Unity in the Cross of Christ
To the Church of God at Corinth • Sermon • Submitted
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Unity
A.W. Tozer once said, “Has it ever occurred to you that one hundred pianos all tuned to the same fork are automatically tuned to each other? They are of one accord by being tuned, not to each other, but to another standard to which each one must individually bow. So one hundred worshipers [meeting] together, each one looking away to Christ, are in heart nearer to each other than they could possibly be, were they to become 'unity' conscious and turn their eyes away from God to strive for closer fellowship.”
Has it ever occurred to you that one hundred pianos all tuned to the same fork are automatically tuned to each other? They are of one accord by being tuned, not to each other, but to another standard to which each one must individually bow. So one hundred worshipers [meeting] together, each one looking away to Christ, are in heart nearer to each other than they could possibly be, were they to become 'unity' conscious and turn their eyes away from God to strive for closer fellowship.
Charles W. Colson, wrote:
“Calvin, who saw that the Devil's chief device was disunity and division and who preached that there should be friendly fellowship for all ministers of Christ, made a similar point in a letter to a trusted colleague: "Among Christians there ought to be so great a dislike of schism, as that they may always avoid it so fast as lies in their power. That there ought to prevail among them such a reverence for the ministry of the word and the sacraments that wherever they perceive these things to be, there they must consider the church to exist...nor need it be of any hindrance that some points of doctrine are not quite so pure, seeing that there is scarcely any church which has not retained some remnants of former ignorance."
“Calvin, who saw that the Devil's chief device was disunity and division and who preached that there should be friendly fellowship for all ministers of Christ, made a similar point in a letter to a trusted colleague: "Among Christians there ought to be so great a dislike of schism, as that they may always avoid it so fast as lies in their power. That there ought to prevail among them such a reverence for the ministry of the word and the sacraments that wherever they perceive these things to be, there they must consider the church to exist...nor need it be of any hindrance that some points of doctrine are not quite so pure, seeing that there is scarcely any church which has not retained some remnants of former ignorance."
Charles H. Spurgeon, in The Essence of Separation, stated
Charles H. Spurgeon, in The Essence of Separation, stated
"To remain divided is sinful! Did not our Lord pray, that they may be one, even as we are one"? (). A chorus of ecumenical voices keep harping the unity tune. What they are saying is, "Christians of all doctrinal shades and beliefs must come together in one visible organization, regardless... Unite, unite!" Such teaching is false, reckless and dangerous. Truth alone must determine our alignments. Truth comes before unity. Unity without truth is hazardous. Our Lord's prayer in must be read in its full context. Look at verse 17: "Sanctify them through thy truth; thy word is truth." Only those sanctified through the Word can be one in Christ. To teach otherwise is to betray the Gospel.
So where do we draw the line? What does to mean for the Church to be one as the Father and Son are One?
Scripture Passage
Scripture Passage
1 Corinthians 1:18-3
For the word 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,
And the cleverness of the clever I will set aside.”
Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater 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 come to know God, God was well-pleased through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe.
For indeed Jews ask for signs and Greeks search for wisdom;
but we preach Christ crucified, to Jews a stumbling block and to Gentiles foolishness,
but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.
Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
For consider your calling, brethren, that there were not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble;
but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong,
and the base things of the world and the despised God has chosen, the things that are not, so that He may nullify the things that are,
so that no man may boast before God.
But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption,
so that, just as it is written, “Let him who boasts, boast in the Lord.”
Essential Understanding
Essential Understanding
A. In 1 Corinthians we see Paul, a pastor, dealing with a problem church. In this letter and in Galatians, we see him apply universal gospel truth in different ways, based on the need of the church: freedom for the Galatian churches/limits to the Corinthian church.
B. This book is either a series of "cultural dinosaurs" or a wealth of principled truth applied to a particular historical/cultural setting. We must be careful not to confuse truth and cultural applications of that truth. For a good discussion of this very important hermeneutical issue see Gordon D. Fee and Douglas Stuart's How To Read the Bible for All Its Worth, pp. 65-76 and Gordon Fee, Gospel and Spirit.
C. This book will push you to the limit of your spiritual ability to interpret the Bible. It will force you to rethink aspects of your theology. It will open a window to God's will for our day, practically speaking, as few other biblical writings.
Review of
Review of
For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
Each and every word found in this verse is of utmost importance; each one contributes to one powerful message. Notice that Paul uses the conjunction “FOR” which links verses 17 and 18. Verse 17
For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.
For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.
For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not in cleverness of speech, so that the cross of Christ would not be made void.
Paul’s reference to the cross of Christ in 17 the FOR makes verse 18 explanatory.
"For the word of the cross" This "word" (i.e., logos) is related to the content of Paul's preaching (cf. and 23). Usually in his preaching Paul emphasizes both the crucifixion and the resurrection of Christ. But in this context he focuses on the crucifixion (cf. ; ; ; ) and its results (cf. ).
"For the word of the cross" This "word" (i.e., logos) is related to the content of Paul's preaching (cf. and 23). Usually in his preaching Paul emphasizes both the crucifixion and the resurrection of Christ. But in this context he focuses on the crucifixion (cf. ; ; ; ) and its results (cf. ).
Paul separates “the word of the cross” and “words of wisdom” they both are from the original “logos” the context actually makes them opposites.
Word of the cross proclaims a real historical event of major importance; Christ’s crucifixion is concerned with the eternal destiny of man.
Words of wisdom are from man not God and are opposed or opposite to the word of the Cross
According to the Bible, there will be two types of response to the gospel arising from God’s elective purpose (Is. 6:9, 10; Luke 2:34; Rom. 9:10–13; 2 Cor. 2:15, 16; 1 Pet. 2:6–8). This truth does not make God responsible for the perishing of unbelievers; they perish because of their own sin and stubborn impenitence. Those who believe and are saved, on the other hand, are “those who are called” (v. 24; cf. Rom. 9:16).
the Word of the Cross is FOOLISHNESS
mōría (from 3474/mōrós) – folly; literally, dull, lacking sharpness;
"dull, sluggish reasoning" lacks a grip on reality and hence means to act "dense" (inert, "truly stupid").
3472/mōria ("dull, sluggish reasoning") lacks a grip on reality and hence means to act "dense" (inert, "truly stupid").
This Greek word comes into English as "moron." It is a key element in Paul's description of fallen human wisdom (cf. ,,,), also notice 2:14; 3:18-19; 4:10. The gospel is revelation from God, not human discovery!
We must notice that these people who lack a grip on reality are perishing..
apóllymi – properly, fully destroy; to cut off entirely; "violently/completely perish" implies permanent (absolute) destruction, i.e. to cancel out (remove); "to die, with the implication of ruin and destruction;” cause to be lost (utterly perish) by experiencing a miserable end. This meaning dates back to Homer; 900 BC.
622/apollymi ("violently/completely perish") implies permanent (absolute) destruction, i.e. to cancel out (remove); "to die, with the implication of ruin and destruction" (L & N, 1, 23.106); cause to be lost (utterly perish) by experiencing a miserable end.
[This is also the meaning of 622/apóllymi dating back to Homer (900 BC.]
means to destroy utterly . . . implies the completion of the process of destruction" (Abbott-Smith). That is, utterly destroy to the point of ruination "to lay waste".
1.
"622 (apóllymi) means to destroy utterly . . . the 'perfective' force of apo implies the completion of the process of destruction" (Abbott-Smith). That is, utterly destroy to the point of ruination (so also in classical Greek meaning "to lay waste").
"The idea here is not extinction but ruin – not of being, but of well-being" (Vine's Expository Dictionary, 164). Here the resultant loss is "viewed as certain.”
Here the sense of to perish is spiritually…the perishing are without spiritual life and are under the condemnation of God.
Paul contrasts the Corinthians with those who are perishing…he states the Corinthians are believers who are being saved…with the word us…he includes himself into this group...
"The idea here is not extinction but ruin – not of being, but of well-being" (Vine's Expository Dictionary, 164). Here the resultant loss is "viewed as certain" (Souter).
Remember as we have stated numerous times before…we were saved, we are being saved, and we will be saved! Past, present and future.
Reality Check
"to die, with the implication of ruin and destruction;” to be lost (utterly perish) by experiencing a miserable end.
1 Corinthians 1:19
For it is written,
“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise,
And the cleverness of the clever I will set aside.”
What is that miserable end for ALL people who are perishing?
HELL
There are only two kinds of people: those who are perishing and those who are being saved.
Close your eyes and think about these questions.
Which one are you?
What about your friends, family, neighbors, co-workers; which are they, perishing or being saved?
Do we even care? Do we even slow dow to think about them, their eternity?
When is the last time you shared the Gospel with them? When is the last time you prayed for their salvation, when you poured out your heart to God, petitioning God on their behalf?
And if you are saved why not Ask God to you a heart for the lost, a desire to see them saved, to see the shed blood of Jesus set them free as it did you.
May God have mercy on us and on them...
There are only two kinds of people: those who are perishing and those who are being saved (cf. ; ). The term "perishing" does not mean physical annihilation, but permanent loss of fellowship with God, for which they were created.
You may open your eyes now.
Utley reminds us what the power of God truly is:
"the power of God" The gospel is the power of God (cf. ; ). The gospel reveals and channels the power of God. It produces faith. It produces repentance. It produces wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption (cf. ). The preaching of the cross does all of this. It is God's power behind the written word (i.e., the Bible), the living word (i.e., Christ), the preached word (i.e., the gospel), and the established word (i.e., Christlikeness/the kingdom of God).
God does desire to use us in this way…to be a vessel to carry the Gospel to the Lost. He does not need us, however He blesses us with this privilege.
For it is written,
“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise,
And the cleverness of the clever I will set aside.”
:
Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?
Therefore behold, I will once again deal marvelously with this people, wondrously marvelous;
And the wisdom of their wise men will perish,
And the discernment of their discerning men will be concealed.”
ISAIAH
Faithlife Study Bible Chapter 1
I will destroy Paul quotes Isa 29:14 to further highlight the contrast between divine wisdom and human wisdom.
I will confound In Christ’s death and resurrection, those who have understanding (wisdom) according to people’s standards—those who deem Christ’s resurrection as foolishness—are shown to actually be ignorant.
Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?
The Bible Knowledge Background Commentary: Acts–Philemon 1:18–31. Christ Crucified, the Wisdom and Power of God
The reference to the wise man, the scribe, and the debater are interesting social categories. In the social-class-conscious community of Corinth, Paul acknowledges and then discards such categories of distinction for the church. All of the wisdom coming from these three are equal to the wisdom of the world, and Paul says that such wisdom or knowledge will pass away (see also 1 Cor. 13:8–10).
Humans cannot discover the gospel. It is the mystery of God hidden from the ages (cf. ). God's plan and provisions seem foolish because they devalue human merit and wisdom.
Humans cannot discover the gospel. It is the mystery of God hidden from the ages (cf. ). God's plan and provisions seem foolish because they devalue human merit and wisdom.
▣ "of this age. . .of the world" These two phrases reflect a similar concept in that this period of time is fallen. This is not the world that God intended, but the gospel will transform this fallen age into God's intended creation (i.e., and ).
Notice that Paul again quotes from
Well then, where are your wise men?
Please let them tell you,
And let them understand what the Lord of hosts
Has purposed against Egypt.
Your heart will meditate on terror:
“Where is he who counts?
Where is he who weighs?
Where is he who counts the towers?”
Faithlife Study Bible Chapter 1
wise person Refers to a Greek philosopher. Such people were highly regarded for their analytical skills and persuasive speech.
scribe An expert in the Mosaic law (compare Matt 5:20). The term may also refer to a “city secretary” (see Acts 19:35).
the debater A person trained as a skilled rhetorician or public speaker.
Isaiah
For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not come to know God, God was well-pleased through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe.
:21
Utley outlines God’s Plan of Redemption as follows
Redemption was planned in the heart of God before creation (cf. ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ). This plan involved
1. foreknowledge of mankind's fall
2. mankind's inability to perform the will of God (cf. ; ; )
3. God's provision in Christ (i.e., the new covenant, cf. )
4. the inviting of Jew and Gentile by faith in Christ (cf. ; )
What the world perceives as foolishness is in reality the wisdom of God.
"to save those who believe" This is the essence of gospel proclamation! The term "save" was used in the OT for physical deliverance, but in the NT it came to be used for spiritual forgiveness and acceptance. Our acceptance by God through Christ is a completed fact, but on our part it is a continuing covenantal relationship. All dealings between God and humans are covenantal. God always initiates the covenant and sets its requirements, but He has chosen that we must personally respond and continue to respond.
For indeed Jews ask for signs and Greeks search for wisdom;
but we preach Christ crucified, to Jews a stumbling block and to Gentiles foolishness,
:
Faithlife Study Bible Chapter 1
Jews ask for sign miracles In Jewish tradition, miraculous deeds functioned as a sign of authority and legitimacy from God (see Mark 8:11–12; John 2:18–20).
Greeks seek wisdom Greeks were renowned for their love of new ideas (see Acts 17:20–21). They were also the founders of philosophy and even worshiped gods of wisdom like Athena.
Faithlife Study Bible Chapter 1
a cause for stumbling The message about a crucified messiah would have offended Jewish people. According to Jewish tradition, a person hung on a tree (e.g., a cross) was considered to be cursed (Deut 21:23). Jews would not have expected God’s chosen Messiah to experience such a horrific execution.
but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.
Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
:
Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. God’s wisdom and power are not abstract forces but personal qualities that manifest themselves fully in the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ
Faithlife Study Bible Chapter 1
Jesus’ death on the cross reveals God’s power to save people from sin and death, and thus His power to redeem seemingly irredeemable situations (like the problems at Corinth). The description of Christ as the power of God also challenges the Roman Empire’s use of crucifixion as a symbol of its own power. Resurrection hinges on God’s ability
Faithlife Study Bible Chapter 1
the wisdom of God Christ can be described as the wisdom of God because His death and resurrection uniquely express God’s mysterious plan of salvation (1 Cor 2:7; 4:1). Christ demonstrates the paradoxical nature of God’s plan to save people from sin: it requires a death to save people from death
For consider your calling, brethren, that there were not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble;
Faithlife Study Bible Chapter 1
consider your calling Refers to God’s call to be saved by accepting His work through Christ and entering into a relationship with Him.
In most first-century AD Graeco-Roman religions, only people of noble birth or great wealth were called for salvation; these people primarily became rulers and priests. But Paul reminds believers that God called all people to salvation.
Basically, "Look at your own ranks." This passage was not meant to be a put-down to the early church and its leaders, but an affirmation of the love and power of God. It was meant to shatter the pride of this arrogant church. The early church was made up mostly of the "have nots" of society. However, apparently one of the factions in Corinth was made up of Roman patrons and the culturally elite. By using these who have no worldly status, God magnifies His power.
Basically, "Look at your own ranks." This passage was not meant to be a put-down to the early church and its leaders, but an affirmation of the love and power of God. It was meant to shatter the pride of this arrogant church. The early church was made up mostly of the "have nots" of society. However, apparently one of the factions in Corinth was made up of Roman patrons and the culturally elite. By using these who have no worldly status, God magnifies His power.
"Look at your own ranks." This passage was not meant to be a put-down to the early church and its leaders, but an affirmation of the love and power of God. It was meant to shatter the pride of this arrogant church. The early church was made up mostly of the "have nots" of society. However, apparently one of the factions in Corinth was made up of Roman patrons and the culturally elite. By using these who have no worldly status, God magnifies His power.
▣ "not many wise according to the flesh" This refers to human wisdom or worldly standards (cf. ; ,; ).
SPECIAL TOPIC: FLESH (sarx)
▣ "not many mighty" This refers to physical strength or social standing. I believe here it probably refers to social standing...
▣ "not many noble" This refers to one's family background which would involve wealth, education, and social privilege. These three characterizations fit the Sophists, who were so proud of their education, position, and sophistication.
but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong,
and the base things of the world and the despised God has chosen, the things that are not, so that He may nullify the things that are,
Faithlife Study Bible Chapter 1
foolish things of the world See note on 1 Cor 1:18.
the strong Paul is likely referencing the upper-class Corinthians who considered themselves superior (compare 11:17–34). Those who live by common wisdom rather than God’s revelation in Christ are choosing to depend on their own strength over God’s.
1:28 insignificant of the world Paul is likely referencing God’s choice to bring salvation by sending His Son in the way He did—as a poor man from an unimportant region in the frailty of human form—rather than in the triumphant image of a god. This emphasizes that God does not value people based on status or wealth; all people are given the opportunity to be saved and have the right to be at God’s table and be cared for
I think the issue of Pride and lack of Unity is alluded to here and is revealed in ch.11.
But in giving this instruction, I do not praise you, because you come together not for the better but for the worse.
For, in the first place, when you come together as a church, I hear that divisions exist among you; and in part I believe it.
For there must also be factions among you, so that those who are approved may become evident among you.
Therefore when you meet together, it is not to eat the Lord’s Supper,
for in your eating each one takes his own supper first; and one is hungry and another is drunk.
What! Do you not have houses in which to eat and drink? Or do you despise the church of God and shame those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I praise you? In this I will not praise you.
For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus in the night in which He was betrayed took bread;
and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “This is My body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of Me.”
In the same way He took the cup also after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.”
For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.
Therefore whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner, shall be guilty of the body and the blood of the Lord.
But a man must examine himself, and in so doing he is to eat of the bread and drink of the cup.
For he who eats and drinks, eats and drinks judgment to himself if he does not judge the body rightly.
For this reason many among you are weak and sick, and a number sleep.
But if we judged ourselves rightly, we would not be judged.
But when we are judged, we are disciplined by the Lord so that we will not be condemned along with the world.
So then, my brethren, when you come together to eat, wait for one another.
If anyone is hungry, let him eat at home, so that you will not come together for judgment. The remaining matters I will arrange when I come.
1 Corinthians 11:
so that no man may boast before God.
Faithlife Study Bible Chapter 1
boast Some Corinthians may have placed their confidence in their rhetorical skills or spiritual gifts (compare ch. 14). Paul challenges them to depend on God’s work in the cross rather than their self-sufficiency.
But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption,
all these terms refer to what Christ has done for believers through Jesus.
all these terms refer to what Christ has done for believers through Jesus.
1. He is God's wisdom to us
2. He is God's righteousness to us
3. He is God's sanctification to us
4. He is God's redemption to us
It is all of God the Father through God the Son.
▣ "righteousness" This was a metaphor from the law court (cf. ; ). By Paul's day the rabbis had transferred the semi-personal wisdom of to the Mosaic Law. To it was attributed ultimate authority. If Paul was thinking of the Jewish element in the Corinthian church, this was a powerful and ultimate designation.
SPECIAL TOPIC: RIGHTEOUSNESS
▣ "sanctification" This was a metaphor from the sacrificial system of Israel (cf. ). This is the from the same root as "holy" or "consecrated." In the OT it referred to a person, place, or thing that was separated to God's service. Theologically it refers to the believer's position in Christ. The moment one puts his faith in Him, he is justified and sanctified (cf. ). See Special Topic at .
▣ "redemption" This means "to buy back" (cf. ). This was a metaphor from the slave market. It is the major OT concept of salvation.
so that, just as it is written, “Let him who boasts, boast in the Lord.”
We do not boast in and of ourselves, but of Him in whom all the fullness of the Godhead dwells bodily!
“The wise men are put to shame,
They are dismayed and caught;
Behold, they have rejected the word of the Lord,
And what kind of wisdom do they have?
but let him who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the Lord who exercises lovingkindness, justice and righteousness on earth; for I delight in these things,” declares the Lord.
Jeremiah
Faithlife Study Bible Chapter 1
In Jer 8:3–9:26, the prophet issues several oracles of God’s judgment on those who lie, oppress people, and commit idolatry. Those people who are wise in their own eyes will be put to shame (Jer 8:9; compare 1 Cor 1:21). God’s people must not put their trust in their own wisdom, ability, or wealth. The only safeguard is to boast in what God has done—in His accomplishments.