The Cross and Our Calling

18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.

20 Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?

21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.

22 For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:

23 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;

24 But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.

25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. 1 Corinthians 1:18-25

1. Saved people understand the power of God is inherent in the preaching of the cross.

2. The preaching of the cross is God destroying the wisdom of the unregenerate wise.

3. The wisest of the world has been rendered foolish by God’s plan.

4. Worldly sapience omits knowledge of God.

5. Faith produced by the foolishness of preaching saves the one who believes the message.

6. Christ crucified is offensive to many, Jews and Gentiles.

7. To the ones called in by their faith in the work of Christ on the cross, the cross reveals the power of God and the wisdom of God.

8. God’s foolishness is wiser than men and God’s weakness is stronger than men.

And then the apostle goes on to talk about us. God has not only chosen the foolishness of preaching, particularly the message of the cross, to confound those ensconced in science and higher learning, he has also chosen those of lesser status to engage them in the proclamation of the message to further discomfit those same people.

Read on:

26 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:

27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;

28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:

29 That no flesh should glory in his presence.

30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:

31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. 1 Corinthians 1:26-31.

Feeling inadequate? You have been chosen by God to confound the secular elites.

Our selection by God is cause for humility not self-aggrandizement.

For what we receive is of Christ; his wisdom, his righteousness, sanctification and redemption. We give God the glory!

And the world wonders about us! -PJF-

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