Characteristics Of The Wisdom Of God 1corinthians 1:21 Series

Characteristics of the wisdom of God 1Corinthians 1:21

1Co 1:21 For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe. 1Co 1:23, 24 but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.

What’s wisdom of God?

Already said….all that related to Christ…God’s way of salvation…God’s word..Consider 4 things:

i. Originated in God. V. 21a

Biblical revelations, not of man’s invention – the origin from God Himself. Cf.

2Pe 1:21: “for no prophecy has ever yet originated in man's will, but men who were led by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.” (Williams)

God planned….executed….revealed…etc..

- Salvation of man and all other related truths… 2Timo 3:16 – “All Scripture is breathed out by God..” (ESV)

Part of God’s Eternal counsel…..program cf. 2:7

o Mystery…hidden. cf 2:7

o Unless God reveals…no one will know His plan…wisdom..

? Praise be to His great name…He was pleased to reveal. Cf. Eph 3:9, 10

? Ob: God brought to light the hidden things…mystery from ages…that through Church…wisdom of God may be made known…

? Our duty as Christians…the church….make known God’s wisdom..

- Even angels wonder at this wisdom of God. 1Pet.1:12c.

ii. Personified in Christ. 1Cor 1: 24b; 30b

“Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.” V. 24b

“Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God” v. 30b

Not only that God, revealed His hidden wisdom through the scripture…The Lord Jesus Christ Himself is God’s wisdom for us.

- He is the embodiment of God’s wisdom. Cf. Heb 1:2; Colo 2:3

Heb 1:2a:- “in these last days spoken to us by His Son…”

God revealed Himself to us through His Son…So, He is called Word. John 1:1 ; Col 2:3: “in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”

o In Him we have all the answers, all knowledge…cf. John 4: 29 ‘He told everything’ – He answered all her questions, all her secrets..

Cf. Pro 8:22 – wisdom personified….bible students consider that passage speaks of christ..

Cf. v. 30 - Not only that He gives us wisdom, He teaches truths, but once we come to Him…

We get everything we need…- to know or experience. Ref. v.30 (T) 1Co 1:30 “So you owe it all to Him through union with Christ Jesus, whom God has made our wisdom, our means of right standing, our consecration, and our redemption..” (Williams New Testament)

a. Righteousness – justification – right standing before God.

b. Sanctification – consecration – separation...access to Holy presence.

c. Redemption – glorification – redemption of our body..

Thus, sinners who were just enemies before God, having no way to be saved…God in His eternal wisdom…saves, justifies, sanctifies and going to be glorified…

This…entire work of salvation from beginning to end…reveals the wonderful.. wisdom of God…

This wisdom….personified in Christ.

iii. Contrary to human thought. V. 18a, 25..

“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing..” “Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men..”

Notice man’s response to God’s wisdom:

a. Foolishness! V.18, 25a

‘Perishing’ – unbelievers who naturally going to hell…finds message of the cross foolishness..

‘Being saved’ – But believers acknowledges the power behind the cross.

‘Message of the cross’ – refers to the entire gospel truth…everything related to God’s plan of salvation through Jesus Christ.

‘Cross is foolishness’ - Ob: Remember the difference between the general perception of the cross then and now.

Today, cross got some respect! World considers as a symbol of Christianity. .Then, it was just an instrument / method execution…Most painful…cruel ….cursed…way of punishment….Given to Non - Romans, the worst criminals.

So, they simply hated, felt utter foolishness to hear that someone who died in this way and His cross can save…help…to get heaven..Greeks who loved wisdom….Did not see any wisdom in this message…Only foolishness…beyond their common sense…to consider such a dead man saves! Just illogical for them..So, Greeks laughed at God’s word…the message of cross.

b. Stumbling block. V. 23

V. 22 - Jews always looked for a Messiah who will appear with spectacular glory…and signs / miracles.

Who will liberate them from Roman bondage with His mighty works. In fact, when they asked for a sign…He did give…Cf.

Matt 12: 39, 40:-“But He answered and said to them, "An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. “