose in Jesus Christ, bringing all of history into alignment with His divine plan. Having this understanding emphasises the importance of how we should spend our time. It encourages us to live wisely, using the time we have in alignment with God's will.

How do we grow out of the milk? (Point 1)

Many would not like what I am going to say, but it is a fact that most believers today never grow to spiritual maturity, but instead remain babes in Christ? I can point the finger to myself as I was one for many years. So, what makes a believer a babe in Christ? What qualities does this type of believer show? Well, Paul answers this quite clearly when he addresses the Corinthians. After speaking about the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory, in 1Cor.2, Paul then writes,

1Cor 3:1-4 And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. [2] I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. [3] For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? [4] For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal?

The standout quality of a babe in Christ is carnality, which is opposite to a mature believer who walks by faith and after the spirit, according to the grace doctrine in Paul’s epistles. Carnal believers do not stand upon the Word of God but are controlled by their 5-senses, by their emotions, by visible things, and beguiled by ignorance and inexperience in the grace doctrine. This is why they are so unstable in their faith, being tossed to and fro by fables, by different doctrines, and by opinions, and why they are up and down like a rollercoaster in the various issues of life.

I have fed you with milk, and not with meat

If I was referring to a secular curriculum regarding mathematics, or computer programming, or any other trade or discipline, the word “milk” would refer to the basics, or introductory topics, and “meat” would logically be the more advanced levels of the curriculum. Now, though we can apply the same milk and meat logic to our biblical curriculum of Romans to 2-Thessalonians, we must also understand that the bible defines milk and meat as much more than just basics to advanced concepts. Scripture provides us with a much deeper understanding concerning the believer who is living on milk versus the believer that appreciates the meat. Let’s dive in and learn what the bible says about these things.

MILK:

1Cor.3:1-3 And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. [2] I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. [3] For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?

Heb.5:13 For every one that useth MILK is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.

There is a lot packed into these two verses above. The first of which is: did you notice that the verses do not target the progression of the topic (as a secular curriculum would do), but rather, it targets the progress of the spiritual maturity of believers who receive the curriculum. That, my friends, is a significant difference, highlighting a different context for assessment or judgement. This curriculum is not man-made. It is a doctrine by inspiration of God. Let’s remember that!

Verse Study: Galatians 2:20-21

Having posted the “fill in the blanks” puzzle yesterday, let’s actually study out this passage in Gal.2:20-21 and find out what Paul is teaching us.

Gal 2:20-21 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. [21] I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live;

This is a statement of faith. Though we have never experienced the actual cross ourselves, we must reckon that we too have died to this flesh life, even though we continue to live in it. You might live, but your mind needs to believe that you died with Christ. You must come to reckon it as true. How do we do that? Stare at the phrase. Study it out: cross referencing this with similar verses Paul writes to gain deeper understanding of it. Meditate upon it. Let it sink into your mind until it become as real and accepted as the physical objects around you. When we grow in knowledge of the truth it will start to naturally manifest in you and you will start to bear the fruit of that knowledge through your mind becoming renewed to the truth.

Comparative Overview of Paul's Epistles

This comparative list of Paul's epistles highlights key aspects such as the date of writing, growth stage, type, format, progress, realm, key words, and the intended audience for each letter. Dates are approximate. By presenting these details in a structured manner, this list serves as a valuable resource for anyone seeking to analyse and compare Paul's teachings across different communities and contexts. It enables readers to discern patterns, similarities, and differences in Paul's doctrine, offering a comprehensive perspective on his apostolic mission and the mystery doctrine he penned by inspiration. By examining Paul's epistles in sequence, readers can gain a deeper understanding of the spiritual growth and knowledge of God gained by the early believers.

Romans (Rom)

Date Written: AD 57
Growth: Foundation
Type: Doctrinal
Format: Milk, Meat
Progress: Work of faith
Realm: Sight/Carnal, Faith/Spirit
Key Words: Salvation, Spirit, Israel, Appeal to Transform/Walk
Audience: Christians in Rome

In preparation for the overview of the 9-church epistles

INTRODUCTION:

In his epistles, Paul uses a few analogies that indicate progression. Consider, milk and meat. Also consider babes, to children, to sons. How about from carnal to spiritual, from the outer man to the inner man and from the natural to the spiritual. All these examples can be applied to the 9-church epistles which make up the curriculum for the grace believer. Using these analogies helps to clarify the fact that the curriculum is indeed progressive and importantly, it should be recognised, studied, and understood in this manner to.

In this post, I’d like to draw your attention to this progressive concept by working through an overview of the 9-epistles, and assigning these analogical classifications to them, so you can identify the primary theme of the epistles and start to understand their position within the curriculum.

Before we get into the epistles however, it is necessary to define some terms that are used within the epistle comparisons. Please take note of these terms and consider them when working through the rest of this post.

Epistle Format

Doctrine: The set of principles or teachings laid out in Paul’s letters that we are to know and obey (not by our own power, but by the Spirit working within us).
Reproof: Identifying and expressing disapproval or criticism of a mistake or fault.
Correction: Providing guidance or actions to rectifying or improving a mistake or fault.
Instruction: Providing knowledge, information, or direction to help someone learn and grow.

Our connection with God is through His words

Statement on Social Media

This can be taken however y'all see fit, but I have not read the Bible through and through and don't feel it's necessary to reach God. I know that we are all connected to a higher being, and if we just shut up long enough to listen, we can speak directly to source. This doesn't take away from those who do read or need to read in order to find faith and examples to love by, just that it's not the only way. And I still don't understand why doing good things in the world have no bearing on one's spiritual growth.

My Reply

I understand that the person who wrote this is sincere in their reply but I'm responding to this statement, and in particular, the bolded part, because it retracts from the great value and importance of the word of God in the lives of believers. The word of God is our ONLY source of light and salvation. It is our ONLY source of truth, strength, hope, connection, and faith. There is no other source on the face of this earth to help us know and understand God, and everything else we do to connect with God should be based on the words and spirit that emanate from the bible (KJV), else it is in vain. The rest of this post validates this point I make.

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