The Power of God

1 Corinthians 1:18–31 NIV

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.”

The Corinthians were enamored with worldly wisdom

1 Corinthians 1:20–22 NIV

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,

Paul is calling into question what they were beginning to value more...

Paul is taking them back to the beginning of the gospel going forward. His own call. How his own way of doing ministry had been turned upside down. Paul is also taking them back to their own beginnings. He came there fully aware of the power of the gospel. But also fully aware of how the people tended to be into exciting new philosophies. He didn’t want them to miss the true power of it.

Paul for Everyone: 1 Corinthians God’s Folly (1 Corinthians 1:18–25)

So when he announced it, when he stood up in the synagogue or the market-place or the debating-chamber, he didn’t use clever words to trick people into thinking they believed it because they enjoyed his speaking style.

Jesus was not upper class. Jesus was not a Greek wise man.

1 Corinthians 1:23 NIV

but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles,

Clearly a stumbling block to the culture around them and maybe they were wanting this approval. So maybe they were being tempted to stray from the core of the gospel to other stories that weren’t really good news for all...

We are influenced by cultural voices

We tend to pick a side in our politics, instead of truly being uniquely Christian. Christians don’t turn a blind eye on abortion or morality. But they do so with humility, realizing we are all a work in progress. Christians do it with compassion, working to make the world a better place for new babies. Christians also don’t turn a blind eye to injustice. They don’t leave that to the secularists to worry about. So they aren’t fully at home in any earthly political party. They can at times stand together with others on an issue, but without giving away what is essential about being a follower of Christ. When we wink at a party that has turned it’s back on morality or the unborn we fall short. When we defend corruption or hate again and again and again because that’s our guy or our girl, again we stumble. So we are to hate nobody, cooperate whenever God’s kingdom supports a good thing. But we also don’t condone caustic hateful behavior or gross abuse of power. In this way we are in the world, without being of the world. Sometimes we may wake up and realize we’ve been getting it wrong, intentional or not. In those moments, Christians make a change and do better with God’s help.

But it’s much easier just to listen to voices that make it seem so easy. It’s all about you. Make sure you’re happy and everyone tells you you’re great no matter what. Don’t listen to anyone who tells you to change. These are popular themes. And sure there’s an element of truth. But if someone lies to you and tells you you’re right when you’re wrong are they really your friend? On the other hand if someone never sees your good qualities and only puts you down that’s not healthy. That’s the point at which some of these slogans could be onto something. But people put them on in place of God’s armor and unfortunately insulate themselves from the truth. Flowery flattering philosophy that pleases the ear. It’s the stuff of beautiful celebrities and afternoon TV talk shows. But is it truly good news?

God elevates the humble through Jesus

So Paul takes them back to the beginning to see the powerful truth of what only God could do in their lives.

1 Corinthians 1:26–30 NIV

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.

Our righteousness, holiness and redemption—the true and ultimate wisdom from God. That’s what is accomplished by the foolishness of God. The lowly shepherds and a manger. The lowly town of Nazareth. The lowly people rejected by the beautiful in this great Roman city. This is the stuff that has been transformed into greatness by the good news of Jesus. A good news that is for everyone. A good news that changes lives. A good news that is not getting less powerful, but more. If only they will open their eyes again, they will see the strange beauty and unusual power of it all...

1 Corinthians 1:25 NIV

For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.

And the same is still true today. I’m counting on it!

We can boast in God’s power

Not many of us were famous or powerful. But we met a Jesus who is the most famous of all. He poured into us a power like we had never seen. He’s still doing it today. If you got up this morning it was only by the grace of God. If you remembered that you were forgiven and loved it wasn’t because of anything you did, it’s because of the mind blowing love of God. If you find yourself having hope even when life stinks, then you are walking in a power that the world cannot take away from you. But it’s not your personal power. It’s the power of God.

1 Corinthians 1:31 NIV

Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.”

So go ahead and push back the doubt and brush off the haters. Because you can boast in the Lord. You can give Him glory for what he has done for you and what he is doing in you!

Don’t worry if anyone outside of God’s family understands it all just yet. You didn’t understand it either until you were changed by it! But now you get it! Don’t hate them for not understanding it! Double down to love them the way God and others have loved you so that one day they can see it.

1 Corinthians 1:18 NIV

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.

This morning, don’t doubt that God loves you and that’s the very best news available to you. This morning don’t doubt that it’s not glitzy and glamorous enough. Just remember that would empty it of its power. Just remember that this good news was enough to raise Jesus from the dead. Remember the tomb is empty. Remember that Jesus appeared with his resurrection body to his disciples. Remember that Jesus ascended into heaven and is now ruling and reigning while he makes all things new!

Foolishness to those who are perishing. But to us who are humbly lovingly being saved, it is the power of God. The only power that could save a wretch like you and me...

Amazing Grace.