Tonight we look at the cross and the message of the cross. We’ll consider the way in which it offends or appears foolish to unbelievers while simultaneously being beautiful, profound wisdom for believers.

As we consider wisdom and folly, a common biblical theme, Paul says there’s an inherent worldview difference regarding this issue between believers and unbelievers. This passage was true in Greco-Roman times, when wisdom and philosophy were prized above all, and it speaks to our time as well, because our culture also prizes certain kinds of human-centric wisdom, knowledge, and philosophy.

If you have a biblical worldview, there will be topics about which non-believers will think you’re a fool. We need to get comfortable with that, expect it, and not resent it – this is simply God’s plan.

Looking back at verse 17 – Paul viewed his primary mission as preaching the gospel – but not with worldly eloquence that would distract listeners from the power of the cross.

Following Christ in 21st Century Corinth – Week 2

presented 12 September 2018

1 Corinthians 1: 18-31

AUDIO

Lecture Handout

1_18 through 1_31 Handout Week 2

Lesson Notes

Wisdom & Foolishness (1 Corinthians 1: 18-25)

  • Verse 18 – The message of the cross is foolish to those who are perishing (under God’s condemnation because they are out of His will)
    • But to those who are saved, it’s the power of God
    • Who is perishing? Everyone who hasn’t trusted in Christ as Lord & Savior – John 3: 16-18 – the default condition of every person in the world.
      • Objectively, the message of the cross would seem silly to an unbeliever: blood sacrifices, substitutionary payment of penalty, a leader who dies and comes back from the dead, and faith alone as the path to eternal life.
      • It’s all very logical once you know God and understand His Word, His goodness, mercy, AND righteousness and justice.
      • But with only a cartoonish or nonexistent understanding of God’s nature it’s going to sound silly
    • Once we receive it, we realize this is the power of God to transform lives, give eternal life, reconcile broken relationships, etc.
  • Verses 19-20
    • Quoting Isaiah 29: 13-16
    • God delights in confounding the wisdom of the world -> so why be surprised that Christianity is looked down on by non-believers?
    • Rather than get made, rejoice in your place in the book of life rather than your place in society or the book of smart people
    • “Where is the scribe, where is the debater?” – these are the respective scholars of Judaism and the Greco-Roman world respectively
    • Paul isn’t against Christian wisdom, but it’s different from worldly wisdom
    • That’s why there’s great value in lifelong study of Proverbs, Psalms, Job, and Ecclesiastes – to develop God’s perspective on wisdom
  • Verse 21 – This dynamic is God’s will – He could make the worldly-wise love His plan, but that isn’t how He chose to make things
    • He didn’t reveal Himself through wisdom but through a foolish, humiliating, and obscene death on a cross
    • There will be limits to how smart and sophisticated we can and should make our gospel presentation, which is our foundational message, without compromising the message itself
  • Verse 22 – Jews want miracles -> Jesus did plenty of them to connect with the Jews
    • Greeks – Gentiles; They want wisdom and sophisticated worldly arguments
  • Verse 23 – We preach Christ crucified
    • That must always be the core of our message
    • There are other themes and truths we speak of, but this must always be the core
    • If we go far from this, we usually start making ourselves feel good about what we’re doing to earn God’s favor and forget that we don’t have to
    • A stumbling block to Jews – it was the curse of God to be hung on a tree (Deuteronomy 21: 22-23)
    • This was a real problem for Jewish acceptance of Christianity – how could God curse His own Son?
    • Folly to gentiles – who prized strength and status above all things – a martyred, defeated, dead founder was ridiculous and contemptible to them
  • Verse 24 – But for those called to believe, call to be saved – of any race or ethnicity
    • It’s exactly what they’re looking for
    • Jews seek signs – the cross is the ultimate sign, the power of God -> death and resurrection, eternal life
    • Greeks seek wisdom – the cross is the ultimate wisdom of God, the perfect solution of how to satisfy the justice of God and display His mercy and love
  • Verse 25 – The foolishness of God – a self-sacrificing leader, wiser than men
    • The weakness of God is stronger than anything men can accomplish
    • We must be careful not to water down the message of the cross to suit the culture – this has been an ever-present temptation
    • Don’t be a jerk, but don’t minimize the truth, both the bad and the good news

We Are the Foolish (1 Corinthians 1: 26-31)

  • Verse 26 – Consider your calling, where you came from
    • Still a valid point today – about how you were when you first believed
    • Corinthian church was all 1st generation Christians, plucked from all walks of life, some very low
    • Not a lot of college professors, philosophers, sophisticates, aristocrats, or Roman officials, though surely some
    • Just plain folks
  • Verses 27-28 – God chose to work through the humble, ordinary people
    • That way He gets the glory and the world is surprised
    • This is likely why the gospel seems to be more easily received by poor, hurting people
    • This is why putting on airs as a Christian is ridiculous!
    • God chose things, “low and despised in the world”
  • Verse 29 – So human beings should boast in God’s presence!
  • Verse 30 – Because of God we’re in Christ Jesus
    • Christ is our wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and comfort
    • We are one in Christ
      • The blessing of embracing God’s wisdom rather than our own abilities
      • Wisdom – skilled and godly living
      • Righteousness – right standing before God
      • Sanctification – holiness, moral cleansing
      • Redemption – purchased freedom from slavery to sin and death
    • This is a great deal – the ultimate wise choice in Christ!
  • Verse 31 – So let our boast be in God -> Jeremiah 9: 23-24

Discussion Questions

  1. What are the implications of this passage for personal evangelism?
  2. What is the role of Christian apologetics in light of this passage?
  3. Share some places where you’ve seen the collision of God’s wisdom and worldly wisdom. Have you seen places where they’ve successfully collaborated?

Next Week

1 Corinthians 2