1 Corinthians 2:9

Memory Verse

But just as it is written, “The things which [the] eye has not discerned and the ear has not heard and has not ascended upon the heart of man, the things which the God has prepared for those who are loving Him.”, 1 Corinthians 2:9.

God has done a work through the cross of Christ that no one, not only expected, but did not even consider was possible. If the rulers of this age—Lucifer and his followers—would have even considered such a thing, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory (1 Corinthians 2:8). Yet, they did crucify Him, and God responded by raising Christ from the dead three days later, just as He promised, and through His resurrection, He created a new man (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Jesus foretold of the change in relationship that would come while He was in the upper room with the eleven disciples on the night He was betrayed. It was His time to leave for a little while, but He would not leave them alone. He promised to send another comforter, the Holy Spirit. They already knew the Spirit because He had been with them, but after He is sent by Christ, His relationship with them would change, for He would be in them, John 14:17.

We love God by loving the brethren. This type of love is not in word or tongue, but in work and truth, 1 John 3:18. When we are loving God—actively seeking the best for other saints—all things work out for our benefit, Romans 8:28. This does not mean that life will be wonderful here on earth, for by grace we also are permitted to suffer for righteousness. However, whatever we go through, when we are loving God, will work out maturity, stability, and establish us in all things in Christ, 2 Corinthians 1:21. When this world ends, we will be the ones who stand beside Christ in victory; therefore, let us live according to the victory that we have in Christ, 1 John 5:4–5.