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

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.

Learning from Paul’s Example in Doctrine and Conduct

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.

DM#22: Let him become a fool, that he may be wise

Doctrine of the Mysteries #22

Let him become a fool, that he may be wise

1Co 3:18-21  Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise.  (19)  For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.  (20)  And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain.  (21)  Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours;

This passage is not a mystery, (being referenced in the prophets, see: Job 5:13; Ps 94:11; Jer 9:23-24), but I could not pass it by due to its relevance and the necessity of hearing and understanding this truth again, considering the society in which we live today, which revels in its pride and pomposity.

The world will be completely ignorant to this passage. Unfortunately, most of Christianity will too. There is not much to take from this passage if one does not apprehend the type of wisdom it refers to. The carnal man produces his own wisdom and will boast in it. But the wisdom spoken of here is a wisdom that originates in Christ. It is a wisdom that is provided, not produced.