Paul continues his letter to the Corinthian churches by comparing God’s wisdom with that of the world as he calls on believers in Corinth to be on their guard as the enemy seemed to be gaining strength throughout the region.
First the apostle describes the preaching of gospel message as foolishness to this in darkness.
“18 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.” (1 Corinthians 1:18)
Contrary to the unsaved those in Christ consider the gospel as spiritual food necessary for growth. Labeled as God’s power, to the saved the gospel is like a solid beam of light to be used in the battle against evil.
“19 For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.” 20 Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?” (1 Corinthians 1:19-20)
Because the wisdom and intelligence of the world cannot save anyone from hell but instead lead many to it, God saves through the gospel and through faith otherwise described as foolishness by the wise and intelligent of the world.
“21 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.” (1 Corinthians 1:21)
Through faith those who believe in Jesus Christ are saved from the lake of fire and awarded eternal life in heaven while those cursed with wordily wisdom are cast into hell where they will burn for all eternity.
“22 Jews demand miraculous signs and Greeks look for wisdom, 23 but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, 24 but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.” (1 Corinthians 1:22-24)
While the Jews look for signs, such as Christ coming down from heaven, Greeks rely on philosophy to provide answers about God and the meaning of life. Christians however lean on scripture and the fulfillment thereof for salvation. Through faith in Christ, either Jew or Gentile comes the power and wisdom of God.
“25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength.” (1 Corinthians 1:25)
The gospel is foolishness to the unsaved among the Jews and Gentiles. The weakness of God, which is the crucifixion of Jesus Christ is mightier than man’s power.
“26 Brothers, 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. 27 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.” (1 Corinthians 1:26-27)
Here Paul describes the Corinthian church as being made up of those less fortunate which would seem foolish to philosophers, the noble or people of political or financial power. The fact is God chose those less likely to achieve great wealth and rewarded them with the greatest treasure which is eternal life.
“28 He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, 29 so that no one may boast before him.” (1 Corinthians 1:28-29)
God chose a gospel referred to as foolishness and a symbol of weakness, the crucifixion of His only begotten son Jesus Christ to fulfill prophecy. Through this believers are blessed. Through faith Christians are led to heaven.
“30 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. 31 Therefore, as it is written: “Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 1:30-21)
Paul calls on believers in and beyond Corinth to give praise to the Lord as He blesses us with His wisdom, His strength, righteousness, holiness and redemption. Those in Christ should boast of these things given onto us by the power of God. Let us pray!
Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives and for your servant Paul,
We praise you Lord for his wisdom and for his works through this scripture,
We ask you Lord to inspire us to use these verses in our lives
As we grow in you through the teachings of your faithful apostle.
Lord we ask you to strengthen us each day as we endure through battles,
Allow us to praise and love each other through faith in you Jesus,
Shield us from evil through truth, the gospel, salvation and prayer,
Guide us to abide by your word as we spread your gospel to one and all
Becoming examples of faith through our character as we walk the narrow path.
God we pray that you will continue to bless us, to bless our lives and fill us with hope
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and a place with you in heaven
According to your word, your everlasting wisdom and strength.
May your will be done
In our lives, for your life.
We thank you for your love and all you bless us with each day.
Praise God,
Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: DanielStPierre@ThriveThroughChrist.com
