Introduction

Good morning, beloved. I'm thrilled to be standing before you today, not because of the pulpit, but because of the privilege we share in coming together to seek wisdom from the Word of God. It's a joy that we, as God's children, have this opportunity to gather, to learn, and to grow.

Today, we're turning our hearts and minds to a passage from the first letter of Paul to the Corinthians, chapter 1, verses 18 through 31. It's a passage that speaks to the heart of our faith, the paradox of the cross, the foolishness for Christ we're called to persevere in, and the truth of the cross under which we live our lives.

Before we read, I am reminded of the words of Charles Spurgeon, the great preacher from the 19th century, who once said, "By perseverance, the snail reached the ark." In our walk with Christ, we too are called to persevere, to keep moving forward, even when the world may see our faith as foolishness.

Now, let us hear the Word of God from 1 Corinthians 1:18-31: "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.'"

Let's bow our heads in prayer. Dear Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your Word, for the power it holds, and the wisdom it imparts. As we reflect on this passage today, we ask for Your guidance. Open our hearts and minds to the truths You would have us learn. Help us to understand the paradox of the cross, to persevere in what the world may call foolishness, and to live under the truth of the cross. We ask all this in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.

Now, let us delve into this passage together, seeking to understand and apply its truths to our lives.

Proclaiming the Paradox of the Cross

The cross, an instrument of death, is the symbol of our faith. It's a strange thing, isn't it? That we would look to such a brutal, painful object and see hope, love, and salvation. Yet, that is the paradox we embrace. The world sees a cross and thinks of Roman executions, of criminals and rebels put to death. We see the cross and think of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who willingly went to that death for us.

The cross is foolishness to those who do not believe. They cannot understand why we would follow a God who allowed His own Son to die such a death. They cannot fathom why we would find hope in such a seemingly hopeless act. But to us, the cross is the ultimate demonstration of God's love and power. It is through the cross that we are saved, through the cross that we find hope, and through the cross that we are called to live our lives.

The world values power, strength, and wisdom. It values those who can dominate others, who can outsmart their opponents, who can achieve great things. But the cross turns these values upside down. It shows us that true power is found in sacrifice, that true wisdom is found in humility, and that true greatness is found in service.

The cross is a stumbling block to those who seek signs and wonders. They want a God who will perform miracles on demand, who will give them undeniable proof of His existence and power. But the cross is not a sign or wonder in the way they expect. It is not a flashy display of power, but a quiet demonstration of love. It is not a proof that can be measured or tested, but a truth that must be accepted by faith.

The cross is also a stumbling block to those who seek human wisdom. They want a God who fits into their understanding of the world, who conforms to their ideas of what is right and good. The cross challenges us to look beyond the values of the world, to see the power in weakness, the wisdom in foolishness, and the hope in suffering. It challenges us to follow Christ, to take up our own crosses, and to live our lives in service and love.

The cross is not just a symbol, but a way of life. It is a call to humility, to sacrifice, and to love. It is a reminder of the cost of our salvation, and the love of our God. It is a challenge to live our lives in a way that reflects the love and sacrifice of Christ.

The cross is a paradox, a mystery, a challenge. But it is also our hope, our salvation, and our life. It is the power of God to us who are being saved. It is the wisdom of God, greater than any human wisdom. It is the love of God, demonstrated in the most profound way possible.

Persevering in Foolishness for Christ

We now find ourselves confronted with a seemingly absurd call to embrace what the world deems foolish ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO