Foolish Wisdom-3(2024)

FOOLISH WISDOM-III—1Corinthians 1:20-21(1:18--2:5)

Attention:

The spanish conquistador, Hernán(do) Cortés, took on a mission to explore & secure the interior of Mexico for spanish colonization. In or around 1519 AD, Cortés landed on what is now known as Yucatan, Mexico. He had 500 men dispersed on 11 ships. Once they landed, it is said that Cortez made a wise decision. He had all the ships scuttled & burned!

Thru his destroying the ships, he left the group, including himself, no means of turning to flee from the mission at hand. Because there was now no means of escape, his men quickly committed themselves to the task at hand, even though it was an unknown land. And so they succeeded in their mission!

No doubt, many of Hernán Cortez’ men INITIALLY mis-interpreted Cortéz’ decision to destroy their only means of escape. No doubt, they initially saw Cortéz’ move as detrimental to the whole crew.

In a similar way, God’s wisdom can also be mis-interpreted! But to do so, is to bring actual ETERNAL detriment to a person’s standing with God!

Need:

The apostle Paul related that the actual wisdom in the Cross-work of Christ, was seen as foolishness by those who were perishing.

The wisdom of the Cross can be misinterpreted.

How can wisdom be properly interpreted?

9 means of interpreting foolish wisdom.

The title ‘Foolish Wisdom’ is intentionally indefinite. If something is foolish, can it be described as wisdom? And if something is wisdom, can it be described as foolish?

Previously, we have found that Foolish Wisdom is interpreted thru...

1. The MESSAGE Of The CROSS(:18)

2. PROMISED FUTILITY Present In The World(:19)

Today we’ll find that...

3—Foolish Wisdom is also interpreted thru...

The VACUUM Present In The World(:20-21)

Explanation:(:20-21)Absence/Dearth of wisdom

:20—“Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?

In response to verses :18-19, Paul now asks 3 persuasive questions(technically 4). In those questions he highlights the limitations of ‘worldly’ “wisdom.” And in so doing, Paul makes it apparent, that ‘worldly’ “wisdom” is quickly relegated to the realm of nonsense. There is a VACUUM of ACTUAL “wisdom.”

“Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this age?...”

These examples(“the wise”, “the scribes”, & “the disputers”) have all come to nothing, because their so-called “wisdom” is derived solely from the restricted/limited reasonings of men.

•There is an entire body of knowledge, that ‘the unsaved’ of mankind MISS completely, by rejecting the message of the Cross(:18)!

In the light of God’s wisdom, “Where” then does such a ‘secular’/non-religious “wise man” stand?(Greek philosopher in Paul’s day)

Isa. 19:12—The same is asked of Egypt in their arrogance—“Where are they? Where are your wise men? Let them tell you now, And let them know what the LORD of hosts Has purposed against Egypt.”

•Those questions are stated in a mocking tone for those of Egypt, who considered themselves a superior nation. And they, as do we, had their pundits/experts, their persuasive promoters of ideals born of flesh!

Likewise, In the light of God’s wisdom, “Where” then does the “scribe” stand?

•“Scribe”—Particularly, a Jewish expert in the Jewish biblical & civil law, i.e., writers of the commentaries of the Old Testament known as the Talmud, & the Mishnah. A “scribe” would be someone who records, compiles, tabulates, & organizes the particular ‘philosophical’ practical &/or civil “wisdom” at hand. The particular ‘philosophical, practical, &/or civil “wisdom”’ in this instance, would be built upon God’s revelation of Himself to mankind. However any “scribe” could easily do his job by the compulsion & direction of man, & thus WITHOUT the Holy Spirit’s leading!

•Isa. 33:18—concerning the far future freedom of Israel in Christ—“Your heart will meditate on terror: “Where is the scribe? Where is he who weighs? Where is he who counts the towers?””

The past is over & done! The “terror” is no more. The “scribes” are not needed, & the one’s who “weighs” & “counts”(for tribute, or consider options) are no more.

And likewise, In the light of God’s wisdom, “Where” then does “this age’s” great “disputer/debater” stand?(philosophical defender)

•“Disputer”—Someone who is a debater & defender of specific philosophical leanings/principles/tenets, based on understandings, adherences, beliefs, & trends that are limited to men’s imaginations & abilities.

•Even though these may stand at podiums & have large audiences, & impress & wow the minds of many, the fact is: They are speaking & sharing as someone who has been ‘living-under-a-rock, with no acknowledgment of the true God!

•“Where” then do ‘uninformed’, ‘opinionated’, & most internet-sourced ‘worldly’ conclusions & solutions stand....? They elevate popular opinion only!

Thru God’s “wisdom”, He will destroy the “wisdom” of the earthly “wise.” And Almighty God, Who created man, CANNOT & WILL NOT bow down to man’s(who is a created being) attempts at “wisdom”!