Introduction

Good morning, dear family of faith. It is a joy to gather with you once again in this sacred space, a place where we can come together, embrace the fellowship of believers, and seek the wisdom of the Almighty God. Today, we find ourselves standing on the threshold of a profound exploration into the Word of God, as we turn our hearts and minds to 1 Corinthians 1:18-31.

This passage, penned by the Apostle Paul, is a treasure trove of divine wisdom, a testament to the power of God's truth in the face of the world's folly. It is here, in the heart of Paul's first letter to the Corinthians, that we encounter a profound paradox - the wisdom of the world is folly to God, and the folly of the cross is the very essence of God's wisdom and power.

Foolishness of the World's Wisdom

In the words of J.I. Packer, "The Almighty God, by definition, is one who not only knows the truth but also sets the standards for it." This is the God we serve, the God whose wisdom we seek, the God whose truth sets the standard for all truth.

Let's read the passage together:

"For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written: 'I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.' Where is the wise person? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength. Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: 'Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.'"

Faith in the Face of Foolishness

Gracious and loving God, we stand in awe of Your wisdom, a wisdom that confounds the wise and exalts the humble ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO