1 Corinthians 1.18-2.5

Read 1 Cor 1.18-25

Paul is contrasting the wisdom of the world and the wisdom of God

The message of the Cross carries a different power than human rhetoric (entertainment). Greek rhetoric was not based on the facts, but in convincing people. It did not matter what you said, it only mattered what you made other people feel in order to convince them.

Imagine Paul throughout the mediterranean world preaching to Romans and Greeks about a poor man condemned to death on a cross (worst type of criminal for Romans) and that was raised from the dead by the one God, that now is the king of the universe! This was completely different than Greek philosophy that relies on complex ideas and fancy lingo.

Now imagine Paul preaching to the Jews about the so waited Messiah, but instead of being defeating the Romans military, this Messiah was condemned and killed by the leaders of the Temple!

Paul knew really well that he was inviting people to mock him when he preached the gospel. But he knew just as well of the power of the gospel. When Paul preached, it was not his fancy words or confusing thought that engaged people, it was only the power of the gospel. Simply telling the story raises a power much grater than anything humans can great, it raises the power of God.

When the gospel is presented, the Spirit moves.

Paul did not try to mask the gospel to make it sound more appealing, and yet so many believed. Peter did not study with the prestigious teacher of his time to deliver powerful sermons (Peter wasn’t even educated), but on the day of Pentecost 3000 believed and were baptized. Moses was so bad at public speaking, that he used it as an excuse to disobey God, and yet he spoke to the Pharaoh by the power of the one true God and guided his people from out of Egypt.

Read 1 Cor 1.26-2.5

God can call and use you for His glory no matter who you are

Verse 27 is a reminder of Jesus’ humility and humble background and a contrast to what was expected of him as a Messiah

Verse 28 talks about the same theme that Luke does in chapter Lk 13.30, The first shall be last and the last shall be first. Gentiles accepted Jesus while Jews rejected Him

Note: When we say that the Jews rejected Jesus we are not talking about all the Jews (Paul was Jewish and so were most of the first Christians). We are talking about the leaders of Israel (Sadducees and Pharisees). They were representatives of the people and hold the power, and they rejected Jesus for the same reason that Herod tried to kill Jesus as a baby: fear of loosing their power.

Verses 29-31 (Reference Romans 11) talk about the Non-Jews being granted into the family of God, but they should be careful not to become arrogant and be cut off

Verse 31 ties in chapters 1 and 2 and is the focal verse of the passage

Chapter 2.1-5 connects with 1.10-17 (division regarding teachers) were Paul reminds them that there is nothing especial about him, but any power is Christ through Him

The people need to stop being prideful and having vain arguments, and also stop putting their faith in Paul and other men, but instead have humility and live for Christ, letting their lives proclaim His gospel instead of following their own glory

How do we deal with a corrupt church? What do we do about inmoral Christians? What about sin in the Church?

Paul’s response in the book of 1 Corinthians is a good guide for us today.

Boasting in the Lord.

If we boast in ourselves it’s craziness; we did not do anything!

For Paul, Jesus had true wisdom (the same wisdom explored throughout the OT)

Application

Remember that Christ saved you, so live for him and Not yourself

Have humility in your words and actions with those around you, especially your fellow Christians

Proclaim the gospel with boldness in Christ! It is not dependent on who you are, where you come from, or your own wisdom or glory, but in who Christ is and His power in you.