The Centrality of the Cross of Christ

Introduction

Its a great joy to to be with you in this Bible Study. We begun two weeks ago our Sunday Morning Bible Studies with an introduction to the book of Corinthians. We noted that the book was written by the Apostle Paul addressing the various concerns in the Church. We noted that for example that they were:

Divisions/disunity/rivaries- schisms/party spirit

sexual immorality

lawsuits

concerning marriage- 7:1-9

concerning unmarried and widows- 7:25-39

Concerning food offered to idols 8:1,9-926

concerning corporate worship

concerning Spiritual gifts

Concerning the resurrection - 16

Concerning the collection for the saints

Last week we begun the first issue that the Apostle Paul handles, that of Division and today we continue with verse 17-24

We looked at how the issue of division was manifested. It has been reported that there is quarreling among you brothers- It seems that this was far more than just difference. If that was the case he would have just told them as he did Euodia and Syntyche to agree in the Lord but here he goes further. From the response We are able to get how deep seated this disunity was. It seems they were atleast 3 issues:

There was divisive quarreling- this is obvious

There seemed to be an influence of greek wisdom

there is pride/boasting/puffed up

There were some opposed to Paul

So in other words, it seems that their divisions, schisms was around the aspect of wisdom leading to boasting and pride. This accession is clearly seen in the concluding paragraph 3:18-23 where we see that he comes back to this issue of Wisdom (Sophia), division and boasting.

From verse 17 He addresses the misconception of the Gospel

What is the “word of the cross”?

Refer to Verse 18 the word of the cross, the power of God (Romans 1:16-17 )

The Gospel - the cross of Christ- verse 17

Christ crucified

In addressing the issues surrounding disunity, he goes for Wisdom first from 1:18-2-1-16. You might expect that he would want to go to Chapter 3 to deal with the division but Paul here deals with the Gospel and anything that is hindering the clarity of the gospel. Before dealing with ecclesiology i.e the issues to do with how we relate with one another in the Church, he goes for the root problem- The Gospel.

This is what the Apostles at the First Baptist Church of Jerusalem did when there were diaconal needs in Acts 6:1-6 Note that they perceived this problem as a detraction to the preaching of the gospel. We see that after they appointed Deacons, the word ofGod continued to increase and the number of the disciples multiplied.

What can we learn from this preliminary issue?

Most manifestation of problems trace the root problem in the gospel, church attendance, not tithing, quarrels etc

We need to prioritize the Gospel. He didn’t want anything that was going to get in the way of the gospel Not even his legitimate duty as an Apostle- he says in 1 Corinthians 1:17 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.

We ought to keep the main thing, the main thing

Paul now defends the Gospel against the Worldly Wisdom

The Greco/Roman Philosophical/Rhetoric in the name of Wisdom (Sophia)

How does Paul address the attack of Wisdom on the Gospel?

He appeals to their own experience and in three paragraphs verse 18-24 and 25-31 then 2:1-5 He argues that whatever you think, the gospel cannot be confused with wisdom not even divine wisdom.

Such wisdom will lead to death, “those who are perishing”

Such wisdom is foolish - “Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?”-

This wisdom cannot save you 1 Corinthians 1:21

God has only ordained the gospel to be a means of salvation 1 Corinthians 1:21

Implication

This message is for us, we need to believe in the simplicity of the Gospel. We call need to overcome the scandal of the cross

Its a warning to those who are not Christians because you think the gospel doesn’t make sense. There is a Christian from another generation who told of a story of child who broke his window and the child kept running away each time he would see the man after a few weeks later, while the boy was not looking the man came and grabbed him, he wanted to run but it was too late and he said to him,

Dave you broke my window and I bought another one and replaced it and all I want from you is that you shake my hand and be my friend! No! Dave replied and understandably so because thats how we are wired- The Cross doesn't make sense from a worldly human perspective. We have done more than break a window against the Infinite God. We have sinned against him, and yet he has sent his son to come and die for us- for one will scarcely die for a righteous person- though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die- but God show his love for us that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us Romans 5:5-11 brethren God has love us so much. We are in a privileged situation

What is the Gospel?

What was the reaction to the word of the Cross according to verse 18?

two camps

Those who are perishing?

What are the characteristics?

can we find equivelents in our day and age?

How can we avoid taking up worldly wisdom?

Those who are being saved