The Foolishness of God

(Part 2)

“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 miraculous 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.”

                                                                                                1 Corinthians 1:21-23

Wherever the message of the cross is preached, people typically fall into one of three groups…intellectuals, doubters or those who believe.  Intellectuals reject the message because it does not line up with what they have already chosen to believe. Doubters always need more proof, although there is already a tremendous amount of evidence. The “called” or “those who believe” receive the message of Christ as the power and wisdom of God.

Adding to the difficulty for many is not only the foolish message, but the foolish method by which God chose to communicate truth. God chose to use normal, everyday people to preach and teach His eternal life-transforming message.

“Brothers, 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. He 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.”

                                                                                                1 Corinthians 1:26-29

Why would God choose such a foolish message, foolish method, and foolish people? He did 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 him who boasts boast in the Lord.”

                                                                                                1 Corinthians 1:30-31

It is only in God and through Christ that we can do anything. In this way the message always focuses on Christ and not on us. It is a spiritual revolution; a foolish message, foolish method, and foolish messengers through whom God is using to nullify the wisdom of the world.

           

Pastor Scott Burr                                                                    

http://faithandworshipseries.blogspot.com/